PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SUMMER SKIN CARE
Carefree moments in nature
We have finally welcomed one of the most anticipated seasons of the year - summer! I'm sure you've heard the saying more than once that there's no such thing as unsuitable weather, only unsuitable clothing. It's a reminder that taking care of yourself and your skin while enjoying the diversity of nature is of utmost importance.
And then summer arrives, and we're filled with warm, carefree feelings and the sound of the waves, and there's no need to think about unsuitable weather or the right clothes. At the same time, it's worth remembering that the sun, while very welcome and warming, can also be a bit of a worry at a moment's notice.
3 tips to keep in mind when out in the sun
Did you know that sun-damaged skin becomes dry, wrinkled and can even change colour over time? Although the skin may appear thicker at the site of a previous sunburn, it is actually much weaker. And most importantly, excessive sunbathing can put you at risk of skin cancer, which is unfortunately one of the most common cancers today.
Of course, this doesn't mean that you should avoid the sun completely, far from it. Sunlight is vital for us, as for every living being. Not only does it help us get the vitamin D we need for the cold months of the year. After all, it also significantly improves our mental well-being.
However, it is worth paying attention to make sure that basking in the sun has as few negative effects on our health as possible. So avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day - between 12:00 and 15:00.
And while the sun is on the horizon, remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones by following 3 simple safety precautions:
1. Always wear sunscreen. Every day. Even on seemingly cloudy days, our skin is sensitive to UV rays.
2. Take care of your clothes - wear light, light fabrics in hot weather. Don't forget a hat - preferably one with a wide brim, as this can also protect your face and shoulders from burning.
3. Wear UV-filtering sunglasses.
What to do if you do happen to be out in the sun too much?
I'm sure almost everyone, in the carefree summer weather, has forgotten about the negative effects the sun can have on our skin. So what should we do if we've had too much sun?
- Go indoors as soon as possible, out of the sun.
- Cool your body in a cool shower, cool bath or use a cool, damp towel.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- If sunburn causes unbearable pain, don't delay and see a doctor!
5 products to help reduce the effects of sunburn
If you feel you can take care of yourself at home, you can also use a variety of home products to treat and cool your skin. For example:
1. Alway. This is one of the best choices for taking care of sun-damaged skin. Aloe vera not only treats minor burns and reduces swelling, but also speeds up the healing process. Cut an aloe leaf and apply its gel directly on the burn. Repeat several times a day until the skin has recovered. By the way, it's no coincidence that all our body creams are enriched with aloe vera extract. The benefits of this plant are astonishing - it is not only antibacterial, but also healing, moisturising and helps blood circulation.
2. Potatoes. The starch in potato slices can help relieve the pain caused by a burn. Slice a potato and massage the slices into the skin in a gentle motion. If the burn is recent and still painful, the potato pieces can be flattened and blended instead of sliced.
3. Coconut oil. This will not only moisturise and protect your skin, but also reduce any inflammation that may occur.
4. Oatmeal. These can also be a lifesaver when sunburn causes pain and discomfort. Oats will reduce itching and, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, soothe irritated skin. They can be used blended, in combination with, for example, plant milk or water. Apply to the body and leave for 20 minutes.
5. Soda. It will help balance the pH level of the skin, relieve itching and irritation. Mix a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda with water and soak a cotton wool in the solution for a few minutes. Use the soaked cotton wool pieces to treat the skin.
Do you see how much we can actually do at home?
I really hope that your summer will be easy and carefree, and that the sun will give you only pleasant and warm moments. But remember, even if you've managed to avoid sunburn so far, take care of yourself and enjoy the sun in moderation.
Maija Rieksta-Riekstiņa
Vegan Fox creator and manager