Is the sunshine calling your name? Getting outside and soaking up some rays on those bright sunny days feels so good on your skin, especially if you’ve been cooped up for months and months during the long, cold winter and spring.
But the joy of basking can be hampered by the fear that, while it feels good, it’s actually causing long-term damage to your skin. With appropriate precautions, however, you can still enjoy those warming rays.
Here are some tips to protect your skin and ease some of your fears.
First, last and always: Sunscreen
Amway Research Scientist Jesse Leverett recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for your body and SPF 50 for your face. Don’t skimp on the amount and make sure to reapply every few hours, paying special attention to your nose, cheekbones and any other areas with high levels of exposure. (A hat and sunglasses will help, too.)
Maintain your cleansing routine
Warmer weather likely means more time out in the elements – including dust and dirt. Make sure to follow your routine of cleansing, toning, treating and moisturizing twice a day and exfoliating at least once a week. This helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration isn’t only for the dry winter months. Your skin needs it in the summer, too, thanks to extreme heat, UV rays and heavily air-conditioned environments.
Experts recommend drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating serum after cleansing at night to help plump the lower surface layers of the skin. The perfect time to add extra hydration is right before bed, because your skin cells renew 2-3 times faster at night than they do during the day.
Lighten up your moisturizer
On summer nights, it’s OK to swap out your heavy cream for a lighter lotion. Just don’t skip the step: It’s important to use a moisturizer to seal in the hydrating serum. You can go lighter during the day, too, as long as it includes enough SPF.
Eat healthy and take your vitamins
Protect your skin from the inside out by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, especially those with vitamin A, which encourages healthy skin growth. Eggs, dairy products and meat also are good sources of vitamin A.
Think you might not be getting enough? Consider adding a daily nutritional supplement to help fill any gaps.
