Changing to Summer Skin Care Routine - 8 Efficient Tips

Summer skin care routine?

Summer is arguably one of the most popular seasons of the year. School is out, the weather is warm, the days are long and sunny. Depending on where you live, the population might even double if it's a tourist hotspot. Summer brings with it many good times and memories.

But for many people, it can be a challenging time since allergy season tends to carry throughout the summer months, and some people may not tolerate the hot days. This season is also quite damaging to our skin.

Yes. If you think about it, most summer-related activities include spending large amounts of time in the sun. The heat, dryness, and humidity also have a significant effect on our complexion. It's essential to learn the impacts the sun, heat, and everything else has on our body and skin. Below we also list some summer skincare tips as well as a summer skincare routine.

Why Does the Sun Damage Skin?

Sun rays are comprised of UVB, UVA, visible light, infrared, and other harmful elements.

UV rays are the main reason why the sun damages the skin in the summer. Sun damage affects everyone differently depending on factors including our DNA sequencing. It's almost impossible to avoid sun exposure in the summer since it is needed for vitamin D. We can't totally avoid the sun, but we can prepare ourselves to minimize the damage it causes with this summer skincare guide.

UVB Rays:

UVB rays are present in sunlight and tanning beds. These rays have a peak at around 2 to 2.5 micrometers, which is why they cause erythema (redness) and sunburns.

UVA Rays:

UVA rays are present in sunlight and tanning beds. They go deeper into our skin layers and cause DNA damage, immune system suppression, wrinkles, sagging skin, and more serious conditions such as skin cancer. UVA rays have a peak at around 10 to 400 nanometers.

How to Protect Skin from the Sun

• Use Sunscreen: This is pretty much a no-brainer and was probably infused into our minds as children by our mothers. Days spent poolside included our faces being smothered in white cream. For a good reason, sunscreen should always be used before any exposure to the sun. This means adding it to your daily skincare routine, which we will discuss below. Using sunglasses and a hat may also be a good idea.
• Avoid or Limit Recreational Sunbathing: Bad news for all of us out there who like to lay on the beach and end up with sun-kissed golden skin. This also goes for tanning beds and sunlamps. 
• Look for a UV Index: You can often find these in the weather report. If it's 10 or higher, it's recommended people stay indoors.

Skincare Tips for Summer

When it comes to skin care for sun damaged skin, there are key tips such as:

• Again, use sunscreen!: This is very important when it comes to keeping your skin safe during the summer months. Overexposure to UV rays can cause premature aging, saggy skin, age spots, and even cancer. It's essential to use sunscreen anytime you'll be exposed to the sun - this means not just for recreational activities. Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher.  
• Use vitamin C: Antioxidants help fight sun damage and increase SPF. Choosing products containing vitamin E, C, or niacinamide helps neutralize harm caused by UV rays. 
• Stay Hydrated!: Our bodies are made up mostly of water, including our skin. If we begin to feel parched, our body will show it. We sweat more during the summer months, which means we are at risk of getting dehydrated quicker. Make sure to keep up with your water intake. Consider drinking more than you usually do during hotter days.
• Eat Right: You may have heard to eat foods high in antioxidants. In particular, strawberries and blueberries are good for the skin. Other examples include green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
• Avoid Spicy Foods:  Spicy foods often cause a release of histamines, which tend to make allergies worse - including those from heat and the sun.
• Treat Acne:  Acne tends to worsen during the summer months due to sunscreen, sweat, dirt, etc. You can treat acne with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Keep in mind that some people are allergic/sensitive to these ingredients, so be careful when trying new products if you have sensitive skin.
• Change the products: When it comes to skincare, we may be tempted to use the same products as those used in the winter. This is not always ideal since our skin also changes throughout the year.
• Lastly... Stay Safe!:  The most important thing is to remember that safety should always come first when spending time in the sun. Try not to use too much heat when cooking or heating up the home. For those who have sensitive skin, it may be a good idea to stay indoors or even take short vacations at cooler locations.

Lotion for Sun Damaged Skin

AETHEION® ZC5 After Sun combines ZC5 Redox Technology and soothing shea butter in a gentle spray that quickly restores moisture from excessive Sun exposure to the skin and hair. It is a sunburn relief lotion packed with antioxidants, making it the perfect match for unprotected sun exposure of the skin. Spray liberally on uncovered skin and hair at the end of the day to reduce redness, hydrate thirsty strands, and prevent future damage.