What’s the #1 summer health hazard? If you guessed UV rays, you are right! The sun is responsible for most cases of skin cancer. It’s also responsible for most signs of your skin’s aging—up to 90 percent! Without a doubt, applying sunscreen on a daily basis is your skin’s most important health and beauty weapon. That said, here are a few more tips for enjoying a happy and healthy summer:
Hydrate!
Nothing increases your skin cancer risk more or prematurely ages you than sunburns. But if you do get a sunburn, don’t forget to hydrate! Sunburned skin increases your risk for dehydration and heat stroke, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and stay in the shade.
Rinse off!
You’re most susceptible to collecting ticks after hikes in wooded areas or playing in the yard with your dog. Ticks are easy to miss, roughly the size of a speck of pepper. Fortunately, it takes 36 to 48 hours for most ticks to attach and transmit the Lyme disease bacterium. You can dramatically reduce your risk of infection by bathing within two hours after your outdoor adventures, which will rinse any unattached ticks away. Other proven preventives include wearing insect repellent with DEET and wearing long sleeved shirts and pants tucked in with socks.
Eat lots of skin-protecting foods!
Did you know that watermelon contains more lycopene than tomatoes, and that it can help to enhance your skin’s natural defenses against the sun? Other skin-protecting foods that are high in antioxidants and other skin-enhancing nutrients include blueberries, leafy greens like spinach, carrots, avocados, green tea, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and cauliflower.
Keep in mind that foods are NOT a substitute for regular SPF application, but they can certainly enhance your skin’s health, not to mention your total body health!
Give your skin a beauty boost this summer by visiting us for a professional skin care consultation. Call 203-445-0101 or request a consultation online today!
