Long, cloudless summer days are an invitation for you to spend more time outdoors engaging in activities such as swimming, water skiing, sailing, hiking and cycling. Sporting a dark tan may be de rigeur while you're still young, serving as proof that the season of leisure was thoroughly enjoyed, but skincare expert Paula Begoun warns that seeking out the sun's rays "puts skin of any color on the fast track to wrinkles" as well as discoloration and the risk of skin cancer as you grow older. The best way to take care of your skin during the summer--and prevent premature signs of aging--is to protect yourself from the sun's withering rays.
Step 1
Invest in a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, advises the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Your sunscreen should include broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. Apply it to all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, reapplying it every two hours or after you sweat or swim--even on days that are overcast.
Step 2
Select a makeup line that includes sun protection, advises Toni Maggiore, director of a RockResorts spa in Vail, Colorado. Maggiore suggests checking out mineral-based make-up lines, many of which have an SPF of 15 to 20. Wearing a moisturizer with sunscreen protection (or regular sunscreen) under makeup further decreases your risk of sun-weathered skin.
Step 3
Stay in the shade as much as possible when you're outdoors, especially when the sun's rays are their strongest--between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your destination is someplace outdoors without a shaded area, wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Step 4
Drink plenty of liquids during the hotter months. Maggiore states that heat causes you to sweat more, and exposure to the sun makes water evaporate from your skin, making it appear dull and scaly. Maggiore advises drinking five to eight glasses of water daily and consuming lots of fruits and vegetables--foods that tend to have a higher water content.
Step 5
Give sunburned skin lots of tender loving care. Mayo Clinic expert Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., says that it takes between 24 and 48 hours before you realize the full extent of a sunburn. Apply cool compresses to the affected area, and take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce discomfort. Keep sunburned skin moist with aloe gel, a moisturizer or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen (SPF 30, minimum)
- Makeup with SPF included (optional)
- Protective clothing (including hat and sunglasses)
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