Now that the weather is warming up we'll all be spending more time outside and that means greater exposure to the sun. Each of us has our own unique skin type but the one thing we all have in common is that we need to take care of our skin. In this post we'll discuss some of the trials that our skin may face during the spring and summer and how to ward off the ill effects of "indecent exposure".Let's first go over some of the many skin ailments that can afflict us as a result of exposure to sun and chemicals.
Pool Chemicals
Like the drinking water that comes from our faucets, pool water has chemicals in it so that it is healthier for us to swim in. However, the concentration in pool water is much stronger than that of our drinking water. Pool chemicals, such as chlorine, are harsh and drying to our delicate skin. To keep your skin soft and healthy, shower your entire body and face. It also helps to use a loofah or a body scrub. And to combat the drying effects of these chemicals moisturize your skin regularly.
Water Safety
For those of you who enjoy swimming in the great outdoors, I recommend that you check the safety of the body of water you intend to swim in. Some bodies of water, though they may look pristine and ideal for a dip, may actually contain water born parasites that can give you less than appealing skin infections like Swimmers Itch. Little parasites that ride around on critters like snails and ducks can mistake you for dinner, leaving you with itchy, bumpy papules (sounds fun, right?).
MedicationBe sure to check all the medications you're taking before heading outside. Some medications make you prone to sunburn and other skin irritations.
Sun & Your Skin
Over the past decade, it has become increasing clear that bronzing ourselves beneath a hot summer sun and baking ourselves in tanning beds is a BIG NO-NO! But still, so many people ignore the ugly, cancerous truth in the pursuit of that golden glow. Do. Not. Neglect. Your. Skin. One day (about 10 years from now) you'll be kicking yourself in the butt.
"But I'm so pale!", you say.
"Better pale than dying of skin cancer!," I say.
So, what is a tan anyways???
I'll spare you the long, wordy version and put it as plainly as I can. UVA rays penetrate your skin and trigger the production of melanin. Melanin is what makes your skin appear darker. But this also signals that the UVA rays have had enough time to damage your skin and even your immune system.
Some other unpleasant side effects of sunning include:
Freckles: Freckles can be enhanced or brought on by sun exposure. They are not a sign of a health problem but are simply melanin in the skin.
Sunspots: These flat, brown spots (also called age or liver spots) are not cancerous but can be a sign that you've been neglecting your skin. They generally appear on older people who have freckles and those who have fair skin.
Wrinkles: We will all inevitably get lines and wrinkles as we age, but exposure to the sun and neglecting to take care of our skin only further slows the already slow process of cell division in our largest and most visible organ, the skin. To stave off those wrinkles you must avoid sun exposure and regularly moisturize your skin to aid in cell turnover.
Sunburn: This is the most immediate effect of overexposure and it's as painful as it is unsightly. A sunburn is actually a burn to living tissue. Besides causing redness, one can also feel hot to the touch in the burned area, general fatigue and dizziness. In the extreme cases a sunburn can be life threatening. Once you've been burned the only real cure is time...although aloe vera might help with the pain.
Protecting Yourself
Avoiding the suns rays is the first step to keeping your skin healthy. But, of course, the last thing we want to do is spend our summer hiding inside. So, when you do head out cover yourself. Clothing, like sunscreen, acts as a barrier against the sun's harmful rays. Light, flowing skirts protect your legs. Airy tunics and other wraps cover your upper body and a wide-brimmed hat keeps those UVA's and B's off of your face, shoulders and chest. But don't forget the sunscreen! SPF 15 is the minimum required to protect you from skin damage. Put it on 30 minutes before heading outside and, remember, you need to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. This is because sunscreen only prolongs the amount of time before you become vulnerable to burning. Get a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays).
UVA rays are responsible for Aging, while UVB rays are responsible for Burning. If you know that you're going to be in the sun for a long period of time, I suggest applying a higher SPF sunscreen so that you're protected the entire time or at least have to reapply less often. To make application easier, keep your sunscreen in the bathroom and incorporate it into your daily routine...like brushing your teeth. Also, look for lotions that contain a minimum SPF 15.And, last but not least, don't forget your SPF lip balm!
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