Summer is for sipping sangrias in the sun, by the pool, with your beloved SPF by your side and understanding the best way to protect your skin.
While summer is the best time of the year for most of us, it’s also imperative that you are taking the right steps to protect your skin during this time, because nobody wants to be left with a sunburn where you can’t move for days on end.
So, get ready to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide into why and how we should protect our skin during the summer months.
Our skin in Summer
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s also a time when our skin can be put under a lot of stress. From sunburns to pigmentation, there are a number of skin behaviours that are more common during the summer months. Here are a few of the most notable and some tips on how to deal with them.
One of the most common skin behaviours during the summer is sunburn. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 9,500 people dying from it each year [1]. And according to Cancer Council Australia, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with more than 434,000 cases diagnosed each year [2]. Sunburn is a leading cause of skin cancer, and it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
A common skin behaviour that occurs in summer that can be a problem is the development of skin discoloration. This can occur as a result of excessive sun exposure and can manifest as dark spots or patches on the skin. To prevent skin discoloration, it is important to protect your skin from the sun and to use products that contain ingredients that can help to even out the skin tone [3].
Finally, summer is also a time when many people experience dry skin. This can be caused by a number of factors, including spending time in air-conditioned environments, swimming in chlorinated pools, and sweating. To prevent dry skin, it is important to keep the skin moisturised, and to avoid using harsh soaps or other products that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
In conclusion, summer is a time when our skin can be put under a lot of stress. To keep your skin healthy and looking its best, it is important to protect it from the sun, stay cool and dry, avoid bug bites, use products that can help to even out the skin tone, and keep the skin moisturised. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a summer of fun in the sun without having to worry about skin behaviours that can be a problem.
How to protect your skin in Summer
There are two key ingredients at the forefront of our mind when we think about skin protection; Sunscreen and Vitamin C.
Sunscreen should be utilised all year round but especially in summer. We have two different types of sunscreen; physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreen reflects the light and bounces the UV rays off the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb the light and reduce the reactivity within the skin [4].
A recent study concluded that combining active sunscreen ingredients with other ingredients actually decreases the level of protection you get from the sun [5].
So it is so important that when applying your sunscreen, to apply an even layer on the skin, not mixed with any other SPF or ingredients and reapply every two hours [6].
The use of Vitamin C in your skincare routine can aid with protection as well. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress and DNA mutation within the skin and this can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Oxidative stress occurs when you get an imbalance of antioxidants and prooxidants. Oxidative stress can offsetted due to smoking behaviours, sun behaviours and pollution [7].
And of course, when exposed to the sun, make sure that you’re applying your sunscreen of at least 30+ or higher, hopping in the shade, wearing sunglasses and covering as much skin as you possibly can!
Shop our favourite sun protection.
Ingredients to be mindful of to protect your skin
There are a few ingredients we recommend you use with caution during summer time. One of them being your retinol usage. Retinol can cause sensitivity within the skin and can have an unpleasant effect when it is not removed properly or used at the wrong end of the day. Ensure you are always using your retinol at night and double cleansing in the morning to ensure your skin doesn’t become excessively sensitive to the sun.
Some medications can also affect your skin when exposed to the sun. Ensure you read all side effects and protect your skin with the products above.
How to protect your skin & reduce sunburn
Because sometimes a sunburn is inevitable. Of course, don’t forget to wear your best hat and sunnies, and reapply every 2 hours.
If a sunburn does occur there are some ingredients that can aid with cooling the skin. Aloe Vera is an ingredient widely used for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Aloe vera has also been proven to increase water content within the skin and can aid with skin dehydration and dryness [8].
For more information, contact our qualified Dermal Clinicians at Flawless Rejuvenation.
Reference
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Sun Protection. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection
[2] Cancer Council Australia. (2021). Skin Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.
[3] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Hyperpigmentation. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/
[4] Gabros, S., Nessel, T. A., & Zito, P. M. (2019). Sunscreens and photoprotection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/
[5] [6] Ginzburg, A. L., Blackburn, R. S., Santillan, C., Truong, L., Tanguay, R. L., & Hutchison, J. E. (2021). Zinc oxide-induced changes to sunscreen ingredient efficacy and toxicity under UV irradiation. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 20(10), 1273-1285. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43630-021-00101-2
[7] Raschke, T., Koop, U., Düsing, H. J., Filbry, A., Sauermann, K., Jaspers, S., … & Wittern, K. P. (2004). Topical activity of ascorbic acid: from in vitro optimization to in vivo efficacy. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 17(4), 200-206. https://doi.org/10.1159/000078824
[8] Grundmann, O. (2012). Aloe vera gel research review. Natural medicine journal, 4(9). https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/aloe-vera-gel-research-review