5 Summer Tips to Protect Your Skin

Laying in the warmth of the sun, soaking up the glittering rays and walking around with golden hues of skin is the envy of summer, but what price are we paying for that sun-kissed glow? The best-case scenario is merely aging 80% more than is necessary. Worst case scenario, skin cancer. The sun’s powerful UV rays wreak havoc on your skin’s elastin and collagen, but not to worry, you can still enjoy those languid afternoons. Take a look at how you can protect yourself in the future and possibly heal some of the damage that’s already been done!

1. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Certain things we know protect us from sun damage. So tip number one, don’t ever forget your sunscreen!

Look for a broad spectrum coverage that protects against UVB and UVA rays. If your cream doesn’t say broad spectrum, it isn’t doing you any good against UVA light and that is what causes the rapid aging and increased chance of skin cancer! Opt for an SPF of 30 or higher. At SPF 30, 97% of the UVB rays are being filtered; as you go up, the increase in effectiveness is negligible. Anything below 15 is no longer protecting you from permanent sun damage.

Choose a water-resistant cream, but remember there is no sun protection that is fully waterproof or sweatproof. To protect yourself, it is recommended that you reapply every 80 minutes to two hours.  If it is effective for less time, then put on a fresh coat more often or switch to a longer lasting brand.

When you have the right sunblock for you, remember those tiny areas that get sneaky exposure like the tips of your ears, back of your neck, all of your feet and your scalp!

2. The second tip may seem obvious, but with these long, sunny days we tend to forget. No sunscreen is as effective as covering up and staying in the shade.

You can still enjoy the lapping sounds of water while under an umbrella or beneath the cool shade of a wide tree. If you’re walking around outside, gardening or watching outdoor sports, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat or even full clothing. Select thin, all-natural fabrics in light colors to help protect your skin and possibly deflect some heat.  Ladies can take a fashion tip from the East and carry a decorative umbrella as you walk or sit. Regardless of your methods, reducing your exposure to the direct rays will be highly rewarding for your youth and health.

Once you’ve done all you can to guard your skin against obvious exposure, it’s time to think about what options you have to protect it from random moments and possibly help heal it from past traumas.

3. Nothing epitomizes “you are what you eat” better than your skin! So think fresh, plump, moist citrus. Vitamin C does wonders for your outer glow!

This common little nutrient plays a massive role in maintaining the collagen in your skin. This is the protein that gives your skin its elasticity and keeps it vibrant and young. Add in the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C and you’ll be sipping from the fountain of youth! Antioxidants help to protect your skin cells from free radicals which in turn slows down those pesky wrinkles and spots. Unfortunately, that coveted UV light also breaks down collagen faster than standard aging, and it lowers the levels of vitamin C in the epidermis, the outer surface of your skin.

It’s not too late to give your skin some love. Studies show that adding this little supplement to your daily routine can actually help prevent and even reverse some UV photo-damage! This doesn’t mean you need to start eating bags of oranges. Try out Terra Origin’s Citrus Healthy Skin Boost powder for any easy addition of 73% of your recommended daily intake!

4. Sometimes your body needs a little extra help to prevent and heal itself from the heavy damage life can inadvertently inflict. 

Between natural aging, pollutants inside and out and sun exposure, our natural collagen production can’t always keep up. Although we produce collagen, it may not be quick enough to replace what we lose or damage in our day to day lives. This is why collagen supplements have taken over entire aisles in the health and beauty department. Not all over-the-counter collagens are of the same quality. Terra Origin took the time to source out a brand that has been thoroughly tested and shows consistent results. The Healthy Skin Boost powders, in acai berry or citrus, both give you 2.5 grams of VERISOL ® Bioactive Collagen Peptides.

It has been shown that this amount taken daily begins to show results after only four weeks and nearly triples its efficacy after eight weeks. VERISOL ® has been proven to dramatically decrease wrinkles and improve skin elasticity up to 15%!

5. When it comes to giving your skin a healthy radiance this summer, take in less sun and more of what your body needs!

Two key players in maintaining that picture-perfect complexion are resveratrol and quercetin. You may have heard of both but not be clear on their role in your health.

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to anti-aging benefits. This is no surprise as we know antioxidants help protect us from free-radical damage. Resveratrol preforms two distinct functions; it helps to prevent the development of free-radicals to begin with, and it seeks out the existing ones to eliminate them. It is naturally found in the red pigment of grape skins or red wine, cranberries, blueberries, peanuts, pistachios, and raw cacao, but to get it in quantities to fight against sun damage, it’s better to take in a little extra.

Quercetin is also an antioxidant and is a flavonol regularly found in onions, broccoli, citrus fruits, grapes and berries. The benefit of this flavonoid is its powerful ability to reduce and rid the body of inflammation. It fights natural age-related oxidation of the cells keeping you younger and healthier from the inside out!

Our beauty and health directly reflect our self-care practices on the outside and on the inside. To protect your skin this summer and all year long, take the Youthful Skin Antioxidant Formula once daily.