Summer Sun Skincare Guide Part 1
Image by @individualmedleystore
We are passionate about taking care of your skin all year round, but especially in the summer, when the sun is hot + bright! We have gathered our top tips for protect your skin naturally this summer!
Sun Facts
The sunlight beaming down onto our bodies is comprised of two different types of rays: UVA (long wave) + UVB (short wave). UVA rays penetrate deep, accessing the lowest + thickest level of our skin (dermis). UVB rays can inflame + irritate the superficial top layers of our skin (epidermis). Simply put, UVA rays promote premature aging ("A"for aging) and UVB rays are what create sunburns ("B" for burning). Prolonged unprotected exposure to these rays can lead to premature aging, suppression of the immune system, sun damage, hyper pigmentation and skin cancers.
1. Wear a Hat!
At Province Apothecary we believe the best way to protect your precious and delicate skin is to wear a hat. The best protection is a physical barrier. A hat protects your face and head, but a wide brimmed hat protects your neck as well. We love hats made our of natural materials, like cotton, straw or grass, they will allow your head to breath. We have joined up with one of our favourite hat makers, Clyde, for a giveaway!.See below to enter!!
2. Cover Up During Peak Hours
We know when it gets hot out most people want to wear less, but you can still protect your skin and stay cool. If you wear fabrics like silk, cotton and linen they won't weigh you down but they will provide that physical barrier from the sun's rays. You especially need to cover up during the sun's peak hours. We love wearing a long sleeve linen shirt all summer long, its a classic and keeps you very cool.
3. Wear Sunscreen
Should I wear sunscreen? Is the #1 question we hear at our Skincare Clinic. If you are going to be in the sun for longer then 10 mins, we suggest wearing sunscreen! Sunscreen creates a physical barrier that protcts your skin from the sun. Make sure to apply your sunscreen on your neck, back of your neck, ears, decollete, and back of hands. These areas are all exposed as much as yoru face but most people forget to apply sunscreen in these areas.
It's important to choose the right type of sunscreen for you + your activities.
Choosing the right sunblock for you may be daunting - especially if you’re concerned about chemicals and carcinogens seeping into your skin. The skin is our largest organ, and what it absorbs affects all other organs within us. It’s important to read labels and inspect the ingredients in your products. There is a great app available for most smart phones called "Think Dirty" - it allows you to scan a product's barcode and it reveals how 'clean' or 'dirty' the product may be. This is a quick and convenient tool when shopping!
4. Gradually Expose Yourself
It's good to get outside get and get Vitamin D but if you overexpose yourself it can cause more damage to your skin, and you wont reap any of the benefits.
We can get 10 000 IU of vitamin D each day from only 20 minutes in the sun (if our arms and legs are exposed).
Why should you apply sunscreen daily?
Did you know that 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by the sun! You are exposed to the sun daily, even in the cold Canadian winters. Damage is cumulative so it’s important to start wearing daily sunscreen now, if you aren’t already!
Our After-Sun Ritual
If we do get some sun, the best way to repair your skin is to apply our Hydrating Rescue Body Balm with Beeswax & Sea Buckthorn, to your body. This Omega-3 infused balm is perfect for the driest skin, relieving flaking and cracking. Safe to use on: eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and any dry patches. We use our balm everyday, on every part of our body!
Apply our Face balm to your entire face, ears, neck, chest and clevage because the sun can make your skin feel extra dehydrated. Apply it before bed to recover skin’s radiance. Read our post on a skincare vacation regime for more info.
You can also follow up with aloe gel from an aloe plant. We find it is better to go straight to the source instead of buying aloe gel in a bottle that can be filled with additives and chemicals. You can buy an aloe plant or leaf from the grocery store and use it when you feel your skin needs it.
We also have a DIY Soothing After Sun Face Mist that you can make at easily at home to soothe your face!
What to do if you get a Sun Burn?
Step 1: When you get too much sun, the best way to repair is to use our Zinc Balm. It is infused with Calendula & Zinc to hydrating and soothe for dry skin. Rose hip oil stimulates cell regeneration and reduces the appearance of scars. Hemp oil deeply hydrates and softens. Zinc restores damaged tissue and soothes irritation which is much needed after some time in the sun! Turmeric targets itchiness and swelling.
Step 2: Drink lots of water! You need to hydrate as you will have internal dehydration and your moisture levels will be depleted. Its important to drink extra water during the summer, and keeping hydrated from the inside will ensure you stay looking flawless on the outside!
Step 3: Your body needs to recover, and getting extra sleep will ensure you feel better in no time!
So apply balm, hydrate and get in some extra snooze time!
Our Giveaway! [ CONTEST CLOSED ]
Our favourite way to protect your face from the sun is by wearing a hat! We've partnered with Clyde Hats to giveaway a designer piece for our followers.
Clyde is a New York City-based label designed by Vancouver native Dani Griffiths. After moving to the city in 2008, Griffiths exercised her aptitude for fashion as a buyer, merchandiser and house collection sales director at Assembly New York. It was in 2010 that she started making her own line of discerning, crocheted wool accessories. Since then, the offering has steadily evolved to include a range of hats that are blocked by hand in a small New York state millinery factory.
Clyde aspires to not only be a part of the wearer’s story but to help tell it by encouraging individual experiences that can, in turn, impart personal meaning to each and every piece.
Win a Clyde Hat: Wide Brim Pinch Panama Hat made from Handwoven Seagrass
Image from Clyde
How to Enter
1. Follow us + @clyde.world on instagram
2. Tag 2 friends in the comments below the giveaway, on instagram
Winner will be announced Friday June 23rd, 2017!