Having arrived mid-summer, we’ve all forgotten the chill of winter and have embraced fully all the fun summer outdoor activities. Tennis and golf, sailing and swimming, bicycling, hiking, walking and running, whatever can be enjoyed outdoors, we do engage in it. You may even abandon the gym during the summer months to get all the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of the sun on our skin. In fact, we wouldn’t be here if not for the life-giving properties of the sun.
In the distant past, the sun was worshipped and not without reason. Early man intuitively understood the importance of this brilliant star. However, today, while we still adore the sun, we also know that we must protect ourselves from its damaging rays.
Overexposure to the sun is one of the leading causes of aging. It is also one of the leading causes of skin cancer. With this in mind, I offer this mid-summer reminder to take precaution whether you’re spending the day outside or just going about your daily activities. The following suggestions, when practiced year round, not just during the sunny summer months, will keep your skin more youthful and radiant. You might even be able to reverse some of the skin damage that may have already occurred. You may even be able to prolong the need for corrective cosmetic surgery.
If however, you’ve had any type of cosmetic procedure it is critical for you to follow a regimen to protect the skin. These tips refer to the entire body, not just the skin on your face.
Don’t Leave Home Without It.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Sunscreen is one of the keys to radiant, youthful-looking skin. Daily use may lower your long-term risk of skin cancer. By reducing your daily sun exposure, sunscreen allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair some existing damage. When you spend time outdoors exercising or are at the pool or the beach, reapply sunscreen frequently.
Exfoliate. The buildup of stratum corneum (the dead, outermost skin cell layer) can make skin appear blotchy and uneven. Also, self-tanning products can collect in typically dry areas (such as the elbows), causing the skin to lose its luster and appear “dirty.” Use a loofah and high quality facial scrubs, to remove dead skin cells and leave skin looking smoother.
Use a Skin Brightening Serum. You want something that will brighten the appearance of the skin while diminishing dark spots. A daytime vitamin C serum such as CE Ferulic , delivers advanced environmental protection, improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, minimizes the loss of firmness and brightens the skin’s complexion.
Hydrate. Summer exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water can dry out your skin – even the heels of your feet can be affected. Try a hand and body cream, and, for the heels, a moisturizing foot cream. A good moisturizer or a serum such as CE Ferulic vitamin C serum can plump up dry skin around the eyes, making skin instantly appear less wrinkled. It also protects the skin by neutralizing damaging free radicals. Once absorbed, CE Fruilic serum remains effective for a minimum of 72-hours.
Wear a Hat and/or Use an Umbrella. Whenever you are going to be spending a prolonged period of time out in the sun, add a hat with a wide brim to further protect your facial skin. If you’re gardening, wear a long sleeve shirt. A day at the beach calls for an umbrella. If you’re not in the water, park yourself in the shade of your umbrella for the day.
We need the sun. It provides our bodies with Vitamin D and it makes us feel good. So, I won’t recommend that you stay out of the sun, but if you want your skin to look vibrant, youthful and healthy for the longest period of time, follow the suggestions above on a daily basis and above all, respect the power of the sun.
