(AscendHealthy.com) – A toned summer body is a goal for many people, but what about their skin? Even if our bodies aren’t quite what we’d hoped for, it’s still possible to have skin that’s healthy and glowing, just in time for summer. Check out some tips for better summer skin below.
Taking Care of Our Skin Is Important
It’s very important to take good care of our skin, especially in the summer months when we’re more likely to be out in the sun. Too much sun is not only hard on our skin’s moisture levels, it can contribute to wrinkles and age spots and also puts us at risk of skin cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 132,000 cases of melanoma and 2 to 3 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed worldwide every year. Protecting ourselves from cancer and other issues is a vital part of a good summer skincare routine.
Using the Right Sunscreen Matters
To protect ourselves and our skin in the best way possible, we want to use the proper sunscreen. That also means using enough, knowing how often to apply it, and having good information on what SPF to use, too.
Generally, an adult needs around one ounce of sunscreen, which is about a shot glass full, to cover their body. Any skin not covered by clothing should have sunscreen on it. That includes areas like the ears, back of the neck, and top of the feet, which are often overlooked.
Sunscreen should be applied before going out in the sun and reapplied after toweling off, swimming, or sweating heavily. If we’re not doing any of those things, we still need a reapplication every two hours. The SPF should be at least 15 — and 30 or more is better if we’re spending an extended time in the sunshine.
Tanning Should Be Done With Care
A lot of people like to go to indoor tanning beds, especially before summer arrives. That way, they can hit the beach with a sun-kissed complexion, even at the very start of summer. But indoor tanning is actually more dangerous than the sun’s rays when it comes to the risk of skin cancer and skin aging.
For people who want to tan indoors, protective eyewear and a post-tanning moisturizer are essential. So is avoiding intentional sunlight exposure for 48 hours afterward. But the best choice may be to skip the tanning booth and get some natural sunlight, with proper sunscreen and during non-peak hours. Even better, consider choosing a sunless tanner to get that healthy glow without the risk of skin damage.
Moisturizing May Keep Skin Healthier
Along with using proper sunscreen and taking care when tanning, moisturizing our skin may be among the best ways to keep it looking — and feeling — great for the summer months. Dermatologists recommend opting for lighter moisturizers during the summer months and staying hydrated to naturally keep the skin moisturized.
By using the right kind of moisturizer, drinking more water, making the right tanning choices, and focusing on the use of sunscreen, we have a better chance to protect our skin and keep it healthy, supple, and glowing for the summer months and beyond. Then we can enjoy summer safely, and our skin will thank us for the extra love and care.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension
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