Summer Sun Skincare Tips

Summer is here and while the rest of the country is enjoying pool days and outdoor adventures a lot of us who live in the Phoenix area choose to stay in as much as possible to avoid the unforgiving hot sun. The days are long, and the sun is hot and if we aren’t careful, can all too quickly cause damage to your skin.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting an estimated one in five with in their lifetime in the US. Meanwhile, approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. With so many days of sun to enjoy the outdoors, Arizonans are at an extremely higher risk for developing skin cancer, than other parts of the country. It’s important to take precautions and create healthy habits around skin care. Here are just a few that will help get you through these hot and sunny summer months in the desert.

Understanding UV Rays

The sun is full of restorative vitamins such as vitamin D and can help with depression, but it also contains dangerous ultraviolet radiation. UV rays can damage the skin’s DNA – the first step towards the development of skin cancer. There are three types of UV rays: UVA rays damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. These types of rays can pass through car and home windows. You may feel safe inside, but this isn’t always the case.

 Meanwhile UVB rays pose a greater risk to your outer layer of skin and are the major contributor for tanning and sun burns. UVB rays are more extreme during the summer when we are closer to the sun.

Always apply sunscreen 

It doesn’t matter if you are inside or outside. We live in Arizona and it’s important to take sun protection seriously! Put sunscreen on when you go out to the store, to work or at home. Don’t just reserve it for the pool and sunny day hikes. Even when it’s cloudy out it’s still important to be vigilant. Be sure to apply first thing every morning or 20 minutes prior to any outdoor activities; re-apply every 2 hours to ensure protective covering throughout the day. Its recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Exfoliate regularly

Do you want soft and silky skin? Then it’s important to exfoliate regularly. Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days or so and it’s important to buff away any dead skin cells that are hanging onto the top layer of skin. When removed enjoy soft and silky skin. Adding exfoliation to your regular skin health routine stimulates collagen synthesis to improve your skin looking plump, tight, and young. Essentially buffing away and removing dead skin cells. It also allows moisturizer and other skin care products to better absorb into your skin.

Don’t Forget to Moisturize!

The desert summer sun, extreme heat, and drying air conditioning can make you feel like a piece of jerky if you don’t stay on top of a regular moisturizing routine. Every day moisturizing helps to reduce dry or oily skin. Both extremes can lead to achne and blemishes.

Vitamin C is not just to boost immunity!

We all know that an orange or leafy green rich in vitamin C will boost the immune system giving you energy and helping to fight away colds and viruses. Did you know that when applied topically, vitamin C can help accelerate the production of both collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness while elastin improves flexibly to your skin. If you are concerned that the hot summer sun is ageing your skin too fast, topical vitamin C can help prevent restore a youthful, smooth appearance.

Stay hydrated 

We can’t stress this enough. It’s often hard to remember to drink as much as is recommended, but when you do your skin will thank you. A hydrated body means hydrated healthy looking skin. Add electrolytes like lemon and salt to your water to help your body better absorb liquids.

Stay cool in the shade

While UVB rays can pass through windows in your home and car, CC sunscreen window shades and patio shades block out 90% of UV rays which can cause premature aging as well as sun burn. If you think CC Sunscreens could protect you in your home, contact us today for a free consultation!