Tips for Protecting Your Skin at the Beach

Posted April 14, 2015 in Lifestyle, Skin Care

How to Protect Your Skin at the Beach

With the summer season nearly here, the weather is gettingincreasingly warmer, and the beaches are becoming more crowded. As you anticipate the fun in the sun you’ll have in 2015, it’s important to also remember to protect your skin. We’ve provided a few tips to help keep your skin youthful and healthy while you enjoy the summer weather.

Sunscreen

The most obvious way to stay protected against the sun’s harmful rays is to apply sunscreen every few hours. With the many types that exist these days, it can be confusing to know what is best for your skin. It is important to always use a lotion that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30.

Antioxidants   

Eating foods high in antioxidants helps protect your skin from damaging free radicals. Foods that contain high amounts of lycopene and beta-carotene have the highest number of antioxidants.

Some of the most common foods that contain these nutrients include:

• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Tomatoes
• Oranges

Drink Plenty of Water

Think of the skin like a sponge, and too much sun absorption can make it appear dull and dry. While eight glasses of water a day is usually sufficient, aim to drink more if you plan on exercising on the beach. Aside from drinking water, eating foods high in water like cucumber, watermelon, and celery can help keep you hydrated as well.

Avoid Peak Hours

While it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid the sun during the summer, steering clear of it from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will dramatically reduce the risk of getting sunburned and damaging your skin. Remember, prolonged lifetime sun exposure leads to skin cancer in one in four people.

If your skin has signs of sun damage, from wrinkles to dark spots and more, we encourage you to contact our Manhattan Beach practice by calling (310) 295-2287. You may also fill out our online contact form for more information. As a highly respected plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Boyd looks forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve beautiful, healthy skin.