It’s summer in the city! After an especially long winter, it can be easy to throw caution to the wind when it comes to taking care of your skin on those long sunny days. Whether you’re cottaging or commuting to work, here are 5 easy ways to protect your skin naturally this summer by our Holistic Skin Therapist, Cassandra!
SUNSCREEN
Did you know that 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by the sun’s damaging rays? There’s a key difference between UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are mischievous; they penetrate deep into our skin’s dermal layers and their damaging effects are more cumulative, whereas UVB rays hit our top layer of skin and can create an instant burn. It’s important to protect your skin from both these harmful rays with regular application of naturally formulated sunscreen. Natural sunscreens use active ingredients such as Zinc Oxide + Titanium Dioxide to create a physical barrier that protects against UVA + UVB rays. Our favourite natural sunscreens are from brands such as: Consonant, Coola, and Suntegrity. If you want a little bit of coverage/tinted moisturizer, try Ilia. If you’re going to be out in the sun for longer than 15mins, wear sunscreen. Be sure to reapply every 2 hours – even sooner if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot. No matter how cloudy or cold, daily sunscreen application should be an essential part of your morning skincare routine. Apply sunscreen after our Invigorating + Balancing Toner and one of our Face Serums to put your best face forward.
COVER UP
During hot temperatures, we intuitively want to wear less clothing. However, fabrics such as linen, silk and organic cotton are lightweight and can be used to cover up without feeling like your skin can’t breathe. It is essential to wear a hat and sunglasses. We love hats made of natural materials such as straw, grass or organic cotton, which will allow your head to breathe. Whenever possible, take shelter in shaded areas, especially during peak sun times (11am-3pm).
HYDRATE
Hydration is essential to protecting your skin. Especially in the hot summer months, you should focus on drinking at least half your weight in water. Drink more water on the days you are active or over-exposed to heat and sunlight. If you’re not a fan of water, try these 3 Fresh Combinations to Add to Your Water to spice things up a bit! The quality and type of food you consume will also have an effect on your hydration levels. Opt for fresh, local, seasonal produce – dark leafy greens, antioxidant rich berries + fruit, and things high in water content such as watermelon, cucumber and celery. Internal and external hydration levels are both equally important, so be sure to moisturize your face + body daily. Try our Radiant Bath + Body Oil and our Nourishing + Revitalizing Moisturizer for an external hydration boost!
EXFOLIATE + CLAY MASK
Depending on your skin type, continuous application of SPF can lead to congestion and clogged pores. Another thing to consider is the increase in toxins we expose our skin to when we are outdoors more, especially during construction season in a big city. Exfoliating with something gentle like our Regenerating Exfoliator + Resurfacing Mask or raw honey every few days will remove excess build-up and keep your skin feeling soft and fresh. Regular exfoliation will also aid in the absorption of your moisturizing products, providing you with a more radiant glow. Using our Detoxifying + Clarifying Mask once a week will deeply cleanse and rid your skin of cumulative toxins + debris. Here are our favourite summer Clay Mask recipes! Be sure to follow these products with a generous application of Toner, Serum and Moisturizer to replenish and nourish your skin.
AFTER-SUN RITUALS
After a long day in the sun, be sure to wash your face when you can. Apply a hydrating Toner, Face Serum and Moisturizer after cleansing. Our Protecting + Restoring Face Balm is a great option if your skin is feeling really dry. Don’t forget to moisturize your body too! Try our Radiant Bath + Body Oil or this DIY SOOTHING AFTER SUN MIST if your skin is feeling irritated, and use some of our Healing Eczema Balm on burns to soothe inflammation and speed up the healing process. Get lots of rest, as sun exposure can be quite draining. A long, deep sleep will allow your body to naturally repair itself.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun in the sun!
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