Here Comes the Sun: Subtle Skin Protection
By Claudia Prevete, Lifestyle Staff Writer
With summer right around the corner, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement that comes along with warmer temperatures. Typically, this means spending a ton of time outdoors and taking that extra step to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. While it is not always at the top of our to-do list, it is an important precaution to take nonetheless, in order to prevent not only painful sunburn but also fine lines, wrinkles and the potential risk of skin cancer.
Our best friend, the sun, can also be our skin’s worst enemy, despite our desire to bathe in its warmth this time of year. Luckily, coating yourself in sunscreen is not the only way to combat this potential damage to your skin. Here are some of the most effective yet subtle ways to keep your skin out of harm’s way.
Multi-Tasking Beauty Products
Any sort of beauty product that kills two (or more) birds with one stone is worth keeping in your repertoire, especially when it comes to dual-acting beauty and sun-care. With so many genius products on the market, there is really no reason you cannot mix a little SPF into your daily beauty routine this summer.
For days spent enjoying the great outdoors or sprawled on the beach, try embracing a more au-natural look and choosing a BB or CC cream. This is an easy way to make sure you include SPF in your face makeup.
Some of the best products to get this job done include the drugstore classic Maybelline’s Fresh BB Sunscreen which comes in SPF 30, Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 45 carried at Sephora and It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ Cream SPF 50, carried at Ulta.
There are, however, many more multi-tasking beauty products where those come from. These can all be integrated seamlessly into your daily routine to make sure you protect your skin before seizing the day this summer.
Pop Those Vitamins!
Vitamin D is often regarded simply as just the vitamin we absorb from the sun. However, it is also a vitamin you can take in order to prevent skin cancer! You can find vitamin D in fatty fish like salmon and tuna and in some orange juices. Still, taking supplements is the best way to ensure you get enough to take those preventative measures. In addition to vitamin D, vitamins C, E and K contain skin-improving nutrients. Vitamin C’s antioxidant-rich properties fight cancer and boost your sunscreen’s ability to decrease cell damage. Vitamin E, found in almonds, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds, is a miracle worker for inflammation and dryness caused by sun-exposure. Not only can you increase your vitamin E intake to snag these benefits, but you can also find it in topical products that apply directly to your skin. Applying these products protects against dark spots and wrinkles caused by UV rays.
Make it Fashionable- Wear a Hat!
This is definitely a subtle adjustment to make, but wearing a hat will keep your face shielded from the sun and its potential damage. Sun hats are a super chic way to take your look from fashionable to functional, by completing your look with this double-duty accessory. Wide-brimmed sun-hats are super on-trend at the moment, with brands from J. Crew to Rag & Bone jumping in and putting their own twist on the look. Take a cue from Kendall Jenner herself and rock a straw hat on your next sunny-weather stroll.
With the myriad of hassle-free ways to protect your skin, there really is no excuse to ignore this important step in your daily summer beauty routine. Taking even a small step towards skin-safety this summer will save your skin and ensure that health remains a priority for you this season.