There’s not a better feeling in the world than the sun radiating on our faces with a gentle breeze lightly blowing as we enjoy a beautiful summer day. However, we need to be sure to protect our skin from those dangerous UV rays and the wind from causing damage to our skin. That’s where summer skin care comes in.
It seems like summer brings us many carefree lake and pool days or time in the yard and garden. Nonetheless, don’t forget to start your days with a summer skin care routine that will leave your skin looking and feeling fresh.
Summer Skin Care is Important
Summer sun can literally suck the moisture right out of your skin. Sun can cause irreparable damage to your skin, and we’ll talk about that later in this blog. For now, we want to discuss how you can take the best care of your skin to keep it healthy to make it look and feel its best.
Be Proactive in your Skin Care
Not only do you want to protect your skin from the sun, but there are other steps you can take to keep your skin healthy during the summer. Here are three simple summer skin care tips:
1. Hydrate
Be sure to hydrate yourself from the inside out. Did you know that the average person requires at least 64 ounces of water daily? Although a person’s body weight and size determine how much water they truly need. Hydration plays a vital role in healthy skin. If you are not keen on plain water, try adding a natural flavoring to it like a lemon, lime or cucumber.
Remember, some foods are also high in water content like celery, cucumbers and oranges. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
2. Moisturize
While it is important to hydrate from the inside out, it is also important to keep your skin moisturized. Yet, there is a negative stereotype about adding moisture to skin in hot, summer months. Just because the weather is hot and humid, doesn’t mean that our skin doesn’t need moisture and hydration! In fact, many dermatologists recommended staying on your moisturizer during the summer because skipping moisturizer in a skincare routine can break down the skin’s healthy skin barrier over time. This may leave skin more prone to inflammation, flakiness, irritation and sensitivity (regardless of skin type).
If your skin feels too heavy with a heavy hydrator from winter, try a lighter moisturizer. Just don’t cut out moisturizer completely.
We recommend the HyaGlo® Moisturizer. This highly concentrated hyaluronic acid moisturizer is designed to enhance hydration and soothe skin with all-natural, scientific ingredients.
It is enriched with Glysyn® Hyaluronan, our vegan-friendly hyaluronic acid (HA) formula to draw in moisture for healthy skin hydration. It also contains two other key ingredients besides water – marshmallow root and peptide complex. Vitamins A, C, E & B complex peptides stimulate and nourish for long-lasting smooth and supple skin.
Marshmallow root is derived from the root of the Altaea plant. It is known to relieve occasional skin irritation, help soften skin In cases of heavy dryness or post-sun, and have aseptic qualities. It also provides relief from occasional itching, redness and chafing. Marshmallow root is tolerable by those with hypersensitive skin.
Peptide complex helps penetrate the outer layer of skin more deeply and signal to the skin to increase production of collagen and elastin. Regular use leads to firmer, more youthful-looking skin, and it works well in tandem with hyaluronic acid. This peptide complex reduces the appearance of dark undereye circles and improves the skin’s natural defense barrier for protection from rays, pollution and other toxins.
HyaGlo Moisturizer is suited for all skin types and is water-based. For best results, use morning and night after cleansing skin with your favorite face wash.
3. Wash your face
It is always important to wash your face twice daily – morning and night – to keep your skin healthy and give you that healthy, glowing skin. However, as the temperatures rise, and you spend more time sweating, it is even more important.
Use a gentle cleanser that will help open your pores and get the dirt and grime off your face. Be sure to wash with warm water and get all of the cleanser rinsed off to avoid further irritation.
In cases of heavy dryness or post-sun, follow your face wash with the HyaGlo® Hydrating Serum to help lock moisture back into your skin. This concentrated all-natural, scientific serum replenishes skin and results in plump, glowing and noticeably smoother skin. Like other HyaGlo products, Glysyn Hyaluronan is the key ingredient in this all-natural skin serum, our first and most popular HyaGlo product.
Hydrating Serum is true to its name. It works naturally to relieve dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin, all which we want to be rid of in the summer. As you transition from spring, this serum alleviates fine lines and wrinkles, leaves skin dramatically refined, more youthful appearing and silky smooth.
Repeated applications of HyaGlo Hydrating Serum results in a long-term skincare solution that addresses the source of concern without using abrasive substances or chemicals found in other cosmetics. It is designed for all skin types and is designed to be applied twice daily after washing your face.
Now that you know a little more about preparing a summer skin care routine, let’s learn about the sun, how it causes damage and some tips to prevent permanent skin damage.
Beware of the Sun’s Rays
A major part of summer skin care is protecting your skin against the sun. The sun can damage the skin through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which consists of UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
Here's how each type of UV radiation contributes to skin damage:
UVA Radiation
UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin and is associated with skin aging and wrinkling. It can also contribute to the development of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass, so exposure can occur even on cloudy days or indoors near windows. UVA radiation is what ultimately “tans” our skin, which we might think is pretty, but is actually causing damage.
UVB Radiation
UVB radiation primarily affects the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and is the primary cause of sunburn. UVB rays also play a significant role in the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. UVB radiation is most intense during midday hours and in the summer months.
UVC Radiation
UVC radiation is filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere and typically does not reach the skin's surface. However, artificial sources of UVC radiation, such as certain types of lamps and welding torches, can cause skin damage with prolonged exposure.
Damage Caused by the Sun
The sun's UV radiation can damage skin cells by causing DNA mutations and oxidative stress, which also leads to various skin concerns and health issues:
Sunburn
UVB radiation is the primary cause of sunburn, which is an acute inflammatory response to UV damage and indicates significant skin damage. Signs of sunburn include:
- changes in skin color, ranging from pink to red and even purple.
- skin that feels hot to the touch.
- pain and/or itching.
- fluid-filled blisters that itch and eventually pop or break.
- broken blisters that peel to reveal even more tender skin beneath.
Photoaging
Chronic exposure to UVA radiation can lead to premature skin aging, known as photoaging. Dermatologists refer to the damage the sun does to skin by multiple other designations, including photodamage, solar damage or sun damage.
Photoaging is characterized by wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, uneven pigmentation (such as age spots or sun spots) and loss of elasticity.
Skin Cancer
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells, leading to mutations that can trigger the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells. Skin cancer can manifest as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, with varying degrees of severity and prognosis.
Skin cancer can occur from exposure to all three types of rays – UVA, UVB and UVC. And it can happen when you least expect it, even for a prolonged time while driving behind a windshield, so be sure protect yourself with sunscreen more often than you think might be necessary.
Suppression of Immune System
UV radiation can suppress the skin's immune response, making it more susceptible to infections, allergens and other environmental factors. Immunosuppression can impair the skin's ability to repair DNA damage and defend against cancerous cell growth.
Protect your Skin from the Sun
To protect against sun damage, it's essential to practice sun safety measures, including wearing sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB), wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak hours of sun and avoiding indoor tanning beds. These precautions may help minimize UV exposure and reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.
Choosing a Sunscreen
Selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Ingredients like avobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX, offer broad-spectrum coverage. Here are some tips to help you choose the best broad-spectrum sunscreen:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
Look for a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, with higher SPF values providing greater protection. While SPF primarily measures protection against sunburn (UVB radiation), broad-spectrum sunscreen also protects against UVA radiation. Make sure to wear SPF every day – even when it’s cloudy.
Water Resistance
If you’re swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen that maintains its effectiveness for a specific duration (typically 40 to 80 minutes) while exposed to water or sweat. Water-resistant sunscreens are labeled as "water-resistant" or "very water-resistant."
Skin Type & Sensitivities
Consider your skin type, sensitivity and any specific skin concerns when selecting a sunscreen. Do you have oily, dry or combination skin? If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies or irritation, choose a sunscreen labeled as "hypoallergenic" or "sensitive skin." Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often suitable for sensitive skin.
Non-Comedogenic & Oil-Free
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreen to avoid clogging pores and intensifying breakouts. Look for sunscreens labeled as "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to reduce the risk of acne.
Application Recommendations
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and reapplication of sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
By considering these factors and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that meets your needs and preferences, you can effectively protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
Treat your Sunburn with HyaGlo
If you do happen to get sunburned, the ingredients in HyaGlo® Clarifying Serum may help. This hydrating serum is designed to naturally address occasional skin irritations and was originally formulated to deeply hydrate sensitive/irritated skin. It’s a revolutionary hyaluronic acid formula that combines the benefits of beta glucans from schizophyllan to relieve and restore blemished skin as well as improve skin texture and appearance.
Glysyn® Hyaluronan is HyaGlo’s trademarked vegan-friendly hyaluronic acid that draws in moisture and penetrates deeply for healthy skin hydration. It rejuvenates and soothes with hydrated, bright and glowing results.
HyaGlo Clarifying Serum is the ideal product to keep on hand as you are outdoors more during the summer. Not only can it provide relief from sunburn irritations for some, but it may also help with other skin irritations too. Use the Clarifying Serum for relief from bug bites, poison ivy and other cuts and scrapes that active lifestyles might cause from gardening or sports. It provides three key benefits:
- Relieves occasional irritations
- Restores blemished skin
- Improves skin condition and appearance
An all-natural skin care serum based in science with organic ingredients and soothing benefits.
Get Ready for Summer Skin Now!
Summer skin care is important to keep your skin healthy and happy. Yes, it does feel good to have that sun our face, but protect it with sunscreen, so you aren’t paying the consequences of skin damage or even skin cancer later in life.
Perhaps the best thing about HyaGlo is you can purchase it online with a simple auto ship option. This ensures you never run out of your favorite skincare product.
HyaGlo is also sold at select retailers. Find one near you today.
Do you want more summer skin care tips & tricks, or information about keeping your skin looking healthy all summer? We know you do! Sign up for our newsletter.
