Protect Your Skin at the Beach This Summer with These Tips
Find the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin
When planning your next beach trip or outdoor summer excursion, make sure that sunscreen is on your shopping list! But before you make a purchase, do research on the proper sunscreen that will work best for you.
Many of us want that beautiful summer tan that comes with a beach trip, but do you know how much damage that does to your skin? Not to mention that this damage is irreversible, and can cause skin cancer, scarring, and premature aging for the skin. No matter your age or skin type, it is crucial to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher, and the bottle should say “broad spectrum.” This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, providing with you ultimate protection.
Reapply SPF For Ultimate Skin Protection
No matter how much fun you’re having in the ocean or walking the boardwalk, you need to reapply your SPF! No sunscreen or SPF product is completely waterproof, and all that time splashing in the pool and sweating on the beach is not helping in your skin protection regimen. Check and double check that your sunscreen, lotion, or other SPF product is in your beach bag at all times, and read the directions for reapplication. If you’ve spent a lot of time sweating or in the water, dry off and reapply so you know that you are safe.
If you’re wearing makeup, the SPF protection in your foundation, BB cream, or other product will most likely not be enough. Remember to put a fuller spectrum SPF underneath the makeup to add more face protection – and slather on the SPF for full body protection, too.
There is More to Sun Protection Than Sunscreen and SPF
As we’ve learned so far, just because you slathered your arms and legs in a SPF 30 sunscreen does not mean you are fully protected. Wearing hats, bathing suit covers, and staying in the shade are other great ways to protect your skin from the rays. Those who cannot wear SPF can also find some relief in products like shea butter and coconut oil, but these will not fully protect the skin like an SPF will. Remember to keep skin covered and in the shade as much as possible for complete sun protection.
How Treat Your Skin After a Sunburn
Sometimes, you might forget to reapply sunscreen after a long day in the water, or the sun may be too much for your SPF to handle. When this happens, it’s important to know how to treat your skin after a sunburn.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides great tips to help skin heal and ease the pain after a sunburn. Some of these include:
- Taking cool baths and showers to soothe skin
- Use aloe vera gels, moisturizers, and creams
- Stay hydrated
- Cover damaged skin when going outdoors – wear hats, long sleeves, and long pants
- If your skin has blisters, do not pop them
Your skin is precious, and unlike your hair or nails, damage cannot be undone. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate – take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from skin cancer and other skin-related issues. If you notice intense burns, moles, or odd spots on your skin, be sure to call the doctor right away.
Remember Your Skincare Before and After Your Trip
One way to prepare your skin is to keep it hydrated while out in the sun. Make sure to include drinking water in your skincare routine to keep up with this hydration. Water not only flushes the toxins out of your body, but keeps you hydrated in the hot climate. Moisturizers and hydrating body creams and lotions can also help to prep your skin for a summer trip, helping to fight off the sun and promote healthy skin for years to come.
Skincare is something that everyone needs, no matter the amount of sun exposure you have. At Artisan School of Cosmetology, we offer incredible skin services like facials and scalp treatments to help repair damaged skin and promote healthier, glowing skin. Ask our aestheticians-in-training about the right skincare products to help your skin type and to protect your skin every season.
For more information on skin protection this summer, give Artisan School of Cosmetology a call at (304) 834-3600.