It is important to understand how the sun impacts your skin. Here is some basic information to follow:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) is the longest wavelength of the sun, this ray penetrates the dermis your skin’s deepest layer.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) penetrates the skin’s upper layer, the epidermis. These rays cause sunburn, allergic reactions and skin cancers.
- Ultraviolet C (UVC) are filtered by the ozone layer and they’re the most damaging rays.
- Infra-red (IR) is the “heat” from the sun and too much can negatively impact collagen, elasticity and your immune system.
WEAR SUNSCREEN !!!
Always use a sunscreen with a natural SPF such as zinc oxide. Many sunscreens penetrate the skin and add to the chemical overload that your body is already subjected to with every day living. SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and indicates how long you can stay in the sun without burning. Remember sunscreen isn’t’ foolproof and should not be the only thing you should rely on to guard your skin from the heat of the summer.
Try and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day during the summer, depending on your location probably 10 or 11 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. The longer you are outside the longer you are being exposed to radiation.
Wear protective clothing over your skin. In today’s market there is a lot of UV protection rated clothing available. Use lightweight fabrics when it’s really hot and uncomfortable. Wear lighter colors to keep the heat level down. Wear a hat to protect your facial skin. Wear sunglasses to protect your sensitive eye skin and eyes. Eyes are prone to melanomas and cataracts and the sensitive skin around your eyes is prone to fast aging.
We all love that beautiful tan but with it comes consequences. Sunbathing or using a solarium increases your chances of damaging your skin and getting skin cancers. Sunbathing will add a good 20 years to your appearance by dehydrating and wrinkling your skin. Do we really want that? Be careful using the tan in a bottle, these products contain a lot of chemicals that are not good for your skin. Check the EWG Skin Deep website to see how they rate the various products.
Give your skin a break and let it breathe. Whenever possible spend a day without wearing makeup. Always wash your face before retiring. Even if you did not wear makeup it is necessary to cleanse the dirt and grime of the day off your skin and let your skin breathe while you sleep.
After swimming be sure and wash the chlorine off your skin. Chlorine can dry out your skin and for some people cause allergies.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER !!
Dehydration results in dry skin, frown-lines, spots, a sluggish complexion and a lack of glow. Drink water throughout the day. Water will both hydrate your skin and flush out toxins that can mar your complexion.
The most important thing is is to moisturize your skin with a natural organic skin care product.
Have a wonderful skin safe summer!
Until Next Time
Linda Irwin-Hurley, Founder
