How to Care for Your Skin After Sun Exposure!

Summer is officially here and although it took a while here in southern California for it to get hot, we have already been spending lots of time outdoors. We love to go to the beach and all of this exposure to sun can be super damaging. I take great precautions with myself and my family because of the harm the sun can bring but I also love the benefits. We will continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible while taking the steps to protect our skin. Here are some helpful ways to keep you safe in the sun while enjoying the 4th of July and other fun summer festivities! 

What are the risks? 

There is the risk of skin cancer when being exposed to the sun. Skin overly exposed to the sun can be subjected to dark spots or hyperpigmentation. You can even see hypo-pigmentation which is when the melanin in the cell is damaged and the skin turns white in spots. Of course fine lines and wrinkles are formed when the skin cell is damaged through environmental factors. 

What can we do to protect our skin? 

• Cover up! I make sure I am wearing a hat when I am outside, the more the face is covered the better. Sunscreen isn't as effective as covering up all together. This is why my boys wear the swim shirts and hats,  the more coverage the better. And don't forget the beach umbrellas!

 

• Sunscreen-this is a no brainer. The one thing I do see people forget to do is re-apply. After swimming the majority of sun screen is usually washed off even if it is water resistant so keep your SPF handy for re-application.

 

• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants. This is a great way to get protection from the inside out. Foods rich in vitamin C and lycopene (found in cooked tomatoes) can help protect your skin cells from the sun. Pasta lovers rejoice! 

 

• Use a skin care regimen high in antioxidants. This is how we protect the cells from the outside. Using antioxidants like vitamin C, white tea, and camu camu are amazing for protection against free radical damage. This is why I keep REPAIR toner in my beach bag and spray throughout the day and especially when I get back indoors. 

What if you get too much sun?

Sometimes we are having  fun and we get a little too much sun, (or your son puts your sun protection on your back and doesn't do the best job). My favorite after sun remedy is aloe vera. I will link to a post I did here about the wonders of this plant. Whether you buy a plant and use it straight from the leaves or buy it ready to apply, either way works. It feels really nice when you put it in the refrigerator to keep it cool when you apply to the skin. Also avoid exfoliation during the day especially when you are going to be outside. 

Although there is not a way to completely shield yourself, you can do your best to avoid getting overly exposed. And natural vitamin D from the sun is a beautiful thing, I even think the benefits outweigh a little extra fine lines on your face.:)