With summer upon us and an increasing amount of UV radiation reaching Earth, it’s more important than ever that we know how to take good care of our skin. 

The sun provides a healthy source of Vitamin D, but our skin faces some tough challenges in summer, due to the heat, humidity, and exposure to UV rays.

In this post, we’re going to explore what makes for an effective summer skincare routine. We’ll also take a look at the sort of protective clothes and skincare products you should be stocking up on in anticipation of the upcoming garden parties and sunbathing sessions!

How Summer Skin Damage Happens

Sunburn is in fact a form of radiation burn which occurs when UV rays penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and are absorbed by us, damaging the DNA of our upper layers of skin.

There are three types of UV rays which the sun emits. UVC is, for the most part, absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, so it doesn’t pose any significant risk. 

UVB damages our epidermis (the top layer of skin) and causes visible sunburn. UVA operates at a different frequency, and is capable of penetrating deeper. 

It’s UVA that causes the tanning and ageing effects of the sun. Also, it’s perfectly capable of burning us through glass, so don’t assume that you’re safe just because you’re indoors!

It’s important to note that UV rays can still have harmful effects even in cooler countries such as the UK, so it’s not only a problem for when you’re on holiday. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally and take the proper precautions no matter where in the world you are. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the people around you, especially kids and those with lighter complexions.

Best Skin Protection Practices

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to combat the harmful effects of the sun whilst still being able to enjoy it! Without further ado, here are our skincare tips for the warm weather ahead:

• Use the right sunscreen. The perfect sunscreen for you may depend on your skin type, so you might want to try a few different ones and see what works best. As a rule of thumb, a good sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and a UVA protection rating of 4 or more stars. Be sure to reapply it frequently throughout the day, and to use double layers if you’re likely to be exposed for prolonged periods, with time in between for it to be absorbed.
• Dress sensibly. This means considering the amount of protection individual articles of clothing provide. For instance, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat to cover your arms and neck may be advisable.

• Hydrate. This is good practice whatever the weather, but it’s even more important that you remember to drink lots of water when it’s sunny. This helps to replenish fluids lost through sweat, and keeps your skin from drying out in the heat. Adjust your water intake according to the temperature, and consider hydrating face mists too.

• Limit your exposure. Avoid spending long periods of time in direct sunlight. Ensure that you’re not too far from shade, especially around midday when it’s at its most powerful. We recommended that you take regular breaks and seek some shade to relax in with a hydrating drink. If you’re looking for a way to pass this time, consider visiting a no wagering casino on your mobile. These provide fun games which give you the chance to win real money without having to meet any wagering requirements!

• Have a skincare routine. Take care of your skin by giving it a regular wash with a gentle, cleansing soap, then exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and apply a lightweight moisturiser with natural ingredients. 

• Use additional supplements. Other frequent-use products we’d recommend include serums which contain antioxidants. These help to repair sun damage and remove free radicals from the body (unstable atoms which can cause cellular damage, ageing and illness). If you use makeup, choose lighter formulations and apply them thinly. You may also wish to consider using a tinted moisturiser rather than a foundation.

• Tailor your treatment to your skin type. The more sensitive your skin, the fewer products you’ll want to put on it. Those with skin sensitivities and problematic skin types should prioritise only the most vital skincare products, such as sunscreen and perhaps a light moisturiser. These people should also avoid comedogenic and oil-based products, as these may cause blemishes. If your skin is sensitive, stick to natural, fragrance-free products, and treat it gently.

• Don’t neglect any exposed skin. Remember to take protective precautions for all of your skin. This means remembering to apply sunscreen to your ears and any other easily-missed extremities. Also, lips and eyelids are prone to burning, so have suitable products for these.

Risks Associated with Poor Skincare

Failing to take proper care of our skin can result in a number of unpleasant side effects in both the short term and the long term. Some of the potential risks include:

• Sunburn, which we all know can be painful, but it can also cause nausea, dizziness and fever-like symptoms in addition to blistering and peeling.
• Loss of elasticity, which causes skin to sag, can result from poor skincare and overexposure to UV rays. This can visibly age your skin substantially.
• An increased risk of skin cancer is the most serious result of receiving dangerous doses of UV.
• Dermatological issues such as breakouts, dryness/oiliness, rashes and more can also result from improper skincare.

Taking care of your skin isn’t particularly demanding, and it can help you to avoid lots of unpleasant side effects.

Healing Damaged Skin

Whilst it’s best to avoid sun damage in the first place, there are a few things you can do to help your skin to recover from overexposure. If the damage is already done, here’s what we’d recommend:

• Take lots of cool baths or showers. This can relieve discomfort and help to ease any itchy burns. 
• Moisturise your skin after you’ve been out in the sun, as this can help to soothe the dryness. Consider aloe vera gels, moisturising face masks, aftersun lotions, or homemade concoctions of cooling natural yoghurt, green tea, or cucumber.
• If you’ve got sunburn, give it time to heal and be sure to avoid more exposure in the meantime. 
• If your sunburn is severe, visit a pharmacist. Pharmacists and doctors can prescribe topical lotions or provide over-the-counter treatments to alleviate your discomfort and help your skin to regenerate.

To Conclude…

There’s no way around it – proper skincare, especially in the summer climate, is crucial. Ensure that you have access to proper skincare products which are right for your skin type, and if you have any specific concerns be sure to speak to a pharmacist or doctor. Happy sunbathing!