4 Tips For Sunny Season
By Nichole Nace
The sun is finally starting to shine bright in Maury County and we are all excited! These wonderful summer months are often spent outside soaking up the beautiful rays that have been hidden for so long. The sun gives us vitamin D and just 15 minutes a day without SPF gives us most of our daily intake. However, when skin is left unprotected from the sun’s harmful UVA or UVB rays, there are several skin issues, such as premature age spots, wrinkles, or more serious sunburns that can lead to skin cancer. Here are four tips for the sunny season to keep your skin safe during the warm months ahead.
Tip 1 – Protect.
As we protect our skin, it is important to be mindful of the products we are choosing. Products with a physical SPF are recommended as opposed to a chemical SPF. The difference is a physical SPF is applied and bounces the sun’s rays off your skin, never giving them the chance to enter the body. Physical SPFs are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical SPFs are applied and absorbed into the skin and the sun’s rays penetrate the skin, where the chemicals absorb the rays. Chemicals to avoid in SPFs are avobenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene and oxybenzone. These chemicals can often cause a reaction, especially for those who already have sensitive skin.
The skin is often viewed simply as the protective barrier, but in fact it is the body’s largest organ. Because it is porous, the skin naturally absorbs what is put on it. As a matter of fact, 60-70% of what we put on our body will be absorbed. Once those products pass the top layer of epidermis, they can be passed directly into our bloodstream making it important to be aware of what chemicals we are slathering on our skin.
Tip 2 – Reapply.
It’s simple, SPF needs to be reapplied every 90 minutes. SPF is soaked in and no longer fully effective after that time because the sun breaks down all the active ingredients. If your makeup or moisturizer has SPF and is applied in the morning, be sure to reapply later in the day. This same rule applies while sitting and soaking up those rays by the beach or pool, especially when you are in and out of the water.
Tip 3 – Rehydrate.
The sun and elements can create a need for extra hydration in skin all year round. There are many moisturizing products available that will help rehydrate dry skin and reduce the signs of aging. Products containing natural ingredients, such as frankincense and lavender essential oils are highly recommended and fantastic for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Geranium calms the skin and combats aging. Argan oil is an antioxidant used for hydration and the treatment of acne. Other star ingredients to look for include rose hip seed oil for hydration and to reduce fine lines and carrot seed oil to prevent damage from free radicals. Carrot seed oil is also packed full of vitamins A & C, both of which aid in aging gracefully! Our facial oils at elia include these key ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated and balanced.
Tip 3 – Rehydrate.
The sun and elements can create a need for extra hydration in skin all year round. There are many moisturizing products available that will help rehydrate dry skin and reduce the signs of aging. Products containing natural ingredients, such as frankincense and lavender essential oils are highly recommended and fantastic for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Geranium calms the skin and combats aging. Argan oil is an antioxidant used for hydration and the treatment of acne. Other star ingredients to look for include rose hip seed oil for hydration and to reduce fine lines and carrot seed oil to prevent damage from free radicals. Carrot seed oil is also packed full of vitamins A & C, both of which aid in aging gracefully! Our facial oils at elia include these key ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated and balanced.
Tip 4 – Refresh.
At times we all experience a little too much sun and that is okay. A customized facial will refresh and rejuvenate overexposed skin and is also a great way to relax and unwind for both men and women. A Hydralessence Facial can be customized and will revitalize parched skin! This facial includes two masks. The first mask is time released and massaged into the skin under gentle steam. The second is a hydrating rubberized mask that sets on the face while you receive a relaxing hand and arm massage, followed with warm towels. The European designed Hydralessence Facial is perfect year-round but is a wonderful way to increase hydration after a trip to the beach, lake or even traveling on an airplane.
As you put on those sandals this summer, stock up on physical SPF, remember to reapply often, hydrate, and book that post-sun Hydalessence Facial before you even leave for your getaway. As they say, “You will need a vacation from your vacation!”
Nichole Nace is an aesthetician and owner of ēlia day spa on the square in Columbia. Elia is a toxin-free spa offering four relaxing treatment rooms and a lounge to destress in. The aestheticians and massage therapists are passionate, skilled, educated and ready to take care of you – stress free, toxin free, and simply free.