Summer is here, and while many are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, it also means that your skin is also at more risk. Whether you have allergies or spend most of your time out in the sun, there are several ways your skin can become damaged if precautions aren’t taken. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your skin stays smooth and healthy all summer long. Here are some skin care tips to keep in mind to prevent sun damage.
Use Sunscreen and Wear a Hat
This is by far the most important tip on our list. If you are going out in the sun for more than 30 minutes, you need to wear sunscreen. This is even more important if you are going outside between 10am and 4pm, which is when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the strongest. Clouds don’t block much sunlight either, so it’s critical that you wear both a sunscreen and a hat during the summer. Make sure to apply SPF 30 or higher for long-lasting protection.
Drink Plenty of Water
If you get a sunburn or are exposed to sunlight for more than 30 minutes, make sure you drink a lot of water. Sunburns can cause what is known as vasodilation, which dilates your skin’s blood vessels and make the skin lose water. This can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink water frequently when exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.
Be Careful With Exfoliants
While it is important to exfoliate your skin year-round, try not to overdo it during the summer months. Too much exfoliation will leave your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so try to use gentler scrubs on sunnier days.
Want to Reduce the Appearance of Sun Damage?
If you have any sunspots or other forms of hyperpigmentation due to sun damage, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene. He can identify the best treatment for your condition, ranging from IPL to laser skin resurfacing. We are happy to serve patients living in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and other neighboring Washington communities.