10 Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

by Vimerson Health Team July 13, 2017

Summer is finally here, so we must plan how to protect our skin from the sun's rays and look radiant as ever.

During summertime temperatures increase and with them the list of activities we do outdoors, so it is important to know exactly how to treat our skin during the hottest months of the year to look beautiful and healthy.

The factor that most influences skin damage is ultraviolet radiation, which comes mainly from the Sun, although it can also be found in artificial devices such as solar beds. The Sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays (UV) that damage the skin, UVA and UVB. UVB increases from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, when we recommend that people do not expose themselves to the Sun, even with sunscreen. UVA are high throughout the day, even at 8 in the morning or at 6 in the afternoon, and throughout the year.

Preventing the harmful effects of the sun, protecting the dermis and ensuring hydration are three important aspects that we can not ignore during these months. Here are some suggestions for you to discover how to best take care of your skin this summer.

1. Use Proper Sunscreen

We advise the use of broad spectrum sunscreens, which means they have coverage for both types of ultraviolet rays. This should be explained on the label; otherwise, you should consult your doctor. Also, the sun protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen you use must be at least 30. Whenever you can, stay under a good shadow. Be careful though, because if it is subtle, it allows 50% of the radiation to pass through.

Some tips to bear in mind:

Put on a good amount of suncream, especially in those places that are always forgotten: ears, back of the hands, back of the feet and neck.
Use the same factor throughout the body, and re-apply several times during the time of exposure.
Use the same factor over time. It is customary for one to start by putting on a high factor, and then continue to use lower factors as the skin gets slowly tanned. This is not indicated as the skin is accustomed to that protection factor and will continue tanning evenly and without compromising the health of your skin to strong aggressions.
Do not leave sunscreens too long under the sun, uncovered, and always check the expiration date.

Who are most at risk?

Babies under 6 months, as they can not use sunscreen, because it is easily absorbed through the skin and the child is not prepared for that.
Children under 1 year, since although sunscreen can be used for occasional sun exposure, it is not recommended.
People who have a family or personal history of skin cancer.
Those who have cancer in general, since the sun decreases the defenses.
People who take certain photosensitizing drugs (diuretics, pressure cures, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics) that sensitize the skin and may be burned.
Those with photosensitive diseases such as lupus.
Those who have an active skin infection.
People who have many moles.

2. Wear the Right Clothes

Clothing is another form of protection. You can wear long-sleeved clothing, pants and / or hats with a wide brim (more than 10 cm). Contrary to popular belief, white clothing is cooler but less protective, while black is warmer but covers more of the effects of the sun.

3. Stay Safe even under Water and Clouds

When it’s cloudy you should still protect your skin, since clouds let pass 80% of the radiation. You also have to be careful when getting into the water, since it only filters 50% of the UV rays.

4. Watch Out for your Scalp

Your hair offers some sun protection, but the skin along the hairline and the scalp are very sensitive to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Specialists recommend using sunscreen SPF 30 along those parts of the scalp, as the application and absorption of creams are very difficult in that area.

A baseball cap can help protect your scalp and face but it is advisable to opt for hats with a wide brim (more than 10 cm), as explained before.

5. Stock Up on Red Wine

White wine is a great refreshing option in the summer, but red wine is curative. It contains Resveratrol, which is a natural phenol found in the skin of red grapes. In addition to its power to lessen the redness of sharp sunburns, it has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, so it's super recommendable!

6. Exfoliate Dry Skin

One of the most effective ways to exfoliate during the summer is to use brown sugar with soap on your dry skin before showering. Dermatologists recommend that you pay special attention to your knees and elbows and end up with a body cream or a rich oil. Instead of sugar, you may also use sea salt or exfoliating creams and get help from a natural bath brush.

7. Eat Melon

Consuming melon is one of the best options for having beautiful skin in the summer, according to dermatologists and nutritionists. This sweet and delicious fruit is rich in antioxidants and offers a unique hydration to the skin, resulting in a radiant complexion. If you don't like melon, you can opt for watermelon.

8. Stay Clean

During the warmer months, acne can appear in embarrassing places. Wash your face thoroughly every morning and before bed with antibacterial gel or exfoliating creams and then rinse your skin with plenty of soap and water.

Insect bites can be very annoying and unpleasant looking in summertime. If you suffer a sting it is advisable to treat it with hydrogen peroxide and some topical cream antibiotic twice daily until the problem of the bite is resolved.

9. Hydrate Yourself

Drinking water benefits how well your body functions and has a direct effect on how your skin looks. This is because being properly hydrated helps you eliminate toxins from your body.

There's no specific amount of water you should drink every day because everyone is different, but you should drink consistently throughout the day. The best way way to check you are properly hydrated is by making sure your urine is colorless or light yellow, and almost odorless. And it's a great idea to try to make it a habit to carry a bottle of water with you at all times, especially during summer.

10. Mind your Burns

If it is only slight redness, you must use some post-solar product, which has been stored in the refrigerator, and hydrate long after the burn. Natural home-made remedies for sunburn include aloe vera, tomato, honey and milk, among others. Exposure should also be avoided until the skin is recovered. If the burn is more serious, consult your doctor and do not add aloe vera or cucumber, nor any other home remedy.

Make sure you follow these simple tips for a beautiful and healthy skin. If, however, you would like to complement your prevention efforts, remember that Vimerson Health carries two different products that can help boost your skin care and protect your health during the summer. Our Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that protects our body's cells from free radicals and our Phytoceramides helps fight signs of damage and give the skin a moisturized and healthy glow. Give them a try and look your very best this summer!