Summer Skin: Look Great Without Ruining Your Skin

Summer is slowly approaching, which means bikinis, tans and sun exposure! Even though some sun can be good for you and your health, many of us abuse our skin by staying out too long without protection.

Since the sun can dry out skin, or break down collagen, it is hard to get that tan without the risk. No matter what color your skin is, it still needs to be protected. The darker the skin, the less risk from sun damage, but sunscreen still needs to be applied. I am one of the many women who love to tan in the summer, but as I grow older, I don't like the results I see on other sunbathers. Seeing what sun damage can do makes it easy to start prevention measures early.

Something as simple as getting out of the pool or ocean can actually increase the strength of the sunrays on the surface of the skin. Water droplets attract sunlight, making it more intense. Try to dry off after getting wet if you plan on staying out of the water for an extended amount of time.

Always rinse off after going for a swim, because chemicals from chlorine or salt water can be very drying to hair and skin. Rinse out hair to prevent ruining your new hair color and prevent hair from drying out. Buy a product for your hair that will protect it from sun and water damage, as well as contain a UV protection that will help in keeping the salt and chemicals from drying out the hair.

Use an SPF no matter what. Even if you don't think your skin will be exposed, it may. The suns reflection can cause damage no matter where you are, whether you're atop a snow-capped mountain, or just walking around.

Try to spend a lot of time in the shade. Wear sunglasses that protect from UV, especially if you're near water, whose glare can damage your eyes, and sometimes even burn them.

Apply sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before getting in the water in order for it to have time to be absorbed. Look for sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection, and look for ingredients that deactivate sunrays or even block sun. Make sure to keep applying it throughout the day for maximum protection. Apply a high SPF on your face, since this skin is more sensitive and needs more protection than the rest of your body.

Always check for irregularly shaped moles or freckles to prevent skin cancer from developing, or any other skin damage related issues!

Having fun in the summer doesn't mean you have to compromise skin health. Know your limits when it comes to sun exposure, depending on your skin type and color. Most people can be in the sun for five to ten minutes without burning, so always be wary of the time. You may not even notice your skin has been burned until it's too late.

If you do happen to be sunburned, apply Aloe Vera to the skin in order to soothe the burn, and next time use a higher SPF or get out of the sun sooner.