In just a few short weeks, summer will be here! And while that means plenty of sunshine and fun, it is also important to remember to take care of your skin. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month because skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is on the rise. The good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Here in Sarasota, we are fortunate to have access to some of the best skincare products and services in the world. Feel free to visit our shop at bit.ly/shop-llos to see for yourself. But even the best skincare routine can be undone by one too many days in the sun without adequate protection. So here are our 5 favorite tips to protect your skin all summer long.
- Use a Full Spectrum SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even when it is cloudy. Sun damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Look for sunscreens without Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is a powerful carcinogen that is extremely toxic to your body. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are at the beach, on a golf course, or under constant sun exposure.
- Pamper your skin with a weekly facial or at-home skincare routine. Weekly exfoliation of your skin helps to shed dead skin cells, allowing for a more even tan. Hydrating your skin with good moisturizers help to reconstruct your skin;s protective layer, and helps you become less vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Participate in sports like golf or tennis before 10 am or after 2pm. These are the least intense sun hours of the day
- Wear a sun shirt and find shade whenever possible. Physical barriers are your best option for skin protection.
- Make sure your diet is rich in carotene and vitamin E. Foods rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, such as lycopene, can improve your skin’s protection against UV rays. This includes foods such as spinach, squash, mangos, apricots, kale, peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Vitamin E contained in vegetable oils, almonds, and nuts also provide protection from the sun. An easy way to incorporate these in your daily diet is to make a refreshing breakfast smoothie!
We hope that you find these tips helpful and enjoy your Sarasota summer in the sun!
To encourage you to use non-toxic sunscreen, enjoy 10% OFF our award-winning sun protection products made by Suntegrity! They are Cruelty-free, Reef-Safe, Clean Ingredients, Mineral-based, and oh yeah…produced right here in the good ol’ USA! Go to bit.ly/shop-llos and use code SUN10 at checkout.
