Everyone wants to have glowing skin, but do you know how to take care of it on a daily basis? Your skin is the largest organ you have! It’s crucial to pay attention to the way you are treating it day in and day out. It has to last a lifetime and you want to be mindful of it!
When I was 30, I actually had a malignant melanoma in the beginning stage. It was scary! And it probably could have been avoided… when I was even younger, I, along with everyone I knew, lathered on baby oil to get a good tan. We had no idea of all the dangers! Back then, all we knew was that we wanted a summer bronze look, and that was the fastest way to get it. Even now I still like to be in the sun, though I used to be very diligent about staying out of it as much as I could. But when you have olive skin that tans pretty, it’s hard! I know some of you ladies feel the same! But now that I know the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, I make more effort to be under an umbrella and say no to the oil. Yes, to the sunscreen!
My daughter, Brooke, is an aesthetician, and she once told me that most of your underlying skin damage is done by the time you’re 18! Can you believe that?? Not to say you can’t make it worse as you age… you certainly can! Because of my experiences and the blistering summer sun that’s getting hotter by the day, I wanted to share a little bit about how you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
First, it’s important to note that the sun isn’t inherently bad. We actually need sunlight for Vitamin D, which I wrote about a little while ago! Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and being in the sun causes our bodies to produce it! Exposure to sunlight is also thought to increase your body’s release of serotonin, a hormone that helps with boosting your mood. So, the sun isn’t all bad… but we do have to be aware of how much we’re getting.
On a basic level, overexposure to the sun during a lifetime can result in wrinkles and age spots, but it can also increase the risk of cancer. What more reason do you need to take the necessary steps to protect your skin??
Applying sunscreen is one of the biggest ways you can help your skin out in the long and short term. Sunburns can turn to suntans, but your skin still suffers in the process. Burns leave you more prone to cancer and other, less serious issues. Try to wear sunscreen even when it’s overcast. Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it isn’t getting to you! Sunscreen is especially important when you’re near sand or water as these both reflect sunlight and leave you at a higher risk for getting burned. You can also stay in the shade when you know you’re going to be outside for a long period of time. I use an umbrella out by the pool myself! This is another effective way to protect your skin.
Aside from sun protection, there are other ways to keep your skin healthy and looking good. Treat your skin gently by keeping it moisturized. Long, hot baths and showers can leave your skin thirsty and dry, so try taking shorter, slightly cooler baths and showers. Always remember to lather up with lotion or moisturizer afterward! Avoid strong soaps, as these can deplete your skin’s oil. Try using a milder soap instead. And when you hop out of the shower, pat dry your body to allow some of the moisture to remain on your skin. This helps keep it properly hydrated!
Healthy skin is just one part of a healthy life. All the good eating and exercise in the world can’t protect your skin from sun damage! Take the necessary steps to ensure you are living your best, healthiest life!
Lauren
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