Summer Skincare Tips

Summer is upon us, and one of our favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to go outside and soak up the sun.

The sun can be both our friend and our enemy. The vitamin D we get from the sun is vital to our health, yet too much sun can damage our skin—causing skin cancer, freckles, liver spots, and wrinkles. But that doesn’t stop people from spending hours outside without sunscreen or intentionally staying outside for too long to get that “perfect” tan.

The Cleveland Clinic reminds us how damage occurs:

 Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet light damages the fibers in your skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, your skin begins to sag, stretch and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching. Your skin also bruises and tears more easily, in addition to taking longer to heal. So, while sun damage to your skin may not be apparent when you’re young, it’ll show later in life.

The rays we need to be concerned about are the ultraviolet ones, and there are three different types (A, B, and C). While the atmosphere absorbs UVC waves, the other two types reach the earth’s surface, and those are the ones that cause damage.

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that “UVB rays cause a much greater risk of skin cancer than UVA” and “UVA rays cause aging, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity.” It goes on to explain that “UVA also increases the damaging effects of UVB, including skin cancer and cataracts.”

Staying safe in the sun is of vital importance this summer (and every day really!). So we have some great tips to keep you safe, whether you are enjoying the beach, hiking, swimming at the pool, or simply playing at the park with your kids.

1. Wear sunscreen!
We know that sunscreen can be messy, greasy, or have a strong smell, but you are important, and your family needs you around. So be good to your body and take care of it. Try different brands until you find one you can tolerate. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Then use it anytime you are outside longer than fifteen minutes or so. Be aware that many brands need to be reapplied after you swim, so read the label and watch the clock if you are at the beach or the pool.

2. Use protective materials.
Limit the amount of direct sunlight you expose yourself to. Hats are great to protect your face. Long sleeves or pants serve as good protection for your body, but they may not be feasible if it’s hot outside. Umbrellas or even the shade of a tree can reduce the amount of UV light you are exposed to.

3. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Sunglasses should be part of your outdoor attire. The sun’s rays can damage your eyes, causing cataracts or other problems, especially when you’re at the beach or pool. The FDA warns that “sunlight reflecting off sand, water, or even snow further increases exposure to UV radiation and raises your risk of developing eye problems.” Make sure to look at the label when buying sunglasses, as not all sunglasses have the 100% UV protection that you need.

4. Be aware of the peak sun hours.
The sun’s rays are strongest and do the most damage between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Try to partake in activities during off-peak hours. If you go outside during those hours, wear sunscreen and alternate between the sun and shade.

5. Give your skin a boost with products from Performance Inspired.
Collagen is a type of protein that helps improve the look and feel of your skin, among other things. There are several main types of collagen, and we need them all. That’s why PI created two great collagen products—one a gummy and the other a flavorless powder that you can add to your favorite drink. Both supplements will support healthy joints, hair, skin, nails.                                                                                                                                                                                          In addition, we offer Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies to help boost the health of your hair, skin, and nails. With Vitamin A, C, D3, E, B6, B12, biotin, and zinc, this supplement supports your overall health and beauty.

6. Perform regular skin checks.
Know your body! We all have freckles, age spots, moles, or birthmarks. Look in the mirror and know what the spots on your body look like. If you notice any changes, see a dermatologist. As we get older, it’s good practice to have your skin checked regularly (once a year) by a dermatologist.

Have fun this summer and get some natural vitamin D. But don’t overdo it, use plenty of sunscreen, stay safe, and use these tips to enjoy the sun!