SUMMER - Think Skin

Summer is here and the sun is at its most powerful position. That means it is time to really pay attention to your skincare. Damaging exposure to the sun can happen in any season but typically we expose ourselves more during these months. A little fact you might not know. The sun is closer to the earth in January than it is in July, closer by about 3,000,000 miles.

A couple “rules” to keep in mind this summer.

The most basic rule, use sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum, UVA and UVB, protection and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Try to find one that is water-resistant as sweating and swimming can lower the amount of protection through dilution. Do not forget to re-apply often and do not forget your ears.

The second “rule” is stay hydrated. Not only does your skin need water but so does your body. Drinking enough water helps to keep your body detoxified. There are many articles on hydrating and a few theories on how much water you should consume. Here is a link to a great way to see how much water you need: https://www.slenderkitchen.com/article/how-to-calculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink-a-day. Remember, drinking things like iced coffee or iced tea can have a de-hydrating effect on your body so don’t rely solely on those types of beverages.

Rule number three… it is not all about applying products, it is also about removing. Using a great facial and body soap will help keep your skin clean and nourished. Skin releases toxins when exposed to the stress of sunlight on top of whatever else is in the environment. Twice a day cleaning, morning and night, will help keep your skin clean and pH levels in check.

Food is the forth factor in keeping your skin healthy throughout the summer. Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetable and whole grains and stay away from processed foods and sugars. Watermelon, tomatoes and cucumbers are all great ways to take in extra water without drinking it. The body is all about balance and when you throw the body out of balance you can cause changes in skin texture, color, and moisture level resulting in acne, eczema and other potentially dangerous skin issues.

So, go out. Enjoy the sun. Enjoy the summer but make sure you use sunscreen, drink water, eat healthy and cleanse your skin. The basics will go a long way in keeping you active for many more summers to come.

Michael A. Carrubba

Allie’s Naturals

michael@alliesnaturals.com