Warmer days are on the way. And with them come the conversations on the patio, picnics in the park, and backyard barbecues that make the season so memorable.
Overall, catching a few rays is good for your health. The sun can support mood-boosting hormones and stimulate the synthesis of your body’s much-needed vitamin D. But to enjoy the sunshine safely, good self-care and daily sun protection habits are essential.
How can I get my skin “ready” for the sun?
After the chilly months, it’s normal for your skin to be more sensitive to sun damage. This is simply because your skin last felt the warmth of the sun’s rays a while ago. When you soak up the sun, your body triggers the production of melanin — one of your skin’s natural bodyguards (although it’s not a free pass to ditch the sunscreen).
So, you might’ve noticed that your skin is prone to sunburn in the early days of spring and summer. Not to worry! There are a few easy ways to be proactive and make sure your skin’s at its best before summer’s in full swing.
Starting with?
1. Stay hydrated
Ever feel like your skin gets especially dry after a day at the beach? The sun can both dehydrate your body and dry out your skin. Over time, its UV rays can zap natural moisture and oil levels, leaving you with a dry, flaky feeling.
Using a long-lasting body lotion is a great place to start. But to make sure your skin gets the hydration it needs, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Being proactive can help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and ready to take on the sun.
The hardest part is turning this into a habit — so try focusing on small changes first. Keep a water bottle close as you go about your day (in the office, next to the couch, on your bedside table) and try taking a couple of sips every hour. Soon you’ll be drinking the recommended amount of water per day without even noticing the extra effort.
2. Add antioxidants to your diet
Did you know that what you eat can influence how your skin ages? You look great just as you are, but if you’re focused on a youthful look, take note: diets rich in antioxidants can help minimize the visible signs of aging.
Getting your daily dose of antioxidants is as simple as adding fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta-carotene to your shopping list. Think oranges, carrots, kiwis, broccoli, cherries or peppers. Adding this type of fresh seasonal produce to meals can be an enjoyable way to take care of yourself, from the inside out. Want to go the extra mile? Add a skin supplement to your diet for an extra boost of nutrients.
3. Enjoy the sun, safely and gradually
That first perfect sunny day. After a long, cold winter, who can resist? You deserve to make the most of beautiful weather, but with one thing in mind — it’s at this very moment that your skin can be extra sensitive to solar radiation. Take extra care with newly-exposed areas like your chest, shoulders, and the back of your neck. Especially if you’re prone to common skin reactions like sun allergies.
Here are a few sun safety tips for spring, summer, and all year round:
- Always use sunscreen on skin exposed to the sun, and reapply at least every two hours.
- Avoid the sun during the peak hours of the day. Tip: The smaller your shadow is, the stronger the sun’s radiation.
- Take it slow. Increase your time spent out in the sun little by little.
Something else to consider: Ever heard that once your skin’s gotten a few shades deeper from the sun, you don’t need sunscreen anymore? Nothing could be further from the truth. Using daily sun protection is essential in combating photoaging and keeping your skin safe and healthy.
Discover two all-mineral allies to add to your daily self-care lineup:
For your face: Eryfotona Actinica
An ultralight, fast-absorbing emulsion providing broad spectrum sun protection for daily use.
✔️High SPF 50+
✔️DNA Repairsomes®to help repair existing sun damage
✔️Vitamin E to boost antioxidant defenses
For your body: Fusion Mineral Body
This broad spectrum formula not only defends against UV radiation but also combats pollution damage and deeply hydrates the skin.
✔️SPF 40 for daily protection
✔️Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder to soothe
✔️Bisabolol and allantoin to hydrate and soften
✔️Vitamin E to boost antioxidant defenses
To sum things up, remember these four tips to help prepare your skin for sun exposure: hydrate from within, maintain a healthy diet, get outdoors gradually, and protect yourself with sunscreen every day of the year. Now go out and enjoy the sunshine!
References
- Purba, Martalena & Kouris-Blazos, Antigone & Wattanapenpaiboon, Naiyana & Lukito, Widjaja & Rothenberg, Elisabet & Steen, Bertil & Wahlqvist, Mark. (2001). Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 20. 71-80. 10.1080/07315724.2001.10719017.
- Jean Krutmann, Anne Bouloc, Gabrielle Sore, Bruno A. Bernard, Thierry Passeron, The skin aging exposome, Journal of Dermatological Science, Volume 85, Issue 3, 2017,Pages 152-161
- Granger, C., Aladren, S., Delgado, J. et al. Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Food Supplement in Increasing Photoprotection and Improving Selective Markers Related to Skin Photo-Ageing. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 10, 163–178 (2020).
Editorial Team
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
