protect + repair your summer skin with these 5 tips
Summer is finally here! The weather is hot, the sun is a scorcher and we’re ready to get outside and have some (long overdue) fun. Clients are always asking how they can best protect and repair their skin from sun damage. When looking at this topic through a holistic lens there are many ways we can view this concern.
Firstly, what is sun damage and how does it happen? The sun emits rays that beam down onto us — UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the deepest into our dermal layer of skin and can promote premature aging. UVB rays hit the epidermal layer causing inflammation and irritation on the superficial top layer of the skin. UVA = aging and UVB = burning. Exposing your skin to these powerful rays for a long period of time unprotected can lead to immune system suppression, dark spots on the skin, hyper-pigmentation and skin cancer. At the same time, these rays are also incredibly beneficial and supportive to our overall health at certain times and at certain dosages. Protecting our skin from sun damage is possible while still enjoying that glorious sunshine.
Here are 5 simple ways to protect and repair your skin this hot + sunny Summer!
sunscreen
Likely the most obvious choice, using sunscreen regularly and re-applying throughout the day is crucial. I recommend a mineral based sunscreen for a more natural approach. This is my favourite mineral sunscreen formulated specifically for the face.
What’s the difference between natural and non-natural sunscreens?
Natural sunscreens contain minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which cover the surface of the skin, creating a layer that blocks the sun’s ability to penetrate into the skin. This type of sunscreen is known to be thick, white and doesn’t fully absorb into the skin (hence the protective layer it creates). There are some sunscreens that don’t create that white cast on the skin when applied - the facial SPF mentioned above is formulated thinner and clearer than any other’s i’ve tried, which is one of the reasons I love it so much!
Non-natural sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients such as oxybenzone that fully absorb into the skin while filtering the sun’s harmful rays. These chemicals penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and are full of carcinogens that can lead to skin diseases and cancers. Furthermore, lots of non-natural sunscreens contain ingredients that are photo-toxic — meaning they react when in contact with heat and sunlight, “cooking” and transforming into skin-damaging ingredients. It’s rather ironic and still mind-blowing to me that sunscreen formulators would include such ingredients when the product is most obviously going to come in contact with the sun. Unfortunately, there is not much regulation in the cosmetic industry and formulators will do what they can to make an extra buck.
hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial all year round, but especially during the hot summer months when we’re sweating and experiencing more moisture loss then usual. To replenish these reservoirs internally we should aim to drink half our weight in water each day. Not a fan of drinking water? Make it fun by adding things like lemon, fresh mint, cucumber, lime or strawberries to your water.
We lean towards using less product on our skin this time of year due to increased humidity, heat and sweat, however sun exposure and indoor air conditioning can be quite dehydrating to the skin. Continue using moisture rich products topically and consider using a smaller amount during application to suit the season. Consistent use of your hydrating skincare products will maintain ample moisture levels in the skin and prevent environmental moisture loss. My favourite products for summer hydration are: Hydrating Mist, Custom Face Serums, Body Oil, Osmosis Hydrating Face Cream, and Peppermint + Lavender Lip Balm.
diet
The foods we consume will impact our skin’s natural ability to heal itself and protect us from environmental damage. Consuming produce rich in water content such as watermelon, cucumber and celery will aid in replenishing lost moisture. Eating as locally as possible and focusing on whole-plant based foods will create a resilient internal environment. Opt for fresh, seasonal and organic where possible — dark leafy greens, antioxidant rich berries, colourful vegetables and fruit. By consuming a wide variety of colours and plants in our diet, we are nourishing our cells with a myriad of vitamins, nutrients and minerals necessary for strong, healthy skin.
after-sun rituals
After a long day in the sun, wash your face as soon as you can. Cleanse away the excessive sunscreen, dirt, oil and pollution. Do a double cleanse if you feel like you need it. After cleansing, continue with your skincare routine (hydrating mist, serum, and moisturizer if needed). Use the smooth end of a jade roller to soothe inflammation and irritation. Cleanse away any sunscreen on the rest your body and apply moisture to the whole body. Using an after-sun spray with aloe vera is a great way to quickly replenish lost moisture and reduce inflammation. I love to follow up with this body oil because it’s rich in Vitamin C to repair sun damage and it’s fast absorbing so it doesn’t feel oily or sticky sitting on the skin. Make sure to get lots of rest after a long day in the sun as it can feel quite draining, and if you’ve got any inflammation on the skin it will heal best when you’re at rest.
led light therapy facials
Light emitting diodes speed up the skin’s healing process and increase it’s ability to renew itself. Red light therapy is incredible for stimulating collagen production, lightening pigmentation and brightening dark spots. LED facials can support your skin during prolonged sun exposure and prevent signs of aging from UVA rays. It can even prevent your skin from burning by building up the skin’s ability to tolerate UV rays! This is a non-invasive, totally safe procedure that can be done up to 1x weekly for best results. Maintain results by supporting your skin at home with a holistic skincare regimen.
