Save your skin and still have fun
A little dab won't do you. You want to shield yourself from the sun, but how much sunscreen is enough? "Think of those small paper cups used for holding ketchup at Wendy's or other fast-food restaurants," says Atlanta-based skincare specialist Alison O'Neil Andrew, B.S., M.E., A.R.S., president of Health Aesthetic Consultants. "That's the amount of sunscreen that should be used." Rub on 30 minutes before sun exposure and again every 90 minutes. Even water-resistant sunscreens can be rubbed away when toweling off after a swim, so be sure to reapply.
Shield your skin from dryness and sun damage. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles, so keep your complexion hydrated to prevent it from looking dull and washed-out. You'll get more face time with a daily moisturizer that contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It protects skin from free radicals (environmental enemies such as pollution) and also repairs past sun damage.
If you use SPF 15 foundation after you rub on an SPF 30 sunscreen, don't think you're getting 45 digits worth of protection, says O'Neil Andrew. In fact, you only get the protection of the highest number, in this case SPF 30. But as an extra perk, the moisture provided by the sunscreen will result in a smoother application of the foundation. No more unsightly foundation creases!
Or, go for two-in-one coverage. Look for a moisturizer that contains an SPF of 15 or higher. If you opt for an SPF-free lotion, make sure you also use a sunscreen, no matter what the season. UV rays are a hazard all year, and sun damage is the number-one cause of premature aging.
Eat right. A healthy diet can work wonders for your skin. Stimulate your complexion's collagen growth with foods rich in antioxidants, including leafy green vegetables, blueberries, cantaloupe and other melons. Salmon and egg whites are excellent sources of protein, which helps nourish skin and repair damage.
Simplify your makeup routine. Stick to the basics: mascara, lip gloss, concealer and switch to a bronzing blush to show off your natural beauty this summer.
Replace razors more often. Bare legs and bikini lines mean more diligent hair removal. Make sure your razor is up to par by switching it every week. Better yet, try waxing, a longer-lasting alternative.
b Relaxing by the beach can do wonders for your soul, but can wreak havoc on your skin. Remember to slough off dead skin with a loufah and an exfoliating body wash a few times a week.
Are you running on empty? Long days make summer the perfect time to hit the road running (or walking), but be sure to monitor your fluid intake when you do. "You can lose anywhere from six to twelve ounces of fluid for every twenty minutes of running," says Dr. Varlotta. "Before you begin, drink ten to fifteen ounces of water and continue to do so every twenty to thirty minutes along the route." If you're tackling longer distances, he suggests downing sports drinks, which also add minerals.
Beware of sun sensitivity. If you're taking prescription medications, be sure to check the labels for warnings about how they may affect your body's reaction to the sun and heat, or ask your doctor or pharmacist, says Robert Donovan, president of the Council on Family Health. You could be setting yourself up for a painful sunburn or worse. Similarly, if you are pregnant or have a chronic health condition, ask your doctor about the potentially harmful effects of heat, sun and fatigue.
A little dab won't do you. You want to shield yourself from the sun, but how much sunscreen is enough? "Think of those small paper cups used for holding ketchup at Wendy's or other fast-food restaurants," says Atlanta-based skincare specialist Alison O'Neil Andrew, B.S., M.E., A.R.S., president of Health Aesthetic Consultants. "That's the amount of sunscreen that should be used." Rub on 30 minutes before sun exposure and again every 90 minutes. Even water-resistant sunscreens can be rubbed away when toweling off after a swim, so be sure to reapply.
Shield your skin from dryness and sun damage. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles, so keep your complexion hydrated to prevent it from looking dull and washed-out. You'll get more face time with a daily moisturizer that contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It protects skin from free radicals (environmental enemies such as pollution) and also repairs past sun damage.
If you use SPF 15 foundation after you rub on an SPF 30 sunscreen, don't think you're getting 45 digits worth of protection, says O'Neil Andrew. In fact, you only get the protection of the highest number, in this case SPF 30. But as an extra perk, the moisture provided by the sunscreen will result in a smoother application of the foundation. No more unsightly foundation creases!
Or, go for two-in-one coverage. Look for a moisturizer that contains an SPF of 15 or higher. If you opt for an SPF-free lotion, make sure you also use a sunscreen, no matter what the season. UV rays are a hazard all year, and sun damage is the number-one cause of premature aging.
Eat right. A healthy diet can work wonders for your skin. Stimulate your complexion's collagen growth with foods rich in antioxidants, including leafy green vegetables, blueberries, cantaloupe and other melons. Salmon and egg whites are excellent sources of protein, which helps nourish skin and repair damage.
Simplify your makeup routine. Stick to the basics: mascara, lip gloss, concealer and switch to a bronzing blush to show off your natural beauty this summer.
Replace razors more often. Bare legs and bikini lines mean more diligent hair removal. Make sure your razor is up to par by switching it every week. Better yet, try waxing, a longer-lasting alternative.
b Relaxing by the beach can do wonders for your soul, but can wreak havoc on your skin. Remember to slough off dead skin with a loufah and an exfoliating body wash a few times a week.
Are you running on empty? Long days make summer the perfect time to hit the road running (or walking), but be sure to monitor your fluid intake when you do. "You can lose anywhere from six to twelve ounces of fluid for every twenty minutes of running," says Dr. Varlotta. "Before you begin, drink ten to fifteen ounces of water and continue to do so every twenty to thirty minutes along the route." If you're tackling longer distances, he suggests downing sports drinks, which also add minerals.
Beware of sun sensitivity. If you're taking prescription medications, be sure to check the labels for warnings about how they may affect your body's reaction to the sun and heat, or ask your doctor or pharmacist, says Robert Donovan, president of the Council on Family Health. You could be setting yourself up for a painful sunburn or worse. Similarly, if you are pregnant or have a chronic health condition, ask your doctor about the potentially harmful effects of heat, sun and fatigue.