Summer 2010 Skin Care Guide

Summer is quickly approaching, it's getting warmer in most parts of the U.S., and some parts are already getting 100 degree weather. Students of all ages are going on summer break which most likely means a lot of family outdoor activities, and that means a lot of sun exposure. The best way to ruin a good time is to get sunburned. Not only do they look horrible but they're painful, too. There are many tips and products to keep in mind this summer if you plan on spending time outside, and that includes spending time sitting in traffic in 100 degree weather. The following are some summer skin care tips for women, men, teen boys and girls and mature women.

Women and Teen Girls

Women of all ages need to think about skin care and protection, it's never too early to start a regime. The earlier you start the better, eventually it becomes second nature. Many women enjoy sunbathing, especially during the summer months, but always remember the importance of a good sunscreen and sunblock. The best way to care for your skin and to prevent a sunburn is to carefully read the instructions on the back. I know it may seem silly but so many people just lather up and hop into the water. Many sun protection products require you to wait about thirty minutes before getting wet, and need to be reapplied after a certain amount of time. It's also important to understand what SPF is, and the difference between sunblock and sunscreen. People often mistakenly think that the SPF number is how strong the sun protection is, but really it's how long the product will protect you from getting sunburned. Sunscreens offer protection but it doesn't block out the UV rays completely, instead it allows your skin to absorb some of it which isn't a bad thing. Sunblocks on the other hand actually block out the sun's UV rays.

As I mentioned earlier, it's never too early to care for your skin. When you're still young, in your twenties and thirties, this is the time to be very diligent about applying proper skin protection. I like to wear makeup and a daily moisturize with an SPF. Neutrogena makes some great ones for all ages and skin types. What I like about Neutrogena's daily moisturizers and sunscreens is that they contain helioplex, so it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent premature signs of aging. Neutrogena also offers skin care products and protections for mature women. What I recommend when buying makeup and skin care products is to look for something that's as natural as possible and contains an SPF. Even when you're just commuting to school or work, it's important to have some sort of protection. Sunglasses are a great way to protect the sensitive tissues around your eyes, and it keeps you from squinting. This area is often the first to show signs of aging. If you plan on being outside for a long period of time don't forget to put on a hat. People forget that the scalp can get sunburned too.

Men and Teen Boys

For men and teen boys the same rules apply when it comes to skin care and protection. Many guys for some reason don't think about these things except when they're out on the beach. Men need to exfoliate and moisturize just like women do. In fact since men generally have oilier skin, bigger pores and tend to do activities which expose them to the elements and dirt more often they should be thinking about their skin more than women. I know lots of men who wash their face with soap, that's a big no no. Some soaps contain chemicals and all sorts of ingredients that will clog the pores. When choosing skin care products I always recommend finding something that's right for you skin type, but also be as natural as possible. Moisturizing is another thing that men should do more often. If you're the type of guy that likes to be outside get one with an SPF. After shaving use a moisturizer that's alcohol free because the alcohol will dry out the skin and irritate it. For teen boys I'd recommend looking for skin care products that are geared towards teens. Neutrogena and Clean and Clear makes some great ones.

No matter who you are skin care is important, especially during the summer when it's the hottest. But if you happen to get sunburned what you can do is apply some cream or ointments to help heal your skin. There are all sorts of products out there made for sunburns, and during the summer it shouldn't be hard to find. I would recommend looking for something that contains vitamin E and aloe vera. Once your skin starts to heal don't forget to gently exfoliate, removing the dead skin. Exfoliating not only keeps your pores clean but it keeps your skin looking young and rejuvenated. Exfoliating also prevents uneven, splotchy looking tans. So whatever you have plan for this summer don't forget to stock up on sun protection and drink lots of water.