We wait all year for sunshine so we can sit and bask in the rays, but do you understand how to keep your skin feeling and, more importantly, staying healthy?
When we tan, the sun’s UVA rays penetrate the lower layers of the epidermis, activating the melanocytes that produce melanin, this is the brown pigment that gives us a tan and is the body’s way of protecting the skin from burning and further damage. Using suncream of at least factor 30 helps to prevent damage and regular hydration is key to keeping a soft healthy skin.
We all need exposure to sunlight, so that our body can produce vitamin D. Experts recommend between 10 and 30 minutes daily, as long as you have a shadow on your arm, your body is exposed to sunlight.
So how can you care for your skin during summer
- Exfoliating your skin weekly really helps to remove dead skin cells so your skin absorbs oils better. Make sure you are exfoliating no more than 2 per month though so that you avoid irritating your skin and be careful to skin test the exfoliator just in case of reaction. Some people love a salt scrub, others find it too harsh, so try before you use it if possible.
- Daily skin brushing helps to stimulate your circulation, move fluid, and bring fresh nutritious blood to various parts of your body. If you struggle with fluid retention, try daily body brushing. Make sure that you do it on dry skin before your shower in an upward direction towards your heart and it is a light touch.
- Apply an oil after your shower to replenish your skin. Use a plant oil, not mineral, as the oil is quickly absorbed into your skin and will not leave any sticky residue. Have a look at Helpmeorganics massage oils
- Book in for a Salt Bodyscrub. Perfect before your holiday, special occasion or just because your skin needs a boost. The treatment involves a salt scrub, shower and full body massage, costing £55
- Nutrition is a key factor for having healthy summer skin. Keep hydrated with plenty of water. Being hydrated helps keep your muscles healthy, regulates your body temperature, keeps you alert, and for your skin, you will have softer skin. Eating well during summer is much easier and cheaper. Make sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, experts recommend eating a rainbow each day. Eat plant-based, clean food. Watermelons are packed full of electrolytes, they help with hydration, balancing your alkali/acid levels, and will help repair any damage to skin, nerve, and muscle tissues. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, this is an antioxidant that can protect your skin from harmful UVA rays, if you struggle with a sensitive gut, remove the seeds.
- Staying relaxed is also good for our skin health. When we are stressed, our body becomes more inflamed leading to all sorts of affects and rashes, breakouts and sensitivity to perfumes, sunshine is how your skin tells you to find ways to calm. Now I will always recommend massage, reflexology and taking time for quiet reflection, summer is a wonderful time to do this. Simply set your clock for 30 minutes earlier, take a glass of water outside and sit, allow the natural world to help you relax and set your intentions for the day. The air is fresher, the sunlight gentle, its a lovely way to enjoy summer and to start your day in the right way.
I hope these tips will help you enjoy this very short season.
“It was a splendid summer morning and it seemed as if nothing could go wrong.”
unknown