Summer is when you're looking for that summer glow, which you can get by lying by the pool or on the beach out in the sun. There is a safe way to get the glow you are looking for, and sunbathing is definitely not it. Read on for some other skin-care tips to follow this summer to keep your skin healthy.
Wear Sunscreen
Be sure to wear sunscreen whenever you're out in the sun; whether you're in your bathing suit or outside at your child's sporting event, you should have sunscreen on any exposed skin. Sunscreen can help block out the sun's harmful rays such as UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin cancer. Look for sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 or more. Also, spray sunscreens may miss a lot of areas, so be sure to use lotion sunscreen instead.
Reapply sunscreen every hour; even if it says it is waterproof or sweatproof, it should still be reapplied.
Be sure to apply sunscreen to areas such as the ears, back of the neck, head, nose, and feet. These are areas most people miss when applying sunscreen.
Skip Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are the go-to footwear during summer, but wearing these types of open-toed shoes expose a lot of your feet to the elements, which can open them up to skin infections, such as athlete's foot. Your feet can pick up on this bacteria, as well as your flip-flops. This bacteria can be brought into your home and affect those in your home as well.
If you need to wear flip-flops, toss out any old pairs you have that could have bacteria on them from the year before, and invest in new ones.
Cover Up
Of course, you don't want to go out in long sleeves and pants in the middle of summer, but wearing loose-fitting clothing can help keep you cool and can also protect your skin from the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun to protect your skin. This can protect your skin from cancer-causing rays and can prevent premature wrinkles.
Watch Where You Walk
When outside in the yard, keep a close eye on where you are walking to prevent walking through poison ivy. Poison ivy can be just about anywhere, including on your trees. Be careful when playing outside or doing yard work. Poison ivy in the summer can spread easily, as sweat can irritate it. If you touch poison ivy, wash your hands (or other part of your body) immediately, and do not scratch the area in order to prevent spreading.
Your skin should be protected all year round, but in the summer, your skin is more exposed to the elements. If you have any dermatology concerns, contact your dermatologist for a checkup, like those at Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology.
