Health

Summers are often the time for jogging around the park, basking in the seaside sunshine or participating on weekend 5K runs. All these activities are invigorating and fun, but they can affect your skin’s health, hydration levels and hair.

Here are three quick tips to make sure you are protected throughout the summer while still enjoying the sun and showing off your hard-earned labor!

Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outdoors

 Most of the damage we see on our skin comes from the sun. Protecting your skin from UVA/UVB damage is easy to do if you apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. There are so many fantastic options in the marketplace that can suit your preference and needs, like sprays, lotion and sticks. The most important thing is to look for broad-spectrum coverage. This means that you will get protection from UVA (ultraviolet rays that you can’t always feel or see) and UVB rays (ultra-burning rays that you can feel right away). Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with SPF value of 15 or higher) 30 minutes before you go outside allows the sunscreen to have enough time to provide the maximum benefit to your skin and prevent skin disorders, including cancer.

The secret to making your skin look great is hydration

Staying hydrated during the summer is key to making sure your skin looks plump and healthy. The average person needs about eight to 12 cups of water per day, which is about two to three liters. Every human needs water, whether it comes in the form of a fruit or a glass of juice. To make sure you do not become dehydrated throughout your summer activities, make sure to fill up your water bottle before leaving the house. Your body has a mechanism which prompts thirst, so your body knows when to get you to drink more. However, if you are lounging or dozing off on the beach, walking for hours, sightseeing or participating in an activity, you may forget to listen to your body’s alarm system for thirst, which can lead to dehydration. If you have bottled water with you at all times, it will be easier to remember. And here is an additional motivator, the only difference between a raisin and a grape is the hydration it offers, so eat up.

For healthy summer hair, keep it hydrated and covered

What I love about big hats and caps is that they provide sufficient shade not only for your face, but the entire scalp as well without covering up the gorgeous body you have worked so hard to show off this summer. Wearing a hat that covers the entire scalp will help reduce the UV radiation that is persistently blasting your hair and drying it out. These strong UV rays, combined with heat and dryness can damage the hair follicles and dry out the scalp. Providing moisture to your scalp with oils or balms can make a difference in the way your hair looks and feels. Also, wetting your hair a little and adding conditioner before putting on your hat may keep your hair moist and hydrated. Here is another suggestion to keep in mind, avoid constant flat ironing, curling and brushing, as all of these procedures can damage hair follicles and make your hair look frizzy and dull. Keep in mind that for healthy summer hair, you should cover up your head for protection, keep your scalp hydrated and nourished, and avoid trauma to hair follicles.

During the summer the days are longer, and they seem to bring more opportunity for adventure and fun, so make sure to protect your skin, body and hair before going outdoors. With these easy, simple tips in your back pocket, there is no beach, park or 5K you can’t conquer!