Summer is in Full Swing: How to Take Care of Your Skin During Heatwaves
With this text, we are starting our series of summer posts and tips. We encourage you to read regularly 🙂
Summer is a time when our skin is particularly exposed to the effects of the sun, wind, and water. Therefore, it is crucial to take proper care of it. We have some practical tips that will help you keep your skin healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.
Sunscreen with SPF
Protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation is key to maintaining healthy skin. The evolution of beauty ideals shows how societal perceptions of beauty and health have changed over the centuries. From pale skin as a status symbol, through tanned skin as a sign of health, to today’s acceptance of diversity. A perfect example is Victorian England, where the trend was for pale skin. Wearing parasols and hats, and avoiding the sun, was common among the upper classes. In the 1960s, tanned skin became a symbol of luxury and beach vacations. The popularity of sunny holidays and the growth of the tourism industry influenced the change in beauty ideals.
With the growing awareness of the dangers associated with excessive tanning, such as skin cancer, a healthy approach to the sun began to be promoted. Sunscreens with SPF, as well as self-tanners, which allow you to achieve a tan effect without exposing the skin to harmful UV radiation, became available.
At this point, it is worth mentioning the commonly held misconceptions about SPF.
Facts and Myths about SPF
SPF 50 blocks 100% of UV rays.
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays but does not provide 100% protection.
I don’t need SPF on cloudy days.
Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate through clouds, so protection is necessary even then. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t fallen for this myth and suffered the painful consequences.
How Else to Take Care of Your Skin?
Moisturize Your Skin.
The sun, wind, and saltwater can dry out your skin. While seawater can help treat certain skin conditions, it is not a cure-all. Use moisturizing lotions and creams to maintain the right hydration levels.
Supplementation.
Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, C, and collagen, support skin health from the inside and are an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
Drink Plenty of Water.
Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Remember that water needs are individual and depend on many factors, such as physical activity and climate. Also, keep in mind that coffee and tea have diuretic effects but can also contribute to your daily fluid intake when consumed in moderation.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure.
Try to avoid sun exposure during peak UV radiation hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM). If you must be outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses.
As you can see, taking care of your skin in the summer is not difficult; it just requires a bit of attention, discipline, and the right products. How about you? How do you take care of yourself during summer vacations?
