Tag: Sun Exposure

Sun Safe Labor Day

It is hard to believe that summer’s end is just around the corner, but Labor Day is almost here!  Which means it is time for one last big weekend for the summer.   Like many of you, I am planning to spend it at a relaxing BBQ by the pool with family and friends.  After all, what can be better then being with your family, and spending time with good friends outdoors?  But whether you will be partying on the beach, at a backyard barbecue, or heading out to picnics or any other outdoor activity, it is important to remember that the sun is still very strong!

Here are some helpful tips to help you to enjoy your time in a sun sensible way:
  • Always wear a sun hat and sunglasses. The shade they give are closer in range compared to that of a beach umbrella. This is helpful when you factor in the reflection of sunlight from the waters.
  • Apply sunscreen often (read more about how to choose a safer sunscreen)
  • Invest in a protective swimsuit—it may be pricier, but it can do wonders and truly save your skin!
  • While you’re at it, don a cover wrap, too. It can lend you extra coverage for when you’re out of the water.
  • Avoid hanging out under direct sun from 10 AM to 4 PM, when the UV rays are most dangerous. Instead, take a dip before or after those hours. Not only does your skin bask in less damaging light and heat, but you also get to enjoy the horizon during the golden hours. (Fashion blogger tip: these are the best times to take pictures! *wink*)

Like I always say, I never let the harmful sun-rays get in the way of my fun. I spending time with my family and friends outdoors. With all the necessary precautions it is completely possible to be sun safe and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

What are your Labor Day weekend plans?

Prepare Your Skin For Spring Break and Sun Exposure

Spring break is right around the corner, and I find it to be a great time for family bonding. For me, I plan to take everyone on a trip to the Caribbean for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Just like the majority of us, it’s been a long time since my skin has had much sun, and it’s looking a little pale, dehydrated and feeling sensitive. For most of us, our skin is not prepared at all to handle a sudden burst of heat, ocean water and UV light.

If you’re in the same boat as me, don’t panic. I’ve done a some digging around and found the following tips to help prepare your skin for a vacation to a summer destination.

Diet

About a month before your departure, add extra vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and lycopene to your diet. I prefer to get my vitamins naturally from foods. Also, I add or increase my intake of carrots, sweet potatoes, avocados, Shiitake mushrooms, watercress, salmon, kale, cherries, broccoli, eggs, turmeric, green tea, raspberries and Brazil nuts. I try to avoid excess protein and take extra astaxanthin supplements.

Astaxanthin, if you don’t already know, is a powerful antioxidant found in seafood and shellfish. It’s actually the pigment responsible for turning salmon and crabs pink. When digested, it’s proven to help boost skin moisture and fight against skin wrinkles, spots and freckles. I definitely recommend it to everyone I meet, you can even get it from specially developed chocolate, what’s not to love! I’ve also eliminated processed flours, sugars and trans-fats from my diet until I return from vacation.

Read more about Astaxanthin here

Adjust your skincare routine:

 – Start using a vitamin C product

Vitamin C is essential to the formation of collagen, the natural protein that keeps the skin looking young and hydrated. It also contains loads of antioxidants that help repair sun damage, reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure that leads to wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone.

 – Switch to a non-alcohol based facial toner

Alcohol-based toners dry your skin, creating more problems for your skin in the long run. Make the switch today and you’ll never want to go back.

 – Start using a lighter moisturizer

In the winter months your skin takes a beating from the weather and needs the extra attention from a thicker moisturizer. However, the last thing you need on hot, sunny days is a thick moisturizer clogging up your pores and adding extra shine to your skin. Switch to a lighter, oil-free moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated while letting it breathe.

 – Stay away from vitamin A

Skin products that many of use may contain vitamin A, also known as retinoids. These can create a number of negative side-effects for our skin, such as sun sensitivity, peeling, and skin redness. Not what you want to use before a trip to sunnier climates.

Other measures:

Besides staying well-hydrated, the most obvious but perhaps most often neglected is stocking up on sunscreen. I cannot stress how important it is to wear sunscreen all year long. It’s probably the best way to ensure your skin is looking good for the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.