Its summer time, and the living is easy, but this also means the season's harsh sun is beaming down on your skin. When the beach beckons, and the pool pulls you in, stay smart and protected with all the right practices for a safe time in the sun.
Sun screen is an obvious choice, but when it comes to running errands, its easy to forget to apply. From exercise regiments to daily diet and exfoliating routines, here are the best ways to achieve healthy, sun kissed skin!
FACE YOUR DAY: Even those short walks to lunch or running errands can put you at risk of too much sun exposure. Adding a healthy layer of face protecting sun screen to your morning beauty routine is critical dont-skip-it step. Look for lotions enhanced with anti oxidants for an extra skin health boost.
LIP SERVICE: While we never need an excuse to buy a new lipstick, sun protection for your lips means mandatory shopping!! What ever your color choice, look for lip care of an SPF of at least 15. And consider lip balm verses gloss for the summer, as balms tend to hydrate more and stay on longer.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE: When it comes to your body, mother nature knows best!! Seasonal summer foods like water melons, leafy greens and berries have a higher concentration of water to help you stay hydrated in the heat. It is also healthy and smart to indulge in fresh, water rich foods. So go ahead and enjoy watermelon! its 91% water!!!
GET UP AND GLOW: Summer's best accessory; a sun kissed glow. But its just not great for your skin, given the dangers of sun bathing. Salon spray tans, administered by a technician by an air brush-type applicator, are an alternative but it may cost you a lot of money. Thankfully you can get a nice, sun kissed glow in the privacy of your own bathroom with salon worthy results. The latest self tanners offer spray mist application so you dont have to worry about the silly streaks and excessive dryness. Bronzed, and beautiful your sleeveless summer dress is awaiting you!
SMOOTH OPERATOR: Daily facials not in the cards? A gentle, daily exfoliating routine is your next best bet in the quest for softer, smoother, clearer skin. Exfoliating scrubs and soft face brushes used with gel and cream cleansers lift and wash away dead skin cells and clean out your pours for that awesome facial effect.
REVIVE, RINSE, REPEAT: The three Rs are the most important. In truth, a little sun exposure is beneficial. But when a little becomes too much, your face needs serious skin revival; a triple threat approach. First, wash your skin with cool water and a gentle cleanser to soothe skin. Next, apply a dark spot correcting serum to diminish sunspots, then follow up with deep acting moisturizer to re-hydrate and help fight wrinkles. Parasol or not, start your day strong by applying sunscreen all over.
SWEAT IT OUT: In addition to the obvious physical benefits, your fitness routine is a beauty ritual. Sweat, your body's natural response to exercise, is a brilliant elixir that regulates your body temperature, releases trace amounts of toxins and loosens dirt in your pores (thats why you feel extra clean after your post workout shower!). Sweating also increases your circulation, improving your skins appearance with a healthy glow. So for extra beauty oomph, do sweat the small stuff.
DECENT EXPOSURE: A sunny summer day is like a beauty challenge! Whether it is an important picnic in the park, a walk on the beach, or a road trip (sunroof open!), think early morning or late afternoon. According to the Center for Disease Control, the sun's most harmful rays are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so smart precautions like a broad spectrum high SPF sunscreen, plenty of shade and lots of water will make for a beautiful adventure!!
So stay healthy and beautiful this summer!! xo
