Summer Skin Care Tips

As summer gets into full swing and you spend more time outside in the hot sun, it is important to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Exposure to sunlight can cause damage that you’ll notice quickly, like a sunburn, and damage that may become a problem over time, such as wrinkles or even melanoma. To make sure that your skin stays healthy and comfortable during the summer months and beyond, follow these tips.

Apply Sunscreen

Exposure to direct sunlight means exposure to UV rays, and this can result in sunburnt skin. Long-term UV exposure increases your risk for skin cancer. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly apply sunscreen, or forget to reapply throughout the day, causing more than 1 out of every 3 Americans to experience at least one instance of sunburn every year. Applying sunscreen can help protect against UV rays, meaning less damage to your skin and a lower risk of skin cancer. When choosing sunscreen, make sure that you choose one that is SPF 30 or higher. Also look for “broad-spectrum” on the bottle. This means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you plan on spending an extended period of the day outside, make sure to pack your sunscreen and reapply as directed throughout the day.

Prevent Wrinkles

Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause the skin to look wrinkled and aged. To prevent premature aging from sun exposure, sunscreen application is important. The same rays that can cause immediate sunburns can also result in more long-term damage like this. Clothing also protects against sun damage, so covering up when outside is an easy and effective way to prevent wrinkles. While you should not miss out on the summer sun, one last way to prevent sun damage is to stay inside during the hottest times of the day when the sunlight is the most intense, usually between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Treating Sunburns

Sometimes, despite even our best efforts, we get sunburnt. When it does happen, they can be painful and irritating. There is no cure for sunburns, but you can treat them to reduce pain until they do heal. Lotion with aloe vera can soothe the sunburnt area of the skin. The sunburn may blister and become itchy, but it is important to let the skin heal, even if it is uncomfortable. You can also take a cool bath, take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and apply moisturizing cream or hydrocortisone cream to help with pain and itching. This will help prevent the sunburn from feeling worse. After recovering from a sunburn, remember to apply sunscreen regularly to avoid future burns.

For urgent care with heart, visit a Midwest Express Clinic location today or contact us for more information.