Ahhh, summertime. The air is warmer, the sun is up longer, and we’re soaking up all the good times at the beach with family and friends. 

With all of that much needed beach time, you’re sure to come out of summer with tons of fond memories to look back on- and possibly tons of potential sun damage! 

Here are some tips to help you take care of your skin this summer and come out of the season looking as refreshed as you feel.

SPF is your BFF

Although the sun feels amazing and provides the body with much needed Vitamin D, the UV rays it puts off can take a real toll on your skin. 

In short term, this could mean an uncomfortable sunburn. In long term, the sun prematurely ages the skin, also known as photoaging (sun damage). Photoaging happens when harmful UV rays hit unprotected skin, causing DNA changes at a cellular level. Because photoaging happens deep within the skin, it can take years for the damage to surface and become visible, or worse- turn into skin cancer.

Signs of photoaging include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Pigmentation such as freckles and age spots

• Loss of skin tone (elasticity)

• Rough, uneven skin texture 

• Spider veins

The number one tip for summer skincare is to consistently wear sunscreen and reapply often! Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin’s health and appearance at any age. 

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 15 SPF or more. Look out for hidden chemicals like oxybenzone and opt for a reef-friendly sunscreen that is paraben free and oil free. Check out our recommended sunscreen collection here. 

Use products that exfoliate, hydrate, protect, and repair

With hotter weather, it’s time to lighten up your skincare routine and focus on what matters most. Avoid breakouts with a gentle exfoliating cleanser around two times a week. Opt for light weight serums and moisturizers that hydrate the skin, protect it from free radicals, and repair damage from the day. Here’s some of our top picks:

This lightweight, high-potency Vitamin-C serum helps to fight against photoaging by brightening, firming, and improving skin elasticity, texture and tone while hydrating the skin. Vitamin C Serum is an essential for any skincare routine!

This is the perfect product to bring along to the beach or to spritz on for a refresh at any point in the day. This nourishing green-tea mist is made to soothe, calm, and rejuvenate the skin. Fortified with powerful humectants to provide gentle hydration and conditioning. 

This lightweight moisturizing serum makes for the perfect ending to a long day in the sun. Green Tea, Resveratrol, and caffeine provide the most powerful combination of speed and potency to repair skin and protect it from free radical damage.

Hydrate your body & skin with lots of water

Drink eight cups a day to keep the damage away! 

Drinking lots of water is essential during all seasons of the year, but even more so in the summer. Because of the hotter weather, our bodies will try to cool down by sweating, which can lead to dehydration.

Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed and helps maintain skin’s elasticity. Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps to prevent scars, wrinkles, acne, and premature aging.

Protect your skin from the inside-out with Niacinamide

Studies show that regular use of Vit B3, or Niacinamide, can cut the rate of new squamous cell and basal cell cancers by 23% in patients who are at high risk for skin cancer. This affordable and easy to take supplement does not need a prescription and can be purchased at Koru MedSpa. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor first or make an appointment with our Naturopath, Dr. Stephanie to discuss other supplemental and nutrient ways to protect your skin from the inside out.  

Wear protective clothing

To really ensure your skin is protected from the sun, try to find some shade or layer up with some cute sun protective clothing. Reach for hats or even swimsuits with UV protection. For those who are into surfing or ocean sports, Board Certified Dermatologist Nurse Practitioner Dr. Shellie recommends wearing SPF leggings and rashguards and to reapply facial sunscreen every two hours. We love these surf suits by Pikai Swim Hawaii!

The final takeaway

Make the most out of your summer by lathering up in a delicious sunscreen, nourishing your skin with lightweight products, supplementing internally, drinking lots of water, and protecting your whole being from the harmful rays of the sun!