Protect Against Skin Damage with These 4 Skin Care Summer Habits

Summer is synonymous with sweat, sun, and sea. It is also the time of year when we kick our health and skin care habits into overdrive. Thanks to extra exposure added to the sun’s UV rays, summer is when we are more likely to experience skin damage. To protect ourselves and our skin, the following skin care habits should become second nature.

1. Eat Well and Exercise

As amazing and effective as topical treatments and procedures can be, regular exercise and eating well is still the first step to great skin care and good general health. As a rule, drink lots of water and stay away from sugary snacks, processed carbohydrates, and too much salt. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially hydrating, waterlogged ones), lean meats, fiber-rich grains and more. Also do at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

2. Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is perhaps the most important tool in your healthy summer skin bag of tricks. Sunscreen must be worn at all times when going outdoors. While no sunscreen can block all of the sun’s UV rays, be sure to use a sunscreen of SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, as these have been shown to effectively block up to 97% of the sun’s rays.

3. Use protective gear

Since the sun’s UV rays are very damaging to the skin, reducing direct contact between UV rays and the skin is the name of the game. In addition to applying sunscreen, using umbrellas, wearing sun visors or caps, and sitting in the shade when outdoors can all go a long way to protecting against UV rays related skin damage.

4. Develop a skin care routine

During the summer, it is important to keep up with your skincare routine. Be sure to gently wash and cleanse the skin regularly, as well as moisturize. Use the products that work well with your skin type.

For further information about how to protect yourself from summer’s strong UV rays, contact Universal Dermatology today.