Sun Care
Living on a lake and working outside for a good portion of the summer is wreaking havoc on my skin's aging process. I am in my mid thirties and have been blessed this far with good genes despite my lack of SPF use. I have not been good to my skin. In high school, I was runner up to "Best Fake and Bake" in my senior yearbook. I would tan for 20 minutes and then reset the tanning bed. My senior homecoming dance was the day I was nicknamed "lobster"and for the last five summers, I have been in the outdoors without SPF daily.
This summer, I am making a change. Working surrounded by mirrors and cameras, I am more observant to certain changes happening with my skin; the other day I looked down and saw severe signs of aging on my chest. Sort of like an old worn out leather purse-it wasn’t something I was stoked to see. Luckily, I have a few items to correct that issue.
For starters, I am never stepping foot outside without an SPF 30 on again. I prefer the aerosol spray kinds to creams, they are easier to apply to your back and provides more of an even coverage. Also, I wear lots of hats. Recently I have been repping a visor, but I think a full scalp covering hat is best. A lot of us forget about the tops of our heads when it comes to skin care, but for someone who is bald, I can't forget.
I also always rep sunglasses. I'm that chick who's too cool for the world and wears them inside Target when I am trying to hide my lack of lashes and the worn off makeup on my face. I prefer mirrored aviators as they are so boss looking and hide your eyes so you can look anywhere in stealth mode.
After I floaty around, I definitely wash that lake water off-I'm not sure why, but the lake makes my legs extra dry (I never put my face or head under water; why? Glam). I normally spray tan the second I get out of the shower, but recently swapped to actual lotion, especially after hours of sun exposure. I have been using Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Body Lotion because it has shea butter and vitamins C and E which are skincare dreams. Vitamin D, the actual sun, aids in the conversion of cholesterol, which makes moderate exposure important. This happens when the sun is absorbed by the skin. Vitamin C is great for collagen production, which is known to be the glue that holds our body together and also helps aid in the skin's elasticity (the way you avoid stretch marks). Vitamin E helps protect and repair the skin from sun damage and is very important in post sun skin care. So when you are shopping for the best sun scare products, keep those ingredients in mind (better yet, email me so I can help you choose the right stuff).
HYDRATE. I make sure to pound as much actual water as I can. Water is the most important drink of all times, and this comes from a Sparkaholic (Advocare Spark). The benefits are insane-for me; I see a huge difference in the fine lines and wrinkles on my face when I am dehydrated (I see them, when I am hydrated, they vanish). I also have a hard time digesting anything, and my body feels very inflamed when I haven't had enough to drink. I try to have alkaline and electrolyte water (both Trader Joes and Target carry some) every day, but more specifically on days that I may have been outside way too long or have had too much caffeine (or alcohol, which sucks the life out of your hydration). My diet is primarily acidic (most of ours are) and it is important to balance your pH levels as a low pH is too acidic and can cause improper blood cell function, creating a nice home for all sorts disease. A healthy balance of both is ideal and slightly more alkaline is better (because you will most likely consume more acid soon enough).
Don't forget your lips! Find a balm or lipstick that has an SPF in it. These days I have been using Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment as they have an SPF 15. The one on my lips above is shade "Rose". But be forewarned with the Fresh SLT's, they melt and get VERY soft in the heat. Do not store in your car or in the sun. I had mine in my pocket today and the whole thing basically smashed on my lips when I went to put it on.
If you have to wear makeup in the sun like I do, I like the Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It smells like rosemary and mint and controls shine and oil production while also setting and refreshing your makeup!
Stay cool out there. If you live in Washington like I do and haven't already, invest in an air conditioner. Summers are only going to get hotter, and it is life changing when you finally do install one.
