Wear sunscreen

The first step in having a healthy summer is protecting your skin from UV rays. Below, you’ll find tips for choosing and using your sunscreen.

• UVA and UVB. UVB rays aren’t the only ones that can damage your skin. While UVA rays won’t give you a nasty burn, they can cause premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Ensure your protection by picking a sunscreen that provides coverage for both UVA and UVB rays, also known as broad-spectrum coverage. La Roche Posey Anthelios 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk boasts a light non-greasy feel with UVA and UVB protection.

• SPF 15 or higher. Whether you’re fair and freckled or someone who tends to tan, your sunscreen should contain SPF 15 at a minimum. It doesn’t matter if the sun gives you a golden hue or makes you look like the color of a ripe tomato; you’re still incurring sun damage.

• Waterproof or water-resistant? There are minor distinctions among sunscreens that can make a big difference. “Waterproof” sunscreens provide protection for 80 minutes, while “water-resistant” formulas are good for 40 minutes.

• Spray or slather? Today, you have a variety of formulas to choose from, including lotion and spray. Sprays help you get to hard-to-reach spots such as your back when applying solo, or hairy places like the legs for men. Even though sprays are thorough, don’t forget to run your hands over all areas to ensure even coverage.

• Apply daily and often. Wear sunscreen every day on all exposed areas. Also, even if your sunscreen is “waterproof” or water-resistant,” you must still reapply every two hours, or sooner, if you’re swimming or sweating.

If you do slip up and get a burn, make sure you stay out of the sun until your skin heals. Apply a cold compress followed by aloe vera gel. Keep the area moisturized and continue applying sunscreen every day.

Makeup that slips and slides is a common summertime concern, but it’s an easy fix. Here’s how:

• Prep your base. Chances are your skin doesn’t require the heavy moisturizer that you were using for the cooler seasons. Heavy creams combined with heat and cosmetics can create a big melting mess. Instead, use an oil-free moisturizer every day and consider a toner if you have an oily complexion.

• Foundation fix. To prevent foundation from sliding, keep it light. Try a tinted, oil-free moisturizer for a cool change. For a bonus, invest in a product with sun protection. MD Skincare All in One Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 hydrates and protects the skin and enhances its appearance.

• Tissue trick. Ever found yourself in a shiny pinch with no powder in sight? Grab a tissue, piece of plain paper or paper towel and gently blot the shiny areas of your face. The fibers will soak up the shine. Or, opt for a pack of blotting papers. Too Faced Refresh Blotting Papers absorb oil and shine without messing up your makeup.

Heat and humidity can force oil glands “to work overtime” and bring “blackheads and breakouts,” writes Angela Palmer, About’s acne guide. Here’s how to keep your complexion clear:

• Beat the blemishes. To prevent and treat acne, try a formula with salicylic acid, a gentle ingredient that helps exfoliate the skin by loosening dead skin cells. Sweltering temperatures and sweat can trigger body acne, too. You may want to try an anti-acne body wash. Also, avoid tight-fitting clothes and synthetic fabrics, which can also trigger or exacerbate breakouts.

• Banish the bangs. Got acne around your hairline or on your forehead? Pin up your tresses when exercising or perspiring. And remember to keep hands off your face.

Worried that your faux tan has you looking more faux than tan? A fake tan is the best way to achieve a bronzed glow without putting your skin in danger. And fortunately, it’s easy to fake a natural look. These short steps take you through the simple process:

• Skip shaving. Don’t shave right before applying self-tanner. Unless you’re using a lotion that builds gradually, this can cause unnatural-looking streaks over the freshly shaved areas.

• Exfoliate gently. Before applying the product, be sure to gently exfoliate your skin. Harsh exfoliation can equal spotty tanning in tender areas. Apply the self-tanner evenly but focus on areas such as elbows and knees, which are slightly tougher.

• Use a lotion barrier. Most tanning salons use an oil-based lotion called a “barrier cream” prior to spray tanning their clients. This cream is applied between fingers and around ankles as well as to other areas where the solution might look too dark. Simply use a mineral- or oil-based lotion at home to avoid darkening in unwanted areas. Or, use a bit of Vaseline on these areas, Eleanor Langston, beauty editor at Self Magazine, tells CBS2.

• Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying self-tanner. Orange hands are a clear giveaway of a faux tan. Also, give lotion or spray plenty of time to dry since most solutions can stain clothing.

For a close-up on how to apply self-tanner, see here. If you’d like an easier way of applying self-tanner, pick a product that has a tint (to better see during application) or use a gradual tanning lotion. Neutrogena Build a Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion is ideal for first-time tanners. This gradual lotion creates a streak-free color that you can see in just two hours.

See also:

Concealing your Tattoos at Work

Smart Skincare Shopping

Tea Tree Oil

Tips to Protect Your Skin

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