By Beth Egan
Skin’s needs differ from season to season. Moisture levels in the air vary, and being hot usually leads to perspiration- not a concern on chilly winter days- but certainly a concern when it comes to keeping pores clear. Following are a few tips to ensure that summer leaves you with beautiful, radiant skin.
- Avoid sun damage. The middle part of the day is the harshest in terms of sun exposure, so if you can’t avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm, then wear sunscreen or, better yet, wear clothing that covers your skin and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.
- Choose an appropriate moisturizer. For your body you’ll probably want something lighter than during winter as your skin will get more moisture from the air. The same will go for your face, unless you are having a great deal of wind exposure that would require more intensive moisturizers.
- Rinse off. You are likely in the habit of bathing, but in summer it is important to at least rinse off after exercising (or after perspiring regardless of cause) to prevent blocked pores.
- Cool off with a soothing spritz. Lavender water and other sprays can help to cool you off and using calming herbs can help ease skin’s discomfort in the heat.
Beth Egan is a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 4. As a former teacher, Beth enjoys educating others on the importance of living green and removing the toxins from your home and the environment. She does this through articles, guest blogging, volunteering for the Healthy Child Healthy World Organization and her business with Shaklee. As a supporter of the Healthy Child Healthy World organization Beth will be posting articles frequently to this blog to alert you to current news on this topic and give ideas and information about making changes that will benefit all of us but most importantly the future, Our Children.
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Will you, please, provide some tips on skincare at hot and cold days for those who are going to become mothers soon? Should pregnant women know something specific about skincare when waiting for the baby? Thanks in advance!
Some general tips on skincare for all women but especially pregnant women are first and foremost to use safe, quality products that do not contain harmful chemicals such as nonylphenol, parabens, petrolatum and triclosan. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors which means that they disrupt the hormonal balance in our bodies. When you put products containing these chemicals on your body, they are absorbed into your skin, into your bloodstream and then collect in body tissue. They also can pass through the placenta. Also make sure that the packaging that your products come in is BPA free. Many companies are now printing BPA Free on their bottles and tubes. BPA is another hormone disruptor. Your safest plastics are marked with #1, #2 and #5 in the recycle symbol on the bottom of the bottles, most softer #7 plastics are OK also. So read your labels carefully for ingredients and check the recycling number.
Some excellent ingredients to look for are:
Vitamin E which provides front-line antioxidant defense and creates silky softness.
Vitamin C supports the body’s natural defenses against UV-induced collagen breakdown.
Vitamin A increases skin’s natural moisture retention.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) boosts skin’s suppleness and elasticity.
Grape Seed Extract interrupts enzyme reactions that break down skin-firming collagen.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) neutralizes the free radicals that visibly age skin the fastest.
Beta Glucan soothes environmental irritation.
When you are going to be out in the sun SPF 15 sun protection is important.
Look for products that contain organic ingredients.
I also encourage you look for products that:
Won’t clog pores
Are Oil free
Are Dye free
Are Soap free
Are Dermatologist tested
Are Not tested on animals
Do Not contain animal-derived ingredients
For babies and children be extremely careful with what you put on their skin. I recommend getting products that contain mostly organic ingredients for the little ones but by all means avoid the endocrine disrupting chemicals, oils, dyes, soaps and animal-derived ingredients.
Hope this helps.
People often forget put the appropriate level sun screen about there whole face, ears and scalp (especially with thin, thinning or light colored hair) when out in the summer sun; and yes even the winter sun. Even though the winter sun is not as intense, you can still damage your skin. Skin cancer is increasing every year. So, just don’t protect your nose and cheeks, protect all parts of your face, ears and scalp. A little protect can go a long ways in facial care regiment.
jc
Nice article! These looks great tips for taking care of skin this summer. I will keep these all tips in mind. Thanks for sharing.