Summer is here, and it’s a time for relaxation—ideally. To fully enjoy the warmer weather while ensuring your skin remains safe and radiant, consider these easy strategies.
Incorporate sunscreen into your diet
When it comes to summer skincare, relying solely on topical applications isn’t enough (but we’ll cover those shortly).
Research indicates that antioxidant-rich foods can enhance your skin’s defense against UV rays, provide long-term protection, and assist in skin repair. This means that the right dietary choices can contribute to keeping your skin in prime condition. Notably, nutrients like vitamins C and E, selenium, flavonoids, and polyphenols can counter the biochemical changes that occur in the skin after sun exposure.
Luckily, these beneficial nutrients can be found in abundance in seasonal summer produce. Aim to fill your plate with a vibrant assortment of fruits and vegetables.
Conversely, some foods contain psoralens, compounds that can intensify the effects of sunlight. If you plan to be outside for prolonged periods, it might be wise to skip citrus fruits and items from the umbelliferae family (such as parsnips, parsley, celery, and carrots) in your picnic spread.
And don’t forget topical sunscreen
Sun protection comes from two main types of sunscreens: Chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV radiation, and physical sunscreens, which block UV rays from penetrating the skin.
However, a 2019 FDA evaluation found insufficient safety and absorption data for many commonly used chemical sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate. Additionally, these substances have been banned in certain locations due to their potential harm to delicate aquatic environments.
Physical sunscreens, which are generally viewed as the safer and more natural choice, mainly utilize minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While titanium dioxide is more effective against UVB rays, zinc oxide is preferred for UVA rays, and using both together offers broad-spectrum UV protection. Recent formulations feature smaller particles to minimize the visible white film on the skin, and studies indicate that very few of these particles penetrate into the living layers of skin. Nevertheless, inhalation of titanium dioxide has been associated with lung cancer, so it’s wise to avoid spray or powdered forms of physical sunscreens.
Research also suggests that oil-based carriers tend to provide more effective and longer-lasting sun protection; thus, seek out natural sunscreens that utilize oils. These oil-based products additionally help maintain moisture in the skin.
Don’t be misled into thinking that your SPF 15 foundation will fully shield you during an outdoor lunch. It’s unlikely you’re applying a sufficient amount to achieve complete SPF protection, and reapplication is essential for effectiveness. Instead, consider wearing a hat with a wide brim and use a lip balm containing coconut oil or shea butter and zinc oxide while enjoying the outdoors.
If you find yourself needing after-sun care due to excessive sun exposure, have coconut oil handy. Research indicates that virgin coconut oil can decrease free radical production following sun exposure and has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for the skin.
This raises the question: How do you deal with long-term signs of sun exposure on your skin?
Know when to seek help: spotting issues
Freckles are light to reddish-brown spots that often have irregular but defined edges, resulting from an increase in melanin production. They typically emerge during childhood on the face, chest, neck, and arms of individuals with fair skin, especially those with red hair. Freckles can lighten during the winter and may fade with age.
On the other hand, dark or brown spots, known as hyperpigmentation, arise from excess melanin and often follow healing from a pimple or bite. Hormonal changes can also cause dark patches of skin to appear, particularly during pregnancy, and are more prevalent in darker skin types. Using sun protection can help diminish both types of marks.
Age spots, or solar lentigines, generally appear after 50 on skin that has been exposed to the sun. They are more noticeable in lighter skin and vary in size. These spots result from an increase in melanin-producing cells and changes in the skin that hinder the shedding of melanin through normal exfoliation. Often referred to as liver spots or sunspots, age spots are strongly linked to prolonged sun exposure and come with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Actinic keratosis presents as small, rough patches on sun-exposed skin that may itch, burn, or feel like sandpaper. They commonly appear on the backs of the hands, ears, nose, lower lip, and balding scalp. If you notice these patches, consult your doctor immediately as they can be strongly associated with squamous cell carcinoma, the second most prevalent form of skin cancer.
Moles are skin growths that may darken when exposed to sunlight. If a mole changes in shape (especially with irregular borders), color, or size, or bleeds easily, consult a healthcare provider.
Your daily beauty regimen for summer skin
Take a Multivitamin
Boost your antioxidant protection with vitamins C and E, along with carotenoids.
Use Borage Oil
This oil is a fantastic source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory fat that helps prevent moisture loss from the skin. Apply it topically or take it as a supplement to maintain skin hydration.
Try Astaxanthin
This carotenoid can combat free radicals linked to UV damage, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin moisture.
Enhance Your Summer Radiance
Cleanse Your Skin
Whether you’re in a boardroom or on the beach, removing sunscreen and makeup before you sleep is essential. Contrary to popular belief, just one cleansing product is sufficient.
Cleansers utilize surfactants that effectively remove both oil and water-based products. Choose those made from natural sources like sugar and lipids, including sucrose laurate and lauryl glucoside for optimal results.
Hydrate
Even if your skin appears dewy in the summer, it still requires moisturizing. Seek products with ingredients that draw in moisture or retain it without clogging pores, such as jojoba, sunflower, argan, and sesame oils, along with honey. Sandalwood oil can also help soothe irritation linked to acne.
Revitalize with a Spritz
Nothing beats the refreshing feeling of a cooling mist on a hot summer day. When selecting a facial mist, opt for natural brands with ingredients like Pyrus malus (apple extract), which nourishes the skin while helping to lock in moisture. Continue the fruity trend with Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract as a natural preservative.
Multifunctional Use
Coconut oil serves multiple purposes, acting as a skin cleanser, moisturizer for dry areas, and a treatment for hair!
Natural Defense
Light skin possesses an inherent SPF of about 3.4, while dark skin has a natural SPF of roughly 13.4. Studies reveal that individuals with light skin receive about four times more UV exposure to the upper dermis (the second layer of skin) compared to those with darker skin. However, it’s important to remember that darker skin can also burn and is at risk for skin cancer.
Enjoy iced tea made from black or green tea to help lessen UV-induced redness.
While many natural sunscreens incorporate plant ingredients like vitamins and extracts, don’t assume their effectiveness alone will offer sufficient protection. For instance, olive oil and coconut oil have natural SPFs of about 8. Additionally, topical applications of natural ingredients like aloe haven’t proven consistent results.
If you’re searching for natural remedies for hyperpigmentation, topical extracts from mulberry, kiwi, and Sophora angustifolia have been shown in research to significantly reduce skin hyperpigmentation, yielding effects comparable to synthetic hydroquinone.
