These balmy days of summer are the moments we look forward to all year long; carefree days of frolicking, lounging, and sporting under the sun. Make the most of them but remember that our bodies need special care in the sunny weather. Here are some self-care tips to protect your overall health and skin when you're out there having fun under the sun:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after sun exposure and warm weather. Increase your hydration with a natural electrolyte beverage like coconut water. Juice it up or add some sparkle with refreshing botanical hibiscus water, and sparkling watermelon juice. Watermelon and hibiscus contain sun-protecting properties like, antioxidants, vitamin C and lycopene. Enjoy them on ice to lower your body temperature.
Limit your time under direct sun exposure: We get it, lounging in the sun is practically a required summer pastime and our bodies legitimately need the vitamin D, which helps us process calcium and other essential minerals. In fact, low vitamin D may lead to depression, bone and muscle weakness, cancer and other health complications. BUT, too much sun leads to premature aging, and may also cause sunburns, sun spots, skin cancer, and heat stroke, SO, moderation is critical. Experts recommend avoiding sun exposure between 10am and 3pm when Ultra Violet rays are strongest (although studies suggest that your body produces more vitamin D around noon time), and limiting your exposure to 10 - 30 minutes. But this really depends on your skin color and your location. Darker skin has more pigment, or melanin, which protects us from the sun, so darker-skinned people need more time in the sun than lighter-skinned people in order to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Additionally, if you live somewhere north like Seattle, far from the equator, you'll need more time in the sun in order to produce vitamin D, assuming the sun makes an appearance. Plus, you also have to factor in any foods you consume that are fortified in vitamin D in order to determine how much you need. In our opinion, there are too many variables and risks, so we prefer to take a supplement to ensure that we're getting enough vitamin D safely. Consult with your doctor to make the best decision for your health and take a look at the NIH (National Institutes of Health) average daily vitamin D recommendations by life stages here.
Enjoy the outdoors in the shade: The fact is that you can get UV damage in any season, with our without sunshine. Overcast skies do not block ultra violet rays. Snow, water, ice, and sand can reflect damaging UV light into your eyes and skin. Lounge under a tree for some literal plant protection and wear a cute hat and sunglasses. Shade provides skin and eye protection from direct sunlight and UV rays, while still allowing you to enjoy summer activities. Sunglasses with UV filters protect your eyes from retinal damage and reduces glare. Less squinting equals less wrinkles around the eyes. Less direct sunlight on the skin equals less premature aging, pigmentation and disease.
Always wear sunscreen: Most chemical sunscreens, scatter, deflect, or absorb sunlight and do not necessarily protect against light and heat, which may contribute to sun spots and melasma. Use a sunscreen with a physical SPF blocker like zinc and titanium dioxide. Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours or as recommended by the sunscreen brand. If you sweat or swim, dry your skin and reapply sunscreen.
Nourish your skin from the inside and out:
Eat: guavas, tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruit, papayas, red bell peppers, persimmons - they all contain lycopene (listed in order of highest to lowest content). Lycopene is a carotenoid, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from UV damage and UV induced sunburns.
Apply: start with a non-drying, soft-handed cleanser like our Rose Willow Delicate Face Wash. Shower your skin with hydration & nutrients from flower petals with our collagen-infused toners. Part toners, part hydrosols, part botanical vitamin waters, they hydrate, soothe, tone and firm your skin. Shield yourself with Sheltered All Weather Protective Moisturizer with antioxidants including lycopene, polyphenols and plant-based SPF's.
Self-care and sun care are essential to living a long, healthy, and balanced life. Be mindful about your sun exposure and skin protection while you enjoy relaxing, beautiful summer days. Now, go out and make some memories (from a safe 6' distance, with your sun protection, and your PPE face masks, and don't forget your hand sanitizer). 😀 You've got this!
Shop our summer care products here and contact us for exclusive DIY Summer recipes.