What should you apply to keep your face healthy in summer?

Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M.D.

During the summer we expect to go to beaches or swimming pools, particularly when on vacation. We all know that hot days with a lot of exposure to the sun's rays are extremely harmful to our skin, especially our facial skin. What should you apply to your face in summer? Our family doctor Nataniel explains what to do:

According to Harvard University, to take care of our faces in summer, we must protect ourselves from solar radiation (taking special care if we take acne medication, diuretics, heart medication, or antibiotics). Before exposure to the sun use SPF and then apply moisturizing cream on the skin.

That is why we decided to make this article. If you are already a person who takes care of your face then you know how important it is to do, especially in the summer. This article will provide you with many more tips.

If you do not consider it essential to take care of your face in summer, this article is important for you all year round. We will tell you how important it is to take care of your skin, especially your face. without a doubt, you will change your mind and become aware of its importance.

The first thing you need to know is:

How do the sun's rays affect our facial skin?

Why are the sun's rays so harmful to our skin? You may not know it, but the sun's effects on the skin can be hazardous.

Several studies have shown that excessive exposure to the sun carries health risks such as wrinkles, malignancy, atrophy, and pigmentary changes. Solar radiation is often associated with skin cancer's most common types, such as malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The sun is nature's most important and abundant energy source, which is why exposure to these rays beyond what is recommended has negative effects that will appear sooner or later.

The effects that appear immediately are:

Burns

When you expose yourself to the sun for a long time, you can get first degree burns or redness, and second degree with blisters.

Tanning

Tanning is the immediate or delayed pigmentation of your skin; it is only the darkening of the skin cells. Tanning protects you from burns, but not from the effects of type A sun rays, nor from the impact that these rays have on our body.

Other effects caused by the sun's rays that are not so common are alterations to the immune system and sunstrokes.

The effects that can take time to appear are:

Possibilities of skin's Photo-aging

That means that you can suffer from premature skin aging. This involves vascular dilation, which can cause wrinkles to become thick and rough.

Possibilities of Actinic Keratosis

This is one of the most severe problems because it is premalignant. This actinic keratosis is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. And above all, it usually occurs mainly in older people.

There is also possible damage that can occur to your eyes, that is, the possibility of developing cataracts.

In case you weren’t aware, some very acute effects of the sun's rays on the eye are inflammation of the cornea and the iris. It is also probable that the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the lower part of our eyelids, is inflamed. These are conditions that become very painful but are reversible.

What are the benefits of sunbathing?

The sun is fundamental to our lives; not everything is negative. The benefits that the sun brings us are multiple.

According to EPH, without a doubt, one of the most important benefits it brings us is the absorption of vitamin D, the assimilation and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. As if this were not enough, it also stimulates vitamin A formation, which together with vitamin D keeps our bones and teeth healthy.

Use of Sunscreen on the face

Although sometimes we think it can be a myth, the more sunscreen you put on during the day, the better and more effective it is. If you put it on only in the morning, it will not be as effective as if you put it on more often during the day.

It is essential to use sunscreen every day, especially in summer since our facial skin is continuously exposed to the sun. The thickness of the skin on the face is thinner than elsewhere on the body. As such, it tends to be much more fragile and vulnerable to radiation; it is also advisable to apply sunscreen on all areas exposed to the sun.

Face and body protection or sunblock are usually classified according to the type of UV radiation they protect from, as well as their SPF (sun protection factor).

What is SPF? 

The SPF (sun protection factor) refers to the amount of block the protection has against UVB radiation; the higher it is, the longer the person can be exposed to the sun without suffering damage from its radiation. Regardless of the SPF, our dermatologist recommends applying it every two hours, or straight after bathing.

How do I choose the right SPF for my face?

What things should you consider when choosing the best face protection?

According to the time of sun exposure the time a person can remain exposed to solar radiation without getting burned. This time varies somewhat depending on the type of skin and exposure to radiation.

According to the person's age

If you need to choose the most appropriate SPF, it is imperative to consider the person's age. It is best to look for the most suitable one for the individual to whom the protection will be applied. There are special protectors for children and mature skin.

Depending on the activity you are going to do:

This point is essential since you must know if it will be for daily use or use it when you go to the beach, the swimming pool, or go for a walk. There are special sunscreens for almost any activity you are going to do.

Keep in mind that to be much more effective, you should apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing your face to the sun. I recommend using it again every hour if possible while in the sun.

Tips for moisturizing your face with high temperatures and sun exposure

As you know, keeping your skin hydrated is particularly important in the summer. That is why there are remarkably effective treatments for sun exposure or high temperatures:

Hyaluronic acid 

The application of this acid is frequent in beauty and aesthetic treatments. Its primary function is unique since it moisturizes and increases the skin volume, making it look much more radiant.

This acid is a substance that, although you may not know it, is found in many tissues and organs of our body. Hyaluronic acid is very abundant in our face, but it decreases with time.

The decrease in hyaluronic acid is one of the leading causes of aging, flaccidity, and loss of firmness in the skin. It also leads to the appearance of wrinkles.

One of its best and main properties is its extraordinary capacity to attract and retain water. This increases the thickness and volume of the skin.

Coenzymes

The second-best thing for increased hydration is coenzymes. Besides providing energy to the cells, that treatment also causes an anti-aging effect, and here I will explain its benefits in more detail.

• It offers protection from ultraviolet radiation damage: it is an incredible and potent antioxidant and protects from ultraviolet radiation.
• It has astonishing anti-aging properties: it helps us stop aging caused by time, produces collagen, and gives you more luminous and beautiful skin.
• Finally, it has incredible anti-wrinkle properties: it is a wonderful wrinkle reducer and increases your skin elasticity.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It has a regenerative action that causes the production of collagen and causes the elasticity of the skin. Besides, its antioxidant effect helps to reduce blemishes and combat spots.

The wonderful thing about vitamin C is that it undoubtedly reduces expression lines and wrinkles, and not only that, it also activates collagen synthesis and is an epidermal repairer.

Also, vitamin C acts very well in sensitive skin because it minimizes irritation and makes the absorption of creams more effective.

You should know that you will achieve smooth, clean, and glowing skin by using vitamin C on your face.

Without a doubt, vitamin C improves your skin texture and reduces blemishes. It enhances the quality of the skin.

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A causes a soothing effect on the skin, strengthens the skin's natural defenses, and helps eliminate the skin's feared free radicals. A free radical is a highly reactive oxygen molecule. Vitamin A also helps against acne and improves skin healing. I will explain in more detail all the benefits of vitamin A.

• It has powerful Anti-Wrinkle properties: Vitamin A is incredible against aging.
• Provides Firmness: Vitamin A keeps your skin taut, fresh, and moist at all times.
• Pigmentation: Vitamin A is one of the elements that may contribute more to maintaining healthy skin. Also, it helps us to maintain a natural tan.
• It is an incredible Antioxidant: the vitamin protects your body, preventing free radicals' action so that they cannot damage skin cells.
• It promotes healing: Vitamin A is incredible at promoting healing, and it aids the recovery and softness of our skin. this helps to regulate the metabolism of the cellular regeneration of the horny layer.

Seven recommendations to take care of your face

Your face always needs specific care, but much more during summer days, and when you know that you will expose yourself to the sun’s rays for a long time. These simple actions will keep your face and body skin protected:

• Use moisturizing cream. You should use soft moisturizers and increase their application.
• Clean the face well. Do not forget that it is essential to clean your face in the summertime, removing the rest of the cream, makeup, and dirt. The best thing to do is to wash your face before applying any protective cream.
• Choose the right cream for your skin. It is best to keep in mind your skin type and that the creams you use are essential when choosing which cream to use.
• Use masks. Remember that treatments with masks are another trick we can use to keep the skin cared for during the summer.
• Avoid the most harmful hours of sun. It is best to avoid sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Exfoliate your face. Remember that during the year, it is essential to exfoliate the face by removing dead skin cells and these regenerate over time.
• Remove makeup before going to bed. This is important to remember, never go to sleep with makeup on. Use a milk cream makeup remover.

As summer is one of the seasons that most affects our skin (especially our face, as it is thinner and more vulnerable), I will leave you some little tips to take care of it in the summer.

You may be interested in "How can I hydrate my skin naturally?"

How can I prevent sun damage on my face?

Here are my 8 best tips you should know to take care of your face in summer.

• Always use sunscreen: use it daily on the face and apply it 20 or 30 minutes before exposure; repeat the application every two hours.
• Wear accessories: wear sunglasses and a hat.
• Wear appropriate clothing: if you are going to be exposed to the sun, wear the right lightweight clothing.
• Be careful with the time that you are exposed to the sun: the sun's rays are much stronger between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid exposing yourself as much as possible between those hours.
• Hydrate yourself: drinking water is essential for your skin. It needs it to look soft.
• Keep your face clean: you must keep your face clean. Clean it at least twice a day because it is common to sweat in the summer, and this can clog your pores.
• Exfoliate your skin: this is very important as it removes dead skin cells and allows them to regenerate.
• Apply a moisturizer: this is especially important after exposing your face to the sun, do it at night for the greatest effect.

You may be interested in "How do you make your tan last longer?"

Conclusion

In short, to take care of your face in the summer, you must consider all the effects that the sun's rays can have on your skin.

The sun has good things that our body needs, but excessive exposure to its rays can have terrible consequences.

For this reason, I remind you that you should always use a good sunscreen, keep your skin hydrated, and of course, follow all the tips I have given you. This way, your skin will be in its most beautiful and softest condition this summer.