Summer is just around the corner, which means you’ll soon be spending more time outdoors 
enjoying barbecues, laying out at the beach or pool, and going on outings with friends and family. While soaking in the sun’s rays may warm both your body and soul, it’s important to keep in mind that excess sun exposure could increase your risk for premature aging and skin cancer. However, as long as you consciously take steps toward keeping your skin safe and beautiful, you can enjoy your time spent in the sun without exposing yourself to any health risks.
May is National Skin Care Awareness Month, which is an ideal time to learn more about how to take good care of your skin, and how to maintain your youth and beauty for as long as possible. Here are five ways to keep your skin healthy in the sun all year long.
1. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin
The sun’s UV rays can penetrate your skin even on cloudy, overcast days. Before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed parts of your body, including your hands. If you plan on baring most of your skin at the beach or pool, stand in front of a full-length mirror when applying sunscreen to make sure you’re not missing any hard-to-reach spots, such as the middle of your back. If nobody is around to help you apply sunscreen in spots that are difficult to reach, consider using a mist-spray brand of sunscreen to achieve an even overall application.
2. Don’t forget to protect your face
Your face can be more sensitive to the sun’s rays than any other place on your body, especially if you’re prone to developing freckles. Add sunscreen to your daily skin care and makeup routines all year long, including during the colder fall and winter months. Use skin care products that contain an SPF of at least 15, as well as antioxidants that can help keep your skin plump, smooth, and hydrated.
3. Drink more water
Water is key to having vibrant, youthful skin, since water hydrates and keeps skin plump, smooth, and young-looking. Water can also help reduce the development of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re a soda, sweet tea, or juice drinker, swap out these beverages for water to improve the appearance of your skin, while also reducing the risk for acne. Additionally, take advantage of seasonal summer produce such as watermelon, berries, and leafy greens -- all of which are high in water content and also contain high amounts of antioxidants that can add a healthy, soft glow to your appearance.
4. Don’t forget lip balm
Even if you’re drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated, the hot summer sun can increase your risk for having chapped, dry, flaky lips. Wear lip balm brands that offer sun protection, and that have an SPF of at least 15. Keep lip balm with you at all times when heading outdoors or away from home to keep your lips smooth and hydrated.
5. Skip the tanning salon
Achieving a healthy-looking bronze tan may be the ideal look for summer, but this year, skip going to the tanning salon and stick to using self-tanning mist sprays, which can often provide a more even application and lower the risk for streaks. Despite recent advancements in technology for medical equipment, most tanning salons still use lamps and tanning equipment that could expose your skin to harmful UV rays and increase your risk for skin cancer.
Facial rejuvenation treatments
If your skin shows signs of premature aging, discoloration, pigmentation, and other blemishes due to having spent lots of time outdoors in the sun, consider having one or more facial rejuvenation treatments. Cosmetic facial rejuvenation treatments can often help reverse signs of aging, and eliminate sun spots, scarring, and pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing can help rejuvenate sun-damaged and aging skin, and soften or eliminate pigmented areas, whereas microneedling with CosmoPen can help reduce and treat large pores, acne, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
If you’ve developed fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes due to squinting in the sun, consider cosmetic injectable treatments such as Botox and Xeomin, which can help reduce signs of aging. Alternately, you can undergo dermal filler treatment with Juvederm or Radiesse, which are formulas that can soften wrinkles and fine lines while also restoring volume to your face.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
