Top 5 helpful tips for skin care in the summer heat

Throughout the twentieth century, tanning was fashionable and everyone dreamed of bronzed skin in the summer until doctors and scientists proved that solar ultraviolet radiation is harmful. Moreover, heat, high humidity, and other circumstances can lead to various skin problems if we don't take care of it properly.

Experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center asked dermatologist Mara C. Weinstein Velez to explain how to take care of skin in the summer to protect it from problems. Here are five of her top tips.

Hydration is important both inside and out

In summer, it is important to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can manifest itself in the form of dry and dull skin, flaking and even fine lines.

It should be remembered that our body loses more water in the heat through sweating, and these losses need to be compensated for to maintain water balance. Drinking enough water helps to maintain good skin condition, among other things.

Take a water bottle with you wherever you go. Add cucumber, lemon, or mint slices to it if you like to give it a nice fresh flavor.

Be sure to use moisturizing skin care products. Not only your face but also your body needs care.

Wearing sunscreen is a must

In addition to moisturizing in the summer, you need to take care of UV protection. Go to the weather service on your smartphone and find an informer about the level of ultraviolet radiation. If it is higher than 6, your skin needs protection. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before going outside, and keep a close eye on how long you stay in the sun. Reapply every two hours. Try to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is most active.

Remember that UV rays can damage the skin, causing sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect against this, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Choose products with physical filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These minerals, once on the surface of the skin, reflect sunlight, so UV radiation does not penetrate. This product begins to work immediately after application and blocks both type A and type B rays.

If you are prone to hyperpigmentation, choose a mineral-based tinted sunscreen. Iron oxides are a key ingredient in such creams. Thanks to its properties, it blocks the rays that can contribute to the production of pigment in the skin.

Renew your sunscreen layer regularly

Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you swim or sweat. There are different forms of the product: not only cream but also spray or powder. You will always find something for yourself.

Use UV protection even on cloudy days

Although clouds can block the sun's rays, they don't block all of them. Thus, type B rays do not even penetrate glass, but type A rays are not so easy to block.

UVA exposure leads to collagen degradation and can accelerate skin aging. That's why you need protection from it even when it's cloudy outside or when sitting under a window or driving in a car.

Consume antioxidants

Antioxidants protect our cells from aggressive substances called free radicals. The sun activates them, and these substances prevent them from harming our body. Antioxidants also contribute to the production of collagen, which is essential for maintaining youthful skin.

Many antioxidants are found in common foods, such as berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and green tea. They can also be found in skin care products. Vitamins C and E, green tea extract, are the most popular.

Bonus. Don't forget about after-sun care

If you do like to sunbathe, take care of yourself after sunbathing. Take a cool shower to soothe your skin and wash off any sweat and sunscreen. Afterward, apply a moisturizer that replenishes lost moisture and soothes the skin.

If you get a sunburn, apply aloe vera gel to soothe the affected areas. Do not pick off the peeling skin and stay away from heat sources, including hot showers, as this will only worsen your condition.

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