Many of us Floridians may be beach lovers who relish basking in the sun and salty air, but that doesn’t mean we want to look the part when it comes to the long-term damage those days can do to our skin. There’s no doubt we have all seen those people who look as if they’ve spent a few too many long days celebrating on the beach, lounging by the pool, or behind the console of their boat. While that radiant sun-kissed glow can be a rather attractive asset, no one wants to appear fifteen years older than they are just because they love the beach.
1. Use Sunscreen
Most of us have been lectured about sunscreen until someone was blue in the face. Yet, strangely, we still get red when we refuse to listen.
You should apply sunscreen whenever you’re outside for even a half hour, and you should reapply every two hours when you’re at the beach, pool, ballfield, or for any prolonged outdoor exposure.
All sunscreens are formulated and manufactured to protect wearers against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn, sun damage, and most skin cancers. However UVA rays -which we seem to hear less about- are also causes of wrinkles, sunspots, skin cancers, and overall premature and unattractive aging of the skin. Because you need to protect yourself against both types of these sun derived culprits, most dermatologists recommend that their patients procure a good SPF 50, or higher, broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s also worth noting that a water-resistant formula is good to have around. Be prepared to reapply after taking a swim or perspiration.
2. Choose the right soaps and cleansers
One of the best things you can do to protect your skin -particularly your face- from sun damage is to take care of your skin in other ways. For starters this means using the right soaps and cleansers for your skin type, your climate, and even the season. Many dermatologists will tell you that one of the best soaps for your face and skin is simply good old fashion white Dove. Yep, it’s even better than the majority of brand name cleansers that cost ten to twenty times as much.
In general, you’ll want to stay away from heavy oil-based cleaners and use those formulated for your specific skin type, most of which tend to be in foam pump form or light creams. The same goes for easing up on heavy astringents that are often alcohol based and tend to dry out skin. These are exactly what you don’t want before exposure to lots of sunlight.
3. Hydrate your body to hydrate your skin
We all hear so much about drinking enough water and the importance of staying hydrated.
Depending on our size and body composition, most of us need 60 to 150 ounces of water per day. Guess what? Most people don’t get even close to this. Remember, if your entire body is dehydrated then your skin is too. What I’ve found that works is simply keeping a 12-to-20-ounce bottle of cool purified water at home, work, or a cooler in your car, and making yourself drink a particular number of times per day to get the amount you need. The general rule is ½ to 1 ounce of water daily, for every pound of body weight, with the variation in ounces being based largely on how much you are using or losing in various activities and climate conditions.
4. Watch alcohol content when outdoors
I like a cold beer as much as anyone I know, however, I think we’ve all established that alcohol is a dehydrant. So, if you have a tendency to load up a cooler of your favorite libations when heading out for a day on the sand or water just make sure you remember to slam those 60 to 150 ounces of water you need in between the other tastier drinks.
It’s also a good idea to limit daily drinking to a few drinks a day. I’m not telling you what to do or how to live your life, but we’ve all seen that guy who drinks six packs per night five or more days a week. And how does he look? Not the best skin, right?
5. Get your nutrients
Remember that whole, “you are what you eat” adage? Well, unfortunately it’s mostly true. A whole lot of things aren’t particularly good for you, so let’s skip that list and just go to what is specifically good for your skin: vitamin C rich foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in polyphenols and beta-carotene. Things like soybeans, nuts and seeds, oily fish, and even coffee can be helpful in keeping healthy glowing skin from the inside out.
As for giving your skin -especially your face- a dose of nutrients, try a good vitamin C serum to help nourish your skin and keep that youthful glow all year long.
6. Cover up
While it may seem almost too rudimentary to even mention, wearing a hat, neck cover, and even a long sleeve shirt with built-in sun protection, can go a long way in allowing you to stay outdoors longer, while still protecting your skin from too much sun. Look for shirts that state a particular level of sun protection but also be aware that simply carrying along a light-weight white cotton button up or long sleeve tee is a smart move when heading out for a day at the beach or hours on the boat. The same goes for investing in the right sunglasses as a precaution against eye damage, and damage to the tinder skin around your eyes, that often can be protected by the sunglasses. While any shades are better than none, it’s best to choose sunglasses with polarized lenses.