The warm, bright days of summer bring plenty of opportunities for leisurely sun-soaked activities. As you enjoy your fun in the sun, it’s important to remember to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. To get you ready for summer, we’ll cover what you should know about sun damage on the face, the best treatments for sun-damaged skin, and sun safety tips.
What You Should Know About Sun Damage on the Face and Body
Sun damage to the face and body is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Two types of UV rays affect the skin — UVA and UVB. While both types cause skin damage, they have different effects.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily to blame for premature signs of aging. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, making them especially dangerous since people often skip sunscreen on cloudy days or when indoors. This means that even if you’re not a sun worshiper, you can still be at risk through the accumulated damage of daily exposure.
Sun damage can affect any skin that’s exposed to the sun, but the most common areas to show damage are the face, neck, ears, and hands. These areas are most susceptible because they’re exposed to the sun on a regular basis, unlike the skin of the back, legs, or stomach. Consistent sun exposure without proper protection can lead to skin cancer and signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and a rough or leathery texture.
Thankfully, you can limit the risk of sun damage in many ways while still enjoying the sunny days of summer. Read on to learn our best sun safety tips.
Sun Safety Tips: Preventing Sun Damage
To keep your skin healthy and beautiful, follow these tips to prevent sun damage:
- 1. Wear sunscreen daily. Whether you’re headed to the beach or plan to stay inside all day, it’s essential to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) every single day. For daily use, choose an SPF of at least 30, and if you plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes, opt for SPF 50+ in a water-resistant formula.
- 2. Reapply regularly. Unfortunately, no sunscreen can provide all-day protection, so it’s critical to reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- 3. Stay in the shade. Choose a shady spot to enjoy your outdoor activities out of direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible, avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the most intense.
- 4. Cover up. Clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts can help protect your skin from sun exposure. You can also look for UPF clothing, which is specifically designed to block the sun’s rays.
- 5. Remember often overlooked areas. The scalp, lips, ears, and feet are often overlooked when it comes to sunscreen application. These areas have thin, delicate skin, which makes them much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.
Remember, these sun safety tips aren’t just for bright summer days. Incorporate them into your daily routine to protect your skin from the cumulative effects of sun exposure.
Summer Skincare Routine
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. The summer months require a more targeted approach to protect your skin from the harsh sun and keep it hydrated and healthy.
Here’s an easy routine to maintain a bright, healthy complexion during the summer:
- 1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and dirt.
- 2. Toner: Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores.
- 3. Serum: Use an antioxidant-rich serum to repair damage from free radicals and boost collagen production.
- Moisturize: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer, even if your skin tends to be oilier in the summer. Skipping moisturizer can trigger your skin to produce even more sebum.
- 4. Sunscreen: Use a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step of your morning routine.
- 5. Nighttime care: Apply a rejuvenating treatment or hydrating overnight mask to support your skin’s natural regeneration process as you sleep.
The Perfect Summertime Facial: Glo2Facial Revive
Glo2Facial treatment customizations blend natural ingredients with science-backed processes and technologies to give you healthy, gorgeous skin. Our facial technology is the only one on the market that triggers a natural oxygenation process within the skin, creating the ideal conditions to nourish and transform skin from the inside out.
Glo2Facial’s Revive customization uses powerful antioxidants such as retinyl palmitate and caffeic acid to reduce sun damage and signs of aging, refresh dull skin, and improve overall skin texture. It’s the perfect antidote to the sun-drenched days of summer that can take a toll on your skin. Incorporate Glo2Facial Revive into your summertime skincare routine every four to six weeks to see outstanding results.
Dos & Don’ts: Summer Skincare Ingredients
During the summer, incorporate skincare products that contain ingredients that provide sun protection and hydration while repairing sun-damaged cells. Avoid ingredients that increase sun sensitivity.
Dos:
- Niacinamide: Provides sun protection, evens out the skin tone, brightens the complexion, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Green tea extract: Moisturizes the skin and regulates sebum production, which often goes into overdrive during summer and can lead to breakouts.
- Red Algae: Contains anti-aging properties that improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Caffeic Acid: Increases collagen production and prevents premature aging.
- Vitamin E: Supports the skin barrier to improve moisture retention and helps heal sun damage.
- Peptides: Stimulates collagen production and repairs sun damage.
- Ceramides: Strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.
Dont’s:
- Citrus oils: Can increase your skin’s photosensitivity, making you more at risk for sun damage.
- AHAs and BHAs: Often found in chemical exfoliants, these acids can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
- Alcohol: Can dry out your skin, which is already prone to dehydration from sweating in the heat in the summer.
- Fragrances: Some fragrances can cause sun sensitivity and skin irritation.
Get Glowing Summer Skin with Glo2Facial
Sun protection is essential to maintain healthy, beautiful skin during the summer and year-round. You can tailor your summer skincare routine by choosing antioxidant-rich, alcohol-free products and complementing your at-home routine with regular professional facial treatments. Book your Glo2Facial Revive today to get maximum anti-aging benefits all summer l