Spring means many things to many people: a change in season, weather, skin care, and for some, that all-important spring break! While some R&R will most definitely be on the docket, don’t neglect your spring break skin care.
Whether your skin is being exposed to wind, sun, rain, saltwater, and sand, using an appropriate sunscreen, treating heat rashes, avoiding ocean irritants, battling inflammation, and staying hydrated should be the top five focuses of your skin care this spring break. Who knows, maybe some extra facial maintenance could result in attracting that elusive spring fling!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is extremely important when it comes to protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Skin that is exposed without protection faces the drying effects of sun burn, premature aging, as well as elevated risks of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunblock is only effective if it is applied correctly and in the following ways
1) SPF
Only choose sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30. It should also be water resistant and feature broad-spectrum coverage against both UVB and UVA rays.
2) Proper Application Time
Ideally, sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outdoors as that is how long it takes to fully absorb into the skin and offer protection.
3) Apply Enough
Most people think rubbing a thin layer on is enough, but most adults need at least an ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover their entire body.
4) Full Sun Protection
If you are spending a prolonged period of time in the sun, all areas of the body left unprotected are vulnerable to damage. People often forget about their ears, lips, and hair parting. A wide-brimmed hat is ideal to protect the scalp and ears, and be sure to have someone else apply sunscreen to those hard-to-reach places. A lip balm with SPF protection will protect your lips.
5) Reapplying
In order to remain protected, sunscreen will have to be reapplied regularly. Sunscreen should be applied at least every two hours, more if you are swimming or sweating in profuse amounts.
Treating Sun Rashes
When it comes to skin that is stressed due to sun exposure, heat rashes are likely to appear. Not only are these unsightly, they can also be itchy and uncomfortable. Treat these with a heavy-duty moisturizing cream like the South Beach Skin Lab’s Repair & Release Cream to restore moisture balance.
Avoiding Ocean Irritation
While seawater is known to contain minerals that can benefit the skin, it is also known to cause drying out and itching. In order to avoid this, prior to your first swim, fully moisturize and repeat after each swim. This is will help stave off the ocean’s drying effects and keep any itchiness at bay.
Conquering Inflammation
While there is a certain amount of good skin inflammation that stimulates collagen production, there is also the bad kind of skin inflammation. While it is sometimes hard to be mindful of these things while on spring break, excess amounts of alcohol, smoking, tiredness, sugary foods, and sun exposure can all lead to issues of skin inflammation. Firstly, sun screen is a must. Secondly, limit the intake of alcohol and sugary foods. If puffy under-eye areas emerge, an eye cream can help restore and rejuvenate the under-eye areas.
Staying Hydrated
Water, water, water! We are what we eat, and drink, and as the body is constantly losing fluids in the form of urine and sweat, it needs to be constantly replenished. It is recommended that adults should consume six to eight glasses of water a day. In addition to feeling thirsty, one of the first signs of dehydration is dry and aging skin. Prior to bed and first thing in the morning, apply the South Beach Skin Lab’s Olive Oil Day & Night Cleanser to ensure you are putting your freshest and most-hydrated face forward.
With spring break fast approaching for many, be sure to use these spring break skin care tips to ensure your skin will be protected while looking and feeling its best.
