Warm weather’s great for our moods during the summer. But despite that, the sun’s harmful rays can have an ageing, drying effect on our skin and leave us with frizzy, frazzled tresses. To help you avoid unwanted mishaps, here are our sun protection tips for luscious locks and glowing skin this summer.
Protect against UVA and UVB rays
Sunlight is made up of two different types of rays – UVA and UVB. UVA triggers skin ageing, whereas UVB causes burning which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sadly, a tan doesn’t protect your skin from these rays, but applying sunscreen with a good SPF (sun protection factor) does.
To guard against UVBs, opt for at least SPF15. SPFs are measured on a scale of 2 to 50+, with SPF 50+ providing the most effective sun protection. Make-up and moisturisers with built-in SPF are also ideal.
To fight UVA’s ageing effects, always pay attention to the star rating. The higher the number, the more UVA protection, so it’s best to choose a product with at least 4 or 5 stars.
Choose nourishing natural ingredients
If you’re looking for sun care that soothes, moisturises and protects, choose products enriched with skin saviours like aloe vera, green tea extract, vitamin E and shea butter. Sun creams such as Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF 50 offer natural skin protection by combining a strong SPF with organic aloe vera and vitamins C and E.
Eat skin-friendly food
We all know that our diet affects the way we look and feel, and our skin is no exception. In fact, one study found that a diet loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin E could reduce the effects of harmful sun exposure and sunburn. Shield your skin with tomatoes, strawberries, kiwis and broccoli, which are good sources of all of these nutrients.
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Stay hydrated by drinking water and green tea
In hot weather, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to combat dehydration, dry skin and dark under-eye circles. If you’re spending the summer in the UK, aim to drink at least 1.2 litres of liquids and a few cups of green tea. Evidence suggests that the latter may help protect against the sun’s rays.
Cover up and wear sunglasses
As well as sunscreen, wear a hat to protect the top of your head and the back of your neck. To shield your locks from the elements, apply a nourishing leave-in conditioner like A’kin Lavender & Anthyllis Leave In Conditioner. And whether you prefer aviators or cat-eyes, a chic pair of sunglasses protects your eyes from sun damage and adds some serious style points.
Stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest
To avoid sunburn, head indoors or find some shelter during the sun’s peak hours.
From March to October in the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm.
Wear after sun to maximise your tan
Hydrate your skin after a long day in the sun with a cooling after sun lotion. Rubbing on after sun helps you avoid peeling and could help your new glow last longer. We like Aloe Pura Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion which contains aloe vera, vitamin E and almond oil to soothe sun-exposed skin.
Soothe sunburn
If you do burn, sponge your skin with cool water and apply after sun lotion. Stay out of the sun until any redness has gone. Take painkillers to help reduce any pain and inflammation, but seek medical help if your skin blisters, swells up or you start to feel ill.
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Deep condition sun damaged hair
Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause damaged and frizzy hair, however natural oils like Miaflora Cacay Oil or Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum can repair dry, brittle strands. For more intense hydration, massage in Tiana Argan Fresh Coconut TLC Intensive Hydration Treatment and leave overnight for silky smooth hair.
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Sources
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9448204
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11209110
