SKIN CARE IN THE SUN

During the Summer months we tend to enjoy a lot of activities under the sun. In this blog post, I will be offering a few tips on how to stay safe in the sun.

More often than I can believe, I hear a lot of dark skinned ladies tell me, why do I have to think about my skin in the sun, after all we are brown with loads of melanin and our skin can handle the sun. Well let me tell you folks, as long as you are a human being, long hours under the sun is not good for you, especially if you do this often.

SUN BLOCK

It is true that melanin provides some form of sun protection, but that doesn't  protect us from sun burn or even skin cancer with prolonged sun exposure. The darkest skin has a natural SPF of about 10 to 15 so there is a lot of room for more protection. A daily moisturizer for you face with sunblock of about 30 is perfect. Not a bad idea to go the extra mile and use body moisturizer with SPF in it.

A day out at the pool or beach definitely calls for maximum skin protection from the sun. I usually cover up with a SPF 50 or higher.  I reapply after I come out of the water. Hats with a wide brim are also great to block the UV rays from your face.

FACE TREATMENTS

If you know you will be in the sun excessively, avoid skin treatments such as chemical peels, that involve scraping off layers of your skin, leaving it easily harmed by the sun.

HYDRATE

Fun the in sun can leave you dehydrated and your skin generally tired looking. Drink a lot of water before and after to keep skin plump and elastic. Drinking water also replaces all the sweat you lose in the heat. You don't want to be passing out from dehydration! If you can, plan your activities during hours of the day when the sun is at its lowest. Avoid the sun between 12pm and 2pm the most.

VITAMIN E and C

These important vitamins can be found in several skin products. Vitamin E heels the skin from sun and general environmental damage. Most people use this at night as skin rejuvination is highest when you sleep.  Vitamin C also heels the skin, reduces fine lines and the appearance of dark spots over time.

ALOE VERA

After sun burn, a facial treatment with aloe vera helps to soothe the skin and heel it. But, we won't be getting sun burn will we?

Thank you for coming by!

source; Afua rida