Your skin and the sun. It’s a love-hate relationship, no? We all love the sun’s warmth—not to mention the radiant glow it can give our skin. But its harmful, aging effects? Not so much. You can still get your glow on without racking up the wrinkles, it just requires sun care! We share the summer skin care tips you need—to enjoy the sun and protect your skin.
Sun Care for Dull Skin Tones
While that golden glow may temporarily seem to conceal imperfections like dull skin, be warned. Tanned skin doesn’t make a sallow complexion disappear, it’s merely hiding—and getting worse as you bake in the sun’s rays. In fact, long UVA rays can further contribute to a sallow look. To avoid these damaging effects use a moisturizer with a sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF, recommends pharmacy technician—and French skin care expert—Loubna Id Said. Try our bestselling anti-aging Capital Soleil Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50 or up the ante to SPF 50+ for pale or sensitive skin with Capital Soleil Soft Sheer Sunscreen SPF 60.
BEST SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS
Sun Care for Acne-Prone Skin
The sun’s UV rays might dry out your complexion’s troublesome spots in the short term but, “they also thicken the skin, block pores, and cause a buildup of sebum,” Loubna says. So while you may think that the sun is making those pimples disappear, chances are you’re going to end up with more in the long run. Limit the damage in advance. Again, protect your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen. Exfoliate your face no more than once a week on holiday, and, if you have blemish-prone skin, use a cream formulated with salicylic acid or another acne-fighting ingredient, Loubna says.
Sun Care for Everyone
Facial skin varies in thickness – the sun is more aggressive on the areas of the face where the skin is thinnest, causing dark spots to form more quickly.
The result? Not just dark spots, but sunburns, uneven tan, wrinkles, or worse—skin cancer. The best solution? You guessed it, sunscreen with SPF. Slather sunscreen on your face and neckline—concentrating on fragile areas—and be sure to reapply it regularly. Get some added protection by packing these items along for your trip to the pool or beach:
- A wide-brimmed hat with a large visor
- Protective sunglasses
- A parasol or beach tent with UVA and UVB filters
- A small cooler to carry cold water and a chilled mineralizing thermal water spray