SOS - Save Our Skin
We love summer... don't we?
All that fun in the sun is fantastic for our social and mental health but it can have significant consequences for our skin.
Australian summers can be extremely harsh. Not only does our skin have to deal with the consequences of hot weather and sun exposure but it must adapt to our increased use of airconditioning with its rapid temperature changes and drying fans.
Without help over summer you run the risk of not only dry, wrinkled and aged skin but you run the significant risk of developing skin damage and cancer.
Here are three vital steps to help keep your skin in the best shape it can be in over these warm summer months.
Top Tip 1 : Hydrate - Inside and Out
Inside - As the temperature soars so does the possiblilty of becoming dehydrated.Our skin dehyrdates as well becoming dry, crepey and aged.
So it is vital to drink lots of water during the day to help keep your insides hydrated. The current wisdom is that we need about 2 lites of fluid a day to maintain the staus quo. Our fluid intake requirements increase the hotter it gets!
So drinking water and other non-dehydrating drinks is vital. and no, alcohol doesn't count!
Hint: add a slice or two of lemon to a jug of water and keep it in the fridge. The lemon provides a boot of antioxidant Vitamin C while infusing the ater with its uplifting, citrussy taste making it easier to drink.
Outside - Yes summer is harsh on our skin. So it is vital to use a good moisturiser each day all over to help the skin maintian a healthy moisture balance.
A moisturiser acts in two significant ways to help protect the skin in summer. Firstly it helps to reduce the loss of moisturisation through the skin and secondly it helps the oil glands and pores to continue to function effetively.
Recommendations: Body: Try Moon Haven's Body Butter with Avocado, Lavender or Vanilla for heavy duty moisturisation or if you're looking for something a little lighter our Hand & Body Lotions are perfect. Choose from Bergamot, Lavender and Rose Geranium
Top Tip 2: Exfoliate Gently
With the increased exposure to high temperatures, wind and airconditioning in summer, our skin can easily become dull, rough and flaky. This is where GENTLE exfoliation comes into its own.
You see, appropaite exfoliation will gently remove the dry flakes that makes your skin look dull and lifeless leaving it glowing with health and vitality.
Of course if your skin is delicate or youve been sensitised by the sun or are sunburnt then delay using an exfoliatant until your skin has settled.
Remember, this is not an exercise in removing a layer of skin through a sandpaper like effort ,but a gently caressing of the skin with an appropriate medium that lifts the loose skin from the surface of your body!
Recommendations : Our Ginger Spice Body Polish is a wonderful gently salt based body exfoliant that will also leave your skin soft, glowing and moisturised. I also recommend our Moisturising Facial Scrub with Organic Australian Clays for use on your face. We make this will beautifully rounded Jojoba beads which will gently polish your skin without harsh scratching or abrasion.
Top Tip 3: Protect Everything
Yes it's important to protect your whole body from the damaging effect of the sun on your skin. Unfortunately too many Australians suffer from disfiguring skin cancer each year.
While many skin cancers can be easily dealt with, melanoma and associated cancers can, and often are, deadly!
Prevention is the best cure.
So wherever possible when in the sun:
Slip on a long sleeved shirt, long pants if possible
Slop on 30+ sunscreen
Slap on a hat
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses
Hydrate, Exfoliate, Protect
So that's it. Hydrate, Exfoliate and Protect.
Simple, easy and best of all your skin will continue to serve you well for the coming year.
Enjoy!
Leonie of moon haven
This article was written by Moon Haven’s aromatherapist and founder Leonie Gully and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject.
All content and media onthe MoonHaven website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you are at all concerned about your condition it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual treatment plan.
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