We’ve all heard that healthy skin begins from the inside out. And it’s important not to ignore everything in between (eat right, exercise, get plenty of zzz’s…). It’s what we put in our bodies, on top of it and the lifestyle choices we make that make the biggest impact on putting our best face forward. I covered a lot of these points in my Healthy Skin 101 post last week (if you missed it, click HERE). One of the biggest factor that is important to understand when it comes to caring for our skin is protecting it from the sun.
I get it, it’s finally beach weather and who doesn’t want to soak up these sun-filled summer months, sun bathe and be bronzed and beautiful! Unfortunately, that’s not a reality unless you want to slather yourself in SPF, wear a sun hat and then head home to douse yourself in self tanner or body bronzers. Besides the risks of skin cancer from overexposure to the sun, the stagering statistic that 90% of skin aging is a direct result of UV light exposure is nothing to ignore. So what’s the best anti-aging remedy? Staying out of the sun. What else can you do about it? Plenty.
1. Wear SPF. As an Aveeno ambassador I always have a healthy supply of SPF in all forms around the apartment. If radient, youthful skin is at all something you care about (you know it is!) make sure you’re wearing a minimum of an SPF 15 and the sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Don’t forget to reapply every 1-2 hours (this goes for any brand sunscreen). And keep in mind the sun is at it’s most potent from 10am – 2pm.
To keep myself protected I use Aveeno Positively Radient Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 in the mornings as part of my skincare regimen and then depending on if I plan on being outside (even for casual errands) I either opt for a body lotion or spray (try Aveeno Hydrosport Sunblock Spray SPF 30) before leaving the house. Spray’s are great because it’s quick to apply and doesn’t get your hands all sticky or greasy. Plus it’s so lightweight and straight forward I can even get my boyfriend to use it.
2. Gear up: Wear them UV-blocking sunnies, coverups and large brim hats to shield yourself from the sun. What the sun can’t penetrate, it can’t hurt!
3. Indulge in an antioxidant rich diet: Put down the chips and opt for healthy snacks this summer. Our top picks are almonds (packed with vitamin E) and vitamin A rich carrots for on the go and a kale salad (packed with antioxidant vitamin A, C and K!) or gazpacho soup (filled with lyprocene) for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can also drink your way into healthy skin with a number of different smoothie and juice bar options. What’s so great about all of these powerful antioxidant and vitamins listed is that they are natural sun protectors and help reverse some of the existing damage (as long as you commit to not countering it’s work by making yourself vulnerable to the sun).
4. Exfoliate : The importance of a consistant regimin is key when talking about healthy skin. Exfoliating is an important step and one if done properly helps remove old dead cells, fight against hyperpigmentation, and clogged pores (try Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Resurfacing Scrub with Vitamin C). By removing these dry skin cells, it also allows for the other products in your regimen to better perform now that the layer of dead skin is exfoliated off. Just make sure to exfoliate in the evenings as your skin is more sensitive and if exposed to the sun the damage will be that much more magnified.
AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion: Give your skin a naturally beautiful fresh start. This nourishing lotion improves the health of your skin in just 1 day! It contains ACTIVE NATURALS® Colloidal Oatmeal and is blended with rich emollients to help protect and soothe dry skin.
{Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®.}