As much as we are told not to by professionals, the first thing we do as the summer sun creeps in is to catch some rays while reading a good book by the pool. Why? Well, tanning releases endorphins that make you feel good (similar to when you work out). These endorphins are released naturally when your body is exposed to the sun’s rays. Not only that, but while you're in the process of getting tan, the warm, soothing experience feels amazing, sort of like a hug!
Tanning doesn’t have to be avoided like the plague. It can be done safely if in moderation and if you follow these few simple steps to ensuring your healthiest summer skin!
No SPF, no sun!
Getting that brown summer skin is the result of melanin released in the affected area of your skin. Unfortunately, long-term effects of UV exposure include cancer and premature photoaging. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with the right SPF can help minimize this type of damage. Make sure to wait 15 minutes after application before entering water, as the sunscreen needs time to absorb.
Worried that sunscreen will prevent you from getting tan? Well, it won’t! When you look at the science, sunscreens allow people to stay out in the sun longer and protect against the UV rays that can cause skin cancer, but they do not prevent the skin from developing a tan. So, make sunscreen a part of not only your summer sun-soaked days, but your daily skin care routine too!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Moisture is critical to good skin health because it helps maintain a good skin barrier and creates a flexible, pliable skin that is soft to touch. Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin.
Our skin naturally dries during the tanning process, therefore, it's vitally important to hydrate afterwards. Using a moisturiser will also ensure your tanned skin remains in good condition by replenishing the fluids lost through the tanning process. And, did you know that keeping your skin hydrated will extend the life of your tan?
Invest in a wide-brimmed hat
Wearing a hat provides instant shade, which increases your cumulative total sun protection factor by at least 10. While you still need to slather your skin with sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, a hat can help give added coverage for the skin on your ears and neck.
It’s also suggested that darker colored hats absorb UV rays, which helps block them from your skin. That's why dark blue, black, and dark red are the best colors for sun protection!
Wash excess salt/chlorine off of your skin after a day in the sun
It’s super important to shower the chlorine off your skin to prevent damage from those harsh pool chemicals. This is because chlorine strips away the natural oils that protect your skin and keep it moist. Not removing chlorine can make your skin and hair dry out, leaving you itchy and dry, particularly if you're already prone to sensitive skin.
Salt, however, absorbs dirt, grime, and toxins and cleanses your skin's pores deeply. Salt's mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in skin and helps it hold hydration. It also tightens up your skin to reduce your pores and sucks pore-clogging oil and toxins out of your skin. But, there are dangers to not rinsing ocean water off your skin. Recent studies have shown that changes in the microbiome can cause susceptibility to skin infection and disease.
The bottom line? Don’t skip the quick outdoor shower rinse after a dip in the pool or ocean.
Use SkinSpring to fight the effects of UV Rays
There are approximately 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays, and unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells. When you use SkinSpring on environmentally damaged skin, the molecules associated with inflammation are switched off and skin cells begin to function normally again, essentially stopping any further damage. UV light penetrates into the skin and damages the cells responsible for collagen and elastin formation, leading to wrinkles, fine lines and droopy skin, but because of SkinSpring’s properties, it will soothe damaged and inflamed skin and help cells to repair.
SkinSpring is a Hypochlorous Solution suitable for all skin types and can be sprayed directly onto clean skin - allowing it to dry naturally - after direct sun exposure or when your skin feels dry, inflamed or irritated. Always keep a bottle in your beach bag!