Warm weather invites all types of relaxing thoughts and behaviors. People embrace various ways of relaxing in the summer, from choosing lightweight clothes to spending more time on recreational pursuits to streamlining certain beauty practices.
Summer beauty routines may require minor changes to accommodate some of the environmental effects of hot weather and humidity. Consider the following tips to look and feel your best when the mercury rises.
Try tinted moisturizer. A carefree, breezy look often means not being weighed down by a lot of makeup. It may be possible to skip foundation and rely only on concealer to cover up small blemishes or alleviate dark circles under the eyes. Another option to try is tinted moisturizer, which can keep skin supple and offer a light amount of color to even out pigment. BB creams also can provide you with an all-in-one beauty product, as such creams frequently contain sunscreen, color tinting and anti-aging ingredients.
Get a healthier glow. Many people equate health and vitality to tan skin. However, spending time outdoors in the sun or using indoor tanning beds that expose you to UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer, including dangerous melanoma. The American Cancer Society says melanoma will account for more than 73,000 cases of invasive skin cancer in 2015. Melanoma accounts for more than 9,900 of the roughly 13,000 skin cancer deaths each year. Sunless tanners and bronzers can give skin that sun-kissed look without the downside of exposure to UV rays. Those who must go out in the sun should wear a wide-brimmed hat and limit their exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
Don’t fight the elements. Many people go to great lengths to change what nature gave them. For example, those with curly hair will spend hours with straightening irons or special serums. Try to embrace the elements and your natural hair texture this summer. Use a product to keep frizz away and let hair air dry. Wavy, beach-inspired hair screams summer and can give you that carefree look.
Protect hair and skin. Relaxing in the summertime sun does not mean you should forgo protection. Remember to always apply sunblock to all parts of your body. Some hair products contain sunblock to protect the scalp, and men who shave their heads or are naturally balding should be diligent about applying sunblock to the top of their heads. Don’t forget to apply sunblock to the tops of your feet and your ears.
Rinse hair after swimming. Chlorinated water and even saltwater can affect the color and texture of your hair. Those who color their hair may find frequent laps in the pool can change the hue of their hair or prevent color from lasting as long as it once did. Wet hair before going in the pool, and rinse out salt and chemicals afterward. A small application of leave-in conditioner before entering the water can help seal the hair cuticle and keep chemicals from being absorbed.
Keep skin healthy by knowing sunscreen facts
The best way to care for skin is to be smart about sun exposure. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun can cause a host of problems, from premature wrinkling to skin cancer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, millions of cases of skin cancer are reported each year, and many more may go undetected. The best way to protect skin from the sun is to stay out of the sun. When that is not feasible, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen can guard against damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Although sunscreen is an enormous help, it is not foolproof. Sunburns and skin damage can occur even when using sunscreen, and user error accounts for much of that damage. To get the best results from any sunscreen product, consumers can educate themselves about proper application and avoid certain information inaccuracies.
Myth: The best sunscreen is the one with the highest SPF. Actually, the best sunscreen is the one you will use regularly. Make sure you like the scent and the feel of the sunscreen. Decide if you prefer a sunscreen
that is grouped together with a moisturizer or a makeup foundation. Try sunscreens that are lotions or sticks to figure out which application works best for you. Once you’ve found a product you like, stick with it. But make sure the sunscreen has an adequate sun protection factor, or SPF.
Myth: I only need sunscreen on sunny days. The sun can prove harmful even on cloudy days. You may not be safe indoors, either, particularly if you spend a good deal of time next to an open window. Window glass will only block certain types of UV light, making sunburn possible even if you are indoors or riding in a car. It’s a good habit to apply sunscreen daily regardless of if you will be out in the sun.
Myth: Spray sunscreens are as effective as the rest. Spray products may not deliver enough sunscreen to the skin because droplets are dispersed unevenly. Furthermore, the propellants used in spray sunscreens could be harmful if inhaled. Opt for sunscreens that are applied by hand and can be adequately coated over all areas of the skin.
Myth: Sunscreen does not need to be reapplied, especially if it’s water-resistant. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. The Food and Drug Administration recently prohibited the use of the term “waterproof” because consumers falsely believed their sunscreen products would not wash off. Water-resistant sunscreens will be effective for a certain number of minutes before they need to be reapplied, usually between 40 to 90 minutes. If you have been sweating profusely or have been in the pool or ocean for awhile, play it safe and reapply often.
Myth: A little drop of sunscreen is all that’s needed. Many people are applying far too little sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun. The average person needs about an ounce of lotion to cover his or her entire body. Think about the size of a shot glass and use that amount.
Myth: Spending more money on SPF 50 will get me superior protection. The rate of protection from SPF 30 to SPF 50 is marginal. SPF 30 (when applied correctly) can protect against 97 percent of UVB rays. That’s adequate for many people. It’s most important to choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
-Metro Creative Graphics Inc.
