Summer Skin Protection

Summer is upon us and with it comes the hot sultry sun and cool summer clothing, rising temperatures and plunging necklines. And when it comes to choosing the right fashion apparel this summer, there is much more to think about than just the befitting sizes and colorful textures. This summer, make sure you unveil the hottest fashion accessory. Your flawless and pristine designer skin.

The Sun and Your Skin

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm

• Protective Clothing
• Eye Protection

When you go outside, Use sunscreen and lip balm regularly to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. It’s easy!

Always choose and use a sunscreen that is:

* An SPF 15 or higher
* Broad-spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays) * Waterproof or Sweatproof

Lip Balm

* Always wear a lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher – remember that your lips can burn just like the rest of your skin.
* Reapply often!
*Lip balm not only protects your lips from burning, but the moisture helps to prevent chapping and dryness as well.

Using sunscreen is an effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, since sunscreen cannot block all UV rays and many people do not apply it correctly, you should always practice additional sun safe behaviors such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when possible.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Wearing protective clothing is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Unlike sunscreen, protective clothing can give you continuous protection throughout the day. We can’t control the presence of UV rays outside, but at least we can protect ourselves from them.

Here are two primary factors to remember when selecting protective clothing:COVERAGE

Clothes: Clothes designed to cover the most skin provide the most protection. Long-sleeved shirts with collars, long pants, and shoes and socks provide the best coverage.

Hats: The most sun protective hats have a wide brim all the way around. Other hats, such as baseball caps, can also provide some sun protection – just remember to also use sunscreen or a gaiter to protect your ears and the back of your neck.

EYE PROTECTION

Your skin isn’t the only body part that needs protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Your eyes also need UV protection to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal damage. Follow these tips for finding sunglasses, ski goggles, and contact lenses that will protect your eyes this winter.

* Read labels to find sunglasses or goggles that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

* Wraparound frames keep out more UV. Buy sunglasses that are wraparound; enough UV rays can enter around ordinary (non-wraparound) eyeglass frames to damage your eyes.

* Contact lenses alone cannot protect your eyes from the sun. However, certain contact lens manufacturers now make contact lenses with UV protection. If your contact lenses don’t have UV protection, remember to wear UV blocking sunglasses or goggles.

* Protective eyewear does not have to be expensive to be effective. Many sunglasses and goggles are made currently with UV protection, from the most expensive to the least expensive pairs.

* And remember: just because the lenses are dark does not mean you are protected. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, and the color or darkness of the lenses is not a good indicator of protective eyewear.

PROTECTION DURING HOLIDAYS

No matter how harsh the sun, summer can never be complete without a beautiful summer holiday. Which means you will have to take extra care of you skin. Below are some simple tips to ensure you do not suffer with bad skin post your vacation.

* A typical vacation would be to al hill station or a beach - please ensure usage of sunscreen even if there is no sunshine on your vacation. UV Rays are invisible rays and exist even without sunrays. The density of UV rays is higher at higher altitudes. Also water and sand reflect UV rays.

* On vacations, diets become completely unregimented which show once the vacation is over. While you cannot control # most meals on a vacation, try to balance your diet by having fruits and salads along with other food.# Carry your own travel skincare products - do not use the products at the hotel.

PROTECTION FROM HEAT

In summer, we have a tendency to wear lesser clothes and show more skin. Our skin on the other hand has tendency for increased production of natural oils making one look oily and sticky. As a consequence, this can even lead to breakouts of acne / pimples. Stick to the following simple tips for skin that is smooth and blemish-free all summer long.

* Ensure washing your face 2-3 times a day with an appropriate 100% soap-free cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have only a breakout prone skin use deep pore cleansers or cleansers with salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, use moisturizing cleansers with Aloe.

* Use of alcohol-free toners further ensures closure of open # pores and deep pore cleansing - this eliminates breakouts and stickiness. Use the toner after cleansing 2-3 times a day.

# Splash cold water as soon as you come back home, this closes the pores and cools your skin.

# For acne-prone areas, use a suitable antiseptic / acne control cream.

# A thick talc rubbed liberally on the body aids in preventing prickly heat.