10 ways to keep your skin healthy this summer9

With each passing day it is getting a little hotter in the greater vancouver and fraser valley.Summer is well on its way and it is going to be long, hot, and dry. In order to combat the change of season and the brutal heat that awaits, you will need to make some changes to your skin care routine. Obviously, the plans that you had for winter and spring were not designed to protect your skin from the sometimes overwhelming sun, so some adjustments are in order. Here are 10 tips that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy during the intense, but always beautiful, Greater Vancouver area. Sunscreen This one should be obvious because it is extremely important. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you plan to go outside. Remember that just because you’ve applied it once doesn’t mean you are done for the day; re-apply every few hours to ensure that your skin is being protected. Sunscreens that offer protection for both UVA and UVB rays are typically the most effective. Lip Balm Since you can’t apply sunscreen to your lips (yuck), you will have to find some SPF lip balm that you like. Summer can be especially brutal on the lips and can leave them painfully cracked and damaged if they are not protected. Cool Shower Don’t take a warm or hot shower on a summer day. Although you may not be used to it, taking a cold shower can help heal your skin after heat and sun exposure. If you take a hot shower you can further dry and damage your skin. Drink A Little Wine Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phenol found in red grapes, has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the skin. This means that drinking red wine can decrease redness from sunburns. That’s right, red wine can help heal your sun damaged skin. Wear a Hat Although we might forget, hats were originally designed to be more than a fashion statement. A great hat can go a long way towards protecting your face from the sun. When it comes to protection, the bigger the hat the better; a baseball cap is not going to cut it. A wide brimmed cap will keep the sun out of your eyes and off of your face, plus you will look great. Drink Lots of Water It doesn’t matter which season it is, drinking water is an essential part of your skin health and overall health. Summer heat in the Vancouver Area can dehydrate a person very quickly, that is why it is always a good idea to have a bottle of water around at all times. Drink water throughout the day to keep your body cooled down and your skin refreshed. Treat Sunburns Even if you take the necessary precautions, it is still possible to develop sunburn if you are spending time having fun in the sun. Don’t stress if you get a burn, there are many ways that you can treat your skin. Just make sure you don’t ignore the damage and let it develop into something worse. Moisturize your damaged skin with a product that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe your burn and begin the healing process. Exfoliate During the summer exfoliation becomes even more important to your skin care routine. Make an effort to exfoliate 1-2 times per week or 2-3 times if you have more oily skin. Exfoliation will help shed skin that has been damaged from the sun and will leave your skin soft, bright, and rejuvenated. Eat Water Rich Foods Staying hydrated is not just about drinking water. If you do not already, you should make an effort to add water rich foods into your daily diet. Foods like watermelon, berries, and cantaloupe are mostly made of water (watermelon is 91% water) and can go a long way towards fueling your body while hydrating your skin. Opt for a Spray Tan Let’s face it, laying out for a tan and exposing your skin to the sun’s rays is awful for your skin. The less time you spend in direct contact with the sun’s rays, especially during the summer, the better off you are. But how will you get that tan if it is not wise to sun bathe? Fortunately, Alouette Day Spa will soon be offering top quality spray tans. The proprietary formula is created using an exclusive process utilizing beet and cane sugar extracts which result in a tan that looks natural to your own body. You will not look like an Oompa Loompa and you will be doing your skin a huge favor. Get out and have fun this summer, but remember to take care of your skin. If you follow the tips above your skin will survive one of the most trying seasons of the year in fantastic shape.