Do you shy away from a daily moisturizing routine because you’re afraid it might break you out? Is your skin oily?
Did you know that no matter what texture your skin, it absolutely needs hydration in the form of a serum or cream? We are here to debunk the top 5 myths about YOUR skin and moisturizing.
Applying sunscreen incorrectly.
It’s recommended to apply 1 ounce of sunscreen—or about the size of a shot glass—to cover the parts of your body not covered by clothes. If 1 ounce isn’t enough to cover the exposed parts of your body, use more.
Mistake #2:
Not applying sunscreen before heading outdoors.
Many people wait to apply sunscreen until they’re outside. This does not allow complete protection from sunburn. It takes approximately 30 minutes for sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin.
Remember to apply sunscreen to your hands—they are one of the first places to show signs of pre-mature aging. Also apply sunscreen the tops of ears, back of the necks, and your feet. Remember skin cancer and damage can appear on any part of the body!
Generally sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors. The rule is to reapply once every hour while sweating and swimming.
Mistake #3:
Not wearing sunglasses.
Eyes need protection from the sun just like skin does. Choose a pair of sunglasses that block up to 99% of damaging UVA and UVB rays. Leaving eyes exposed to the sun may eventually lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer on the eyelids.
Mistake #4:
Over-washing and over-exfoliating.
You may feel the need to wash and exfoliate skin more frequently in the summer. Resist the urge. Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating strips your skin of natural oils it needs to remain healthy and protected.
Mistake #5:
Relying on makeup with SPF protection.
Many women skip sunscreen thinking their skin is protected by the SPF in the makeup they wear. While many cosmetics do contain SPF, these are usually not enough to defend your face from the sun’s rays.
Mistake #6:
Not staying hydrated.
If your body is dehydrated the results may show up on your skin. Make sure to stay hydrated in the summer months by incorporating more water, fruits and vegetables into your diet. Even with sunscreen, the sun is extremely harsh on your skin. Avoid the sun when it’s most intense from the hours of 10am-4pm. Use these tips to keep yourself protected—and healthy—this summer and all year round.