The summer months are finally here and that means getting outside as much as possible. However, are you taking the steps you need to protect your skin? Caring for your skin in the summer months when your skin is exposed to the sun longer is different than winter skin care. Here are some tips to get your summer skin care routine ready for the coming season.

Why Is Our Skin Susceptible to Damage in the Summer?

The summer months are when our skin is more susceptible to damage because of the intensity of the sun. Summer months tend to get the most intense rays because of the angle of the sun. Often, you think that going outside for short periods of time isn’t too big of a deal, but even those short periods can result in damage. Even on cloudy days, the sun can damage the skin. It just makes sense to protect your skin using clothing that has UV protection or products that contain sunscreen.

What Are Some Tips to Care for and Protect Our Skin in the Summer?

Here are some tips that you can use to personalize your summer skin care routine for the coming months.

• You’ll want to get an SPF that’s at least 30. At 30, sunscreens will block about 97 percent of the harmful rays you’re trying to avoid. Now, you may think that getting a higher SPF is going to give you a higher effectiveness percentage, but it’s only a small percentage as you go higher with the SPF level. For some people, going above 30 may increase the chances of you having skin irritation or sensitivity.
• Don’t just apply your sunscreen once and think you’re done. It’s important to use your sunscreen again every couple of hours. If you’re sweating a lot or swimming, you may want to apply your sunscreen sooner than a couple of hours as you may be lowering your protection. This fact is true even if your sunscreen is meant to be worn while swimming.
• Some people think that because they don’t tend to get a sunburn, they don’t need sunscreen protection. It doesn’t matter what skin tone you have when it comes to the potential of skin cancer from sun exposure. While darker skin tones may have a natural SPF, it’s only about two to six. Applying sunscreen can help to protect your skin for years to come.
• You’ll want to use about a full shot glass amount of sunscreen. It’s essential to coat exposed skin liberally. If you notice that you’re tanning or burning, you didn’t put enough on or didn’t reapply it soon enough. Make sure you hit all areas including the tips and backs of your ears, neckline around your shirt, and more.
• Sunscreen isn’t the only tools to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Sunglasses help to protect your eyes. Hats are beneficial for protecting your sensitive scalp and face. Yes, even your scalp isn’t fully protected with your hair. Clothing that offers UV protection is another way to keep your skin safe during the summer months.  

Difference Between Chemical and Physical Sunscreen

When you go to pick up sunscreen, you will see there are two types. Chemical and physical sunscreens both offer protection from the sun, but in different ways. Chemical sunscreens will absorb and dissipate the harmful rays of the sun. Physical sunscreens work a bit differently. They physically block the harmful rays. They will scatter and reflect it away from your skin.
Both are effective, and it’s up to your preference which you choose. Chemical sunscreens are organic while physical sunscreens are inorganic. Chemical sunscreens have to be applied before you go out into the sun. Physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide, are effective as soon as they’re applied. No matter which type of sunscreen you choose, it’s important to apply it liberally in addition to doing it often to get the most out of the protection.

How Can Going to a Spa Help Your Summer Skin Care Routine?

The spa is the perfect place to pamper yourself, including your skin. A day spa can be helpful when it comes to your summer skin care routine. It can be the perfect place to learn about new products and services that will support your new skin care routine for the summer months. Be sure to ask about what products have a higher SPF to give your skin the protection it needs.
Your summer skin care routine is your first defense from the damaging rays of the sun. Skin cancer is a serious condition, and prevention is possible. It’s all about playing safe when you’re outdoors. It doesn’t matter what skin tone you have as even a tan is really a burn. Contact us today if you’re considering pampering your skin getting ready for the summer months. We would love to be added to part of your summer skin care routine.