How to protect your skin this summer
How to protect your skin this summer
Summer means warm weather and sunshine, but it’s also a harsh time for our skin. Although UVA rays are strong all year round, UVB rays which cause burning, are much higher. Our skin is more prone to sun damage and pigmentation, especially when coupled with heat.
Here are 5 tips to keep your skin healthy and protected this summer.
Don’t forget SPF!
I know you hear it all the time but we really should apply and reapply SPF every single day. This is the best defence against pigmentation, premature ageing, sun damage but most importantly reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Include Antioxidants in your skincare
Antioxidants are a great addition to protect your cells from free radical damage and inflammation. Think of an apple slice when its exposed to air for a while and it turns brown, that’s oxidation! Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause damage to our cells. Externally, they are produced from things like UV exposure, toxins, pollution, cigarette smoke. Essentially they cause oxidative stress to the skin which impairs its ability to repair, causes inflammation, premature ageing, pigmentation and skin sensitivity. Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant, not just because of its ability to protect the cells, but it’s also brightening and stimulates collagen. We love O Cosmedics Vitamin C Hemp Seed Oil, B3 plus serum, Immortal cream and Germaine De Capuccini Timexpert C range. There are lots of great options for all skin types and concerns.
Prevent and manage Pigmentation
if you have pigmentation or are prone to it, you can incorporate a pigment inhibitor daily to slow down the transfer of pigment cells to the surface of the skin. We love O Cosmedics B3 Plus. It has a high concentration of Niacinamide which is anti inflammatory, helps strengthen your skins barrier and even skin tone. PLUS it has peptides and Stay C 50 which a Vitamin C derivative. The combination of ingredients, makes it great at managing pigmentation.
Hydration
Stay hydrated inside and out with plenty of water and the right moisturiser twice a day. When our skin is dehydrated it doesn’t function properly. Our cell turnover slows down and our skin can look dull and feel tight. This can lead to sensitivity, breakouts and more oil production. It’s also great to include plenty of omega 3 in your diet which helps our skin barrier from the inside out.
Switch up your skincare to suit your skins needs.
If you find your skin gets oily in summer, it might be time to switch to lighter formulations. On hot days when we might be at the beach, its best to skip the exfoliating ingredients and retinol that evening and focus on hydration and repair.