06/13/12 - 0 Comments
Summer Skin
Getting ready for the teensy shorts and long hours sinking into the smoldering hot sand? Then you should also be racking up your facts on how to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and beautiful this summer.
Instead of exposing your skin to the dangerous sun for hours on end, try a self-tanner, like L’Oréal Sublime Glow for the Body. It’s an inexpensive gradual tanner; it will leave an alluring, golden-brown (not orange) shimmer upon the skin.
People truly underestimate the power and necessity of SPF—it should be applied about 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every 2 hours. One of our favorites is Extra Rich Faceblock SPF30 from Dermalogica.
It is extremely important to regularly exfoliate with scrubs (buy one with micro-beads for a gentle clean) so that skin will actually accept new products, like moisturizers, into its surface. On the flip side, refrain from sprawling out in the tub for hours, as the warm water removes the skin’s natural oils and makes you more vulnerable to UV rays—not to mention you’ll dry out faster than a beached whale.
Experiment with an antioxidant-rich moisturizer, like Estée Lauder DayWear Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF 15, which gives an even-toned glow and smooths out thin aging lines. Or, try out Origins A Perfect World antioxidant moisturizer with white tea—a super delicious, potent mixture.
Antioxidants protect and repair cell damage caused by free radicals, damage that prevails under the sweltering sun. Combatting the sun comes not only from SPF and moisturizers, but also from diet.
We suggest carrying a reusable water bottle throughout the day to get those eight 8-ounce cups in during the day. But, what a lot of people often forget, is to eat their water too. Some delicious fruits to munch on are apples, berries, grapes, melons, kiwi, mangoes, peaches and oranges. Throw fruit in the blender with nondairy milk or coconut water and make a hydrating smoothie, or just indulge in dark chocolate-dipped fruit (fair trade of course). And when a romantic night approaches, swallow a glass of red wine. But not five.
Lastly, try looking for sun-protective clothing (a high UPF level), or use SunGuard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant to do it on your own.
Enjoy the summer—strip down to your frilliest bikini and lay on the beach—in moderation.
Photo credit: e-bland.com
