BOOMER SUMMER SKIN CARE

Higher Temperatures Call For Baby Boomer Summer Skin Care.

via mywomenstuff.com

Skin is a living organ.

It’s stuff that continually regenerates itself.

If that’s hard to believe, scratch your arm over something dark.

Look, you’re exfoliating and didn’t even know it.

New skin sounds pretty good, like no maintenance. Baby boomers know better.

We’ve been outside in the summer sun for quite a few years. More than we usually care to admit.

It doesn’t have to show, but that takes work.

It’s important to care for your skin to keep it fresh throughout the year.

While winter coverings and dry indoor air can make your skin dry and give it a dull, scaly surface, that’s not the appearance you want for sunny days.

Summer is an important time for skin care because of more outdoor activities. Summer in Oregon means outside.

Start by cleaning your skin with a gentle soap, then follow up with a toner that will balance your skin’s ph.

Hydrate your skin with moisturizers that contain water based emollients. Read the ingredients to avoid harmful chemicals you don’t want your skin to absorb.

Use products that contain antioxidants to nourish and repair your skin.

On the ingredients list look for abyssinian or crambe oil. Also look for apricot oil and coconut oil in addition to carrot, safflower, olive, lavender and jojoba oil. Rosehips, aloe vera, calendula, arnica, and green tea help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamins A, C, and E, flavoniods and phenolic acid all play a role in fighting against free radicals.

Now you’re feeling it.

The first rule of summer is skin protection.

Look for sunscreen with the spf of 15 to 30 broad spectrum coverage for both UVA and UVB rays containing the active ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.

It blocks 97% of harmful sun rays and is ideal for all skin types.

When plans include longer periods of exposure opt for heavy duty sunscreen.

Look for clear zinc oxide like Badger brand that contains fewer chemicals than standard sunscreen.

Long sleeved shirts and a hat are a must-have during peak hours between 10 am and 1 pm.

If you do get sunburned, treat it like inflammation.

Apply a cooling lotion of cloth as well as taking an anti-inflammatory like extra vitamin C.

One of the best methods of protecting your skin this summer is the simple act of staying hydrated with clean, filtered, water. The 8 X 8 rule comes into play: eight ounces of water eight times a day.

If you include alcohol or caffeine drinks, increase your water consumption.

Great skin requires good sleep and a rainbow of pigmented foods to stay fresh.

The beach is ready; lets be ready for the beach.

Skin care tips provided by Dr. Elaine Gillaspie.