It’s official—summer is in the air. As your days heat up, don’t forget to factor in how high temps and outdoor activities can impact your skin.
Play smart, cover up. Wearing sunscreen is crucial, but it’s just the first step of safeguarding skin from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays. Whether you’re cruising around the golf course or relaxing at a barbeque, protect your skin with a long-sleeve layer (bonus points for fabrics with built-in SPF). Darker, tightly woven fabrics are more effective at blocking out sun—so a denim shirt offers an estimated UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 1,700 while a white cotton t-shirt only provides an average UPF of 7. Shield the delicate skin on your face and neck with a wide-brimmed sunhat.
Be water wise. Ready to hit the beach or lounge poolside? Sun reflection from sand, water and cement doubles the amount of UV exposure on your body, so apply broad spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before you step outside. Chlorinated water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, itchy, or even prone to a rash. Apply moisturizer before hitting the pool, then rinse off and re-moisturize again to help minimize skin irritation caused by dryness.
Don’t sweat it. Even water-resistant sunscreens eventually wear off, sweat off and wash off after fun in the sun. According to the FDA, ‘water-resistant’ sunscreens (like ESSENTIALS Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen) maintain effective SPF levels after 40 minutes in the water. Waterproof formulas start losing their effectiveness after 80 minutes in the water. Time flies when you’re splashing around—so keep an eye on the clock, and take breaks to reapply your sunscreen.
Climate counts. Skin is mainly hydrated from the outside, so it helps to factor in the forecast. Since dry, windy climates and sun exposure can dehydrate skin, apply moisturizer morning and night—especially in high altitudes. UV radiation also increases up to 12 percent for every 3,000 feet of elevation, so carry extra sunscreen to reapply. Not surprising, when summer heat combines with humidity, skin produces more oil. If you are already prone to sensitive or oily skin and live in a moist climate, try mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide which can provide a mattifying effect.
Cool off. Our default water temperature for baths and showers tends to run high, but summer is a great time to change it up. Hot, steamy water dehydrates skin, which can leave you dry, itchy or visibly red. Opt for short, tepid showers year-round, apply moisturizer right after bathing, and stick to cool splashes of water when cleansing your face.
Plan ahead. Going just one day without sunscreen can ruin a month’s worth of good habits. Go for a full-body sun protection routine like Summer Skin ESSENTIALS, with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen and Lip Shield SPF 25, plus Daily Body Moisturizer to soothe and hydrate skin after sun exposure. Keep a bag packed by the door so that you don’t forget your summer skin must-haves: sunscreen, hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, water bottle, and long-sleeve shirt or beach cover-up.
Enjoy your summer days—from pool to putting green—and keep your skin healthy along the way.
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