Summer Tips for Protecting Your Skin During Outdoor Activities

It’s nearing the end of summer and many are getting in their last minute summer getaways. A lot of summer activities are enjoyed on or near the water—canoeing, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing, boating, fishing, and sailing—and since the water is one big sun reflector, everyone is at more risk for sunburns and sun damage than anywhere else.

Having recently visited Wisconsin and spent a day canoeing down a river for the day, I thought I’d share with you how I personally protected my own skin while having some summer fun.

As you can see in the picture, I’m wearing a visor to provide shading to my face, large framed UV protecting sunglasses and a UV protecting long-sleeved jacket. I get the jacket from a company called Sun Precautions. They make clothing that protects more than 97% of UVA and UVB rays and gives all-day UV protection so you never have to apply sunscreen. The fabrics used in most summer shirts don’t provide adequate sun protection so I know this is a safer and smarter choice. I also wear this jacket during my daily morning walks and often wear it when riding my Harley Davidson. It’s very lightweight, ventilated and available in several colors…

The exposed areas were my face (although shaded a bit under a hat and sunglasses,) my hands and my legs. I applied an SPF 30 lotion every 90 minutes.

Here’s a few important tips:

Sunscreen: It’s not the SPF number that is as important, it is how often and generously you apply. When it comes to SPF, I prefer a minimum of SPF 30 reapplied as often as every hour.
Be aware of oily skinned areas: The areas of your face where you have larger pores will always produce more oils. These natural oils can breakdown sunscreens more quickly, so pay attention and reapply more often. For example, the nose area acts as a natural reflectant. Pay attention to your nose, or any area, that is getting shiny.
Apply sunscreen in forgotten areas: hairline, ears, tops of feet, toes, eyelids.
Wear SPF-infused mineral makeup: For extra protection, most mineral powders have an SPF rating of 20 and will give you a finished look without looking heavy. They are easy to dust on and keep your skin safe. I personally use and recommend ColoreScience SPF 50 available for purchase here.

What if you applied sunscreen but still got a sunburn? It is a case of misapplication. The most common problems are:

Too little sunscreen applied
Not applied every hour

Sunscreens wear off, sweat off and wash off. Applying liberally and often makes all the difference. If you want to look young, avoid the sun. A little sun means a little damage; a lot of sun means a lot of damage. The choice is yours.

Summer means fun at the outdoors – relax and enjoy but be safe with your skin!

For those living in areas with summer mosquito’s, read how to get rid of mosquito bite scars.

For expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up here for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!

Content Copyright © 2012, Renée Rouleau, Inc

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.

Posted August 12, 2010 by Renée Rouleau

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