Don’t Let Summer Ruin Your Skin

Most people spend the winter bursting at the seams to be able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. We spend the better part of five months aching for the warm sun to shine on our faces and tan our pale, white skin. Everyone knows that too much sun can lead to burned, painful skin, but many of us don’t know how to best protect ourselves from the damaging effects of the summer season. Here are five great tips that every sun worshiper should pay attention to:

1.Wear Sunscreen

We all know that we should apply sunscreen to our skin in the summer, but many of us aren’t aware how to use the product correctly. The sunscreen that you purchase should have an SPF of at least 30 and be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you are lounging by the pool or sitting in the shade, your sunscreen only needs to be reapplied every two hours or so. If you are sweating or swimming, you should dry off and reapply your sunscreen as soon as possible.

2.Control Shine

Even the best make-up will do nothing to stop grease and shine in hot, humid weather. To protect your face and keep it looking its best, use a cleanser with salicylic acid and apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of 15 or greater. Use a mattifying gel under your foundation and carry oil wipes in your purse to use throughout the day.

3.Healing a Burn

Even the most careful among us will burn their skin eventually. To treat sunburn, apply a cream that contains hydrocortisone to the area two the three times a day, take a couple of ibuprofen every six hours and apply ice packs when the heat gets to be too much to handle. Aloe Vera gel, sunburn creams and cool baths can help ease the pain of sunburn as well. Keep your skin well-moisturized until the sunburn heals to help prevent damage to the skin, and resist the urge to peel your sunburn no matter how bad it looks.

4.Stay in the House

Did you know that the sun is at its brightest between the hours of 10am and 4pm? If you can help it, try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during this period of time. If you have errands to run or dogs to walk, get up early or stay up late. If you can’t avoid going outdoors when the sun is strongest, make sure that you are wearing your sunscreen, a great hat and sunglasses to protect your skin.

5.Install a Water Softener

Most people suffer from itchy, dry skin in the winter, but the summer sun can be just as drying to your skin. Installing a water softener in your home is an effective way to keep your skin soft and supple. When your water is devoid of harsh minerals, your soap lathers better and rinses more completely. Being able to rinse off more effectively will help to prevent that dry, tight feeling that soap can leave behind.

It’s important to protect your skin all year round, but it’s especially important to protect your skin in the summer. By wearing sunscreen, avoiding the sun when you can and taking care of your skin in general, you can help to avoid some of the damage that the sun can cause.

Shashi Kapoor writes for Harvey Water Softeners, a site that can be used to find more information on choosing the best water softener retailer.