Yes, summertime is a time to sit back, relax and enjoy all the outdoor activities, but it is not a time to relax on your skincare routine. Instead, summer is a time to add to your skins defense systems and to create a routine that will keep your skin looking youthful and fresh all season long. There are a few tips we would like to share with you to ensure your skin receives a healthy sun kissed glow this season without creating a cyclone of DNA damage that could be seen for years to come.
1. You will need a good Physical Sunscreen – Not Chemical, A Physical Sunscreen!
Physical sunscreens, sometimes called mineral sunscreen or sunblock, contain zinc oxide to deflect UV rays. The pros of a physical sunblock are that there is no need to wait after application to go in the sun and that zinc is very healing to the skin. Zinc reduces inflammation and is less likely to clog the pores. Con’s of chemical sunscreens are that they contain certain risk factors such as skin irritation, skin inflammation and potential carcinogenic ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone, many of which are thought to be hormone and endocrine disruptors. Hormone and endocrine disruptors are scary because they can be harmful in small doses by mimicking the hormones that our body creates daily and interferes with everything from our reproductive system to our metabolism. They’re also particularly questionable for young children whose systems are rapidly developing. Please don’t forget to use sunscreen protection to protect your delicate lips, ears, scalp and the backs of your knees. The Vibe Tribes favorite physical sunscreen brands are Coola, Elta MD and Suntegrity.
2. Let’s set aside those heavy moisturizers and add an antioxidant serum to your regimen!
Second only to SPF an antioxidant serum is hands down the best thing you can put on your skin in the summer months. Many dermatologists are now recommending the dynamic duo by adding antioxidants serums under your SPF. Just think about it, your skin is bombarded by free radicals (from things like UV rays, blue rays, pollution, and stress), which damage your skin cells and, in turn, cause inflammation and deplete collagen and elastin levels. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals giving your skin an arsenal of protection.
Vibe Tribe favorite antioxidant serums include:
Osmosis MD Replenish – a serum that contains a pharmaceutical-grade delivery system to deliver 17 different antioxidants.
IS Clinical SUPER SERUM – a clinically proven formula that combines a 15% concentration L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with a bio identical Copper Tripeptide Growth Factor.
3. Don’t over exfoliate and remove alpha hydroxy acids and retinols from your daily skincare routine.
Over-exfoliation can compromise your protective lipid barrier making your skin dry, irritated and more vulnerable to environmental damage. Vibe Tribes favorite sun-safe Vitamin A serum is: Osmosis MD Correct which contains a certain form of vitamin A, retinaldehyde, that is safe to use during pregnancy and in the sun.
4. Mineralize your water
Purified and distilled water is sometimes also referred to as “dead water” because it contains few to no minerals. Choosing Glacial or Spring water is a great way to make sure your water is mineral dense and if you feel the need to “spice it up” you can also make it into your favorite herbal Ice tea or add some herbs and fruit. Adding fruit to your water also adds antioxidants to naturally protect your skin! The Vibe Tribes favorite mineral waters include: Mountain Valley Spring Water and Icelandic Glacial Water.
Note: To find out more about how to take care of your skin during summer, make sure to read our article about eight summer skincare tips to protect your skin from heat and humidity.
5. Eat for the summer season
Eating foods that are in season is a great habit to get into because they typically taste better, they reduce your carbon footprint and they innately prepare your body for the challenges of the season. Summer foods are typically higher in water, antioxidants and minerals, which help your body endure and replenish in the summer heat. Super foods are a perfect addition to your summertime fun and a great way to achieve greater protection from the sun. Here is a list of some of the Vibe Tribes favorite Summer foods and an explanation of why they are so great:
Watermelon – watermelon is a natural sun-protector that is stacked with vitamin C and an antioxidant lycopene that successfully absorbs UV radiations.
Avocados – This super fruit is packed with vitamin E that hydrates the body and also acts as a shield to fight back sun's harmful effects.
Pomegranates – Pomegranates contain a high amount of anthocyanin, tannins, and anti-inflammatory compounds that negate the effects of harmful UVB rays.
Berries – Berries contain powerful antioxidants and a high amount of vitamin C, to minimize the damage caused by sun.
Oranges – Just like all other citrus fruits, it is most effective in combating serious skin disorders and diseases caused by the UV rays. The fruit has a vast nutrient profile containing vitamin E, vitamin C and limonene, a compound that keeps a check on cell degeneration.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which helps protect the skin from damage from the sun and the environment.
Zucchini – This summer squash is high in manganese, a mineral that helps to fight off sun damage on your skin, aids in the production of collagen, which increases skin elasticity, and it can help fight off rashes from the heat and sun.
Pineapples – Along with vitamins and minerals, this tropical fruit contains bromelanin, thought to fight inflammation.
Nuts and seeds – Walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax all contain Omega 3 fatty acids that helps maintain your skin’s integrity and cope with the effects of the sun.
Carrots and leafy greens – Carrots and leafy greens like kale and spinach are great beta carotene- which is a natural source of Vitamin A, which is a potent anti-oxidant and reduces sun sensitivity. As we kick off the month of June, don’t forget to celebrate the season, the special fathers and father figures in our lives and your sunscreen!
