Hot weather calls for fun in the sun in a pool or —at the beach. The heat beckons us to keep cool by splashing around while also enjoying the sun. Swimming and playing in the water are some of our favorite pastimes in the summer. We love spending time with our friends and family members while at the same time bathing in the sun and the water. Here at ScissorsCut, we are always sure our skin is well-protected.
There’s nothing wrong with playing in the sun, however, we have to remember to protect our skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. So many products and accessories exist that help us keep our skin healthy and prevent wrinkles, sun spots, and cancer. In addition, there are skin care routines and hygiene routines that will help maintain our skin happy and healthy. Follow along with us as we discuss ways to make sure you keep looking good and feeling good this summer.
Barrier Cream
Something you may not have thought to do is prep your skin before heading out for a swim, in a pool, or in salt water. An excellent way to prep your complexion is by applying barrier cream. The cream will protect it from irritation and redness. Look for barrier creams that contain oils, glycerin, or dimethicone. Dimethicone will create a seal between the chlorine, pollutants, and your skin. Barrier cream is an ideal product to use if you will be exposed to harsh chemicals, such as pool chemicals or water, and if you have dry skin or other conditions.
Scalp Sunscreen
If you don’t like wearing hats but love spending time in the pool or at the beach, we highly suggest investing in scalp sunscreen. It’s necessary to protect every inch of skin, including your head, from painful sunburn. The scalp is very sensitive, and when exposed to harsh sunny conditions can not only be sunburnt, but it can be painful and contribute to your body’s core temperature increasing enough to cause heat stroke. Remember that both sand and water reflect sunlight more strongly and can increase the chances of mild to severe sunburn.
Eco-Friendly Sunscreen
If you’re going to visit any beaches locally or abroad, we suggest using eco-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment at the same time. Using an eco-friendly or reef-friendly sunscreen means that the product’s mineral ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Ingredients such as, octinoxate and oxybenzone are banned in some places because they bleach coral reefs – natural products considered reef-friendly do not contain these ingredients.
Additionally, eco-friendly sunscreens are better for your skin because they do not include these harsh chemicals that are irritants and pollutants. When skin stays healthy and hydrated, it is better able to cope with exposure to the sun. Natural sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection without damaging the skin, in fact, zinc oxide has healing properties.
Water Bottles and Water Bags
It goes without saying that staying hydrated on a day out in the sun is essential. Drinking water helps regulate your body temperature and keeps your organs functioning properly, among many other benefits, and this is even more important on a long day in the heat. Make sure to bring a large water bottle or multiple so that you remain hydrated. You can find water bottle bags to carry bulky bottles or bring along a cooler full of them to ensure you and your friends never run out.
When you lie under the sun or are sunburnt, fluid is drawn to your skin’s surface, which means it’s pulling it away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water while out in the sun and after your pool day will help keep your body hydrated, including your skin.
SPF Lip Balms
It’s easy to forget to apply sunscreens to specific parts of our bodies, such as our ears, the back of our neck, or our lips. While regular sunscreen lotions, sticks, and sprays can take care of your ears and neck, an SPF lip balm is just what you need to make sure your lips stay protected. Lip balms with SPF not only protect your lips from burning and blistering due to sun exposure but also restore moisture to your lips. You will find that most SPF lip balms are full-bodied but are not greasy.
There are also mineral SPF lip balms available that will not have any chemicals you need to worry about and are eco-friendly. SPF lip balms that range anywhere between SPF 15 to SPF 50. Depending on how sensitive your skin is and how much time you will be spending out in the sun – you have choices!
Shower Immediately
After swimming in a pool or at the beach, we recommend that you shower immediately. If possible, shower at the pool, but if not, do so as soon as you get home. The reason you want to shower as soon as you’re done with your swim is it will prevent you from picking up any unwanted germs. Try showering with cooler water so your pores don’t open up and absorb anything you don’t want your body taking in.
Showering immediately after swimming will also help you rid yourself of the chlorine and any other foreign agents that you may have picked up while in the pool. Don’t forget to rinse your hair and wash your swimsuit.
Use Moisturizer
Lastly, we want to remind you to moisturize after your bath. It’s been a great day spending time in the water and under the sun, but your skin doesn’t just need to be protected before and during your adventures. After you shower with a mild cleanser, be sure to moisturize your face and body to restore its hydration. The skin on your face is very sensitive and delicate, so cleanse it thoroughly and use hydrating face creams and body balms.