Want to Protect Your Skin this Summer? Here’s How!

Summer is here, and everyone is looking to make the best of it, especially when it comes to enjoying outdoor relaxation activities on the beach.
However, one needs to understand that prolonged exposure in the sun can lead to skin cancer, dark spots, and wrinkles.
It is essential that everyone ensures skin care safety during Summer when UV radiation levels are at the peak.

Interesting Statistics

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains one in five citizens of the U.S. develops some skin cancer type by the time they die.
15 minutes are enough for Ultraviolet rays to cause skin damage.
Apart from sunlight, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and tanning beds, too, have the potential to affect your skin.
According to the National Eye Institute, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation may lead to cataracts, which impacts approximately 20 million U.S. citizens above the age of 40.
A report by The National Institute on Aging reveals that sunlight is one of the major causes of premature aging that includes age spots, dryness, and wrinkles.

How does Summer affect Your Skin?

High temperature combined with heat and humidity increases sebaceous glands’ activity. This makes dry skin patchy/rough and oily skin to emerge oilier.
Melanin pigments are produced by high sunlight intensity, leading to skin tanning and darker skin.
The sunlight is equally capable of opening more pores that can get clogged with oil and dirt, making room for bacteria, causing blemishes, pimples, and acne on the face.

12 Tips to Ensure Skin Care in the Summer Season

1. Outdoor Timing

The intensity of sunlight is at a peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Avoid sun exposure during this time, and if you have no option, use an umbrella and seek tree shelter wherever possible.

2. Sunscreen

As per The American Academy of Dermatology, one should use a sunscreen that has a minimum of 30 SPF (sun protection factor).
Ensure applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outdoors.
If sweating or swimming, re-apply after every two hours.

3. Sunglasses

One must wear sunglasses that offer UVB and UVA protection.
Appropriate and protective sunglasses help prevent cataracts and sensitive skin damage around the eyes.

4. Cosmetics

Although not as effective as sunscreen, wearing makeup can actually help you against harmful UV rays.
This includes eye shadows, mineral makeup, powders, darker foundations, and more.

5. Clothing

A hat that is wide-brimmed can protect your neck, ears, and face.
Wear clothing that offers an additional layer of protection against sunlight.
Buy garments that are specifically designed to keep skin-cancer-causing rays at bay by checking their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.

6. Be Aware of Medications

Avoid some over-the-counter medications and antibiotics that can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity.
These include antipsychotics, antihistamines like Benadryl, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, certain antibiotics like Tetracycline or Bactrim, antidepressants, and a few oral diabetic medications.
Consult with your pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.

7. Protect Youngsters

Do not apply sunscreen to infants below six months of age, but they should be covered with protective shade and clothing.
Children aged six months and above should apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

8. Perform Regular Skin Checks

Different skin types like wrinkled, dry, pigmented, sensitive, etc. need different treatments.
Hard-to-see areas must be examined regularly using a mirror or a camera.
Seek help from a dermatologist or a primary care provider if you feel uncomfortable with your skin on any body part.

9. Avoid Using Tanning Beds

It is recommended not to use tanning beds since they produce harmful UVB and UVA rays, increasing skin cancer risk, including melanoma.
Also, tanning beds’ usage increases the possibility of developing cataracts.

10. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Avoid smoking as it damages elastin and collagen.
Use moisturizers and mild soaps daily to take care of your skin. Minimize hot showers since it can strip vital skin oils.
Ensure pat drying after bath to retain skin moisture.
Consume a balanced and healthy diet comprising essential vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
Engage in activities that reduce stress and get proper sleep regularly.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is regarded as the vital, healthy skin tissue ingredient.
Drinking enough water keeps your skin radiant, soft, and supple.
Carry a water bottle everywhere and consume at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
Water consumption is also important to flush out the toxins from the skin through urine and sweat.

11. Buy a Hydrating Mask

Buy a high-quality hydrating mask for multiple usages in a week.
First, wash your face with water and then apply the mask as directed before sleep for repairing, rehydrating, and soothing your skin.
A hydrating mask is known to treat various skin conditions like oil, acne, dryness, etc.

12. Try a Skin Treatment

Various in-clinic skin treatments like Mesotherapy help in nourishing the skin from the inside by protecting and repairing skin damaged at a lower-grade by the sunlight.
It iscomprised of a high-grade mix of peptides, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

Well, as you can see, there are a lot of skin concerns that need to be addressed and taken care of during the summer season against the harmful UV rays and harsh sunlight.
The above-listed tips will help you in protecting your skin against any kind of skin damage during summers.
In case you still have any concerns regarding the safety of your skin or any other health concern, you may get in touch with the highly experienced and certified physicians of Central Valley MedicalProviders.
You may consult our Customer Service Department for additional information at (877) 216-4215 or local: 559.450.6334.