Posted by: blogadmin in Synergy Skin Care, Skin For Summer, skin on Sep 20, 2009
Summer time does not stay for a lifetime. It comes and it goes. That's why most of us enjoy it while it's still there. When we think of summer, we think of beach. Going to the beach and having fun under the summer sun is truly an exciting getaway that someone has to look forward to. But it isn't only fun and excitement that we should anticipate. We also need to think about the hazardous effects to our skin of too much sun exposure. But we can make a preparation to protect our skin from these negative effects.
Let us first talk about Ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is the energy emitted by the sun that is invisible to the naked eye, but is similar to visible light in all physical aspects. Sunlight is considered to be the greatest source of UV radiation. UV exposure is essential for good health because it stimulates vitamin D production in our body; however, too much exposure can potentially damage the skin and the eyes. Longwave UV radiation (UVA) is relatively harmless as it only causes darkening of the skin. The medium wave UV (UVB), on the other hand, can damage the skin by causing reddening, darkening, and eventually, skin burns. Prolonged exposure to this type also increases the risk of acquiring skin cancer. But the most harmful is the shortwave UV radiation (UVC). Nevertheless, it does not affect us because it is already absorbed by the ozone layer before it reaches the earth.
Lotions with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) are widely used to block the UVB. The higher the SPF, the more protected your skin is. An SPF of 15 blocks 92 percent of UVB; SPF of 30 blocks 96.7 percent of UVB; and SPF of 40 blocks 97.5 per cent of UVB. Knowing these values is important for skin care especially during summer.
Generally, people use sunscreen lotions during summer. But aside from this, specific skin care regimens should be followed. In caring for your face, you may use mild facial cleanser made from natural and organic ingredients. This is important to remove excess oils and dirts that can clog the pores. You may also use natural exfoliants to remove dead skin cells once or twice a week only. Do away with products containing harsh chemical ingredients. Hydrate your skin by using natural toner, and bring back the lost moisture by applying an all natural, noncomedogenic moisturizer all throughout the day. To protect your facial skin from the direct heat of the sun, use a wide-brimmed hat.
Aside from using sunblocks, you would also want to get noticed in the beach with your tan complexion. Try to apply a tanning lotion all over your body. You don't have to expose yourself to the scorching heat of the sun just to get the beautiful glow you've ever wanted. If you are captivated with the smell of scented lotions, you may also use one alternately with your tanning lotion. Just remember not to compromise the emollient property of lotions, especially the natural ones. Use one that is summer-scented to hydrate your skin, but it should leave your skin soft and smooth. To shed off dead skin cells, you can also exfoliate your body by using a natural body scrub during shower to get that healthy glowing skin.
After pampering your whole body, it's about time that you give attention to the usually neglected parts of it: elbows, hands, knees, and feet. Most people have dark, rough elbows which are unpleasant to look at. The elbow is actually prone to dryness because it is devoid of oil glands. Scrub the elbow to remove the dirt, and moisturize it often to keep it soft and smooth. For the hands, soaking in the warm water, drying them partially, and applying a natural moisturizer would help. Other people use cotton gloves after applying thick moisturizer, and then allow it to stay overnight for best results.
Other dark areas in our body that are oftentimes neglected are the knees. Aside from using sunblock lotions to prevent dark spots, you can also use a natural lightening agent to whiten the region, and moisturize it with a natural body butter to keep your knees soft and smoother to touch. Incorporate a gentle exfoliating scrub to your regimen for a noticeable difference. Of course, don't forget your feet. Dry, cracked, and rough feet are unpleasant. Not only that, if left untreated, the cracks may deepen, and the feet will become swollen and painful. It may eventually become infected. You may apply shea butter to your feet to revitalize and moisturize the skin cells. Unrefined shea butter also enhances the healing process.
Now that you know how to take good care of your skin in preparation for summer escapades, it's about time that you follow these skin care tips. When you achieve the noticeable difference, you'll be even more confident to show off some skin. But that won't mean a thing if you don't do it now.