3 Ways To Protect Your Skin When You Are Outdoors

By Nadia Murdock

Spending more time outdoors will become a reality in the next upcoming months. If you haven’t already been applying sunscreen you need to start doing so as soon as possible. Studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn, premature aging and cancer. “The best way to protect your skin is to cover up as much as possible, wear SPF, keep out of direct sunlight, and limit your sun exposure. This is especially important on cloudy days when the UV rays are still present,” explains Dr. Ryan Neinstein

If you are looking for additional ways to protect your skin keep reading!

Go the natural route

Think of this tactic as protecting your skin inside out! Christina Towle a Clinical Nutritionist says, “I prefer to use natural options when in nature. Hence, instead of slathering chemical lotion on myself I choose to look at food and botanicals to protect me from the sun.” Towle breaks down her go to list below.

Choose natural remedies.

Adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs that increase the body’s resistance to stress. Sun equals stress, so you want to enable your body to “adapt” properly to sunlight and absorb it appropriately. Adaptogens have nonspecific activity, meaning that on a physiological level they increase the power of the body’s resistance to physical, chemical, or biological stressors. Christina recommends seeking out adaptogen beverages. The purity of adaptogen tea and coffee from Good Pharma is ideal and perfect for on-the-go while on vacation or during a day trip this summer.

Honey. Specifically Raw Manuka Honey. The sun dries the skin up, so the more moisturized the skin, the better it absorbs and accepts the sun. Mānuka honey is a hygroscopic substance used to keep things moist. Simply put, Mānuka honey attracts and retains moisture and can aid absorption of water vapor. While it hydrates it can also improve the penetration of other active ingredients and counteract the dehydrating properties of the sun. I choose a premium high-quality raw New Zealand honey called Manukora. Prior or post sun, mix the honey with some oats, put on your face for 3-5 mins, then wash up. This practice will prepare you for the sun.

Green Tea. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidants that offer protection to the body’s cells from UV-damage, potentially countering the negative effects of being in the sun. Two of my favorite green tea brands include BOH green tea from Malaysia and organic iced green tea from Harney. Including this alongside an organic sunscreen that you trust protects your skin.

Do double duty with your make up.

Skincare and makeup that work double duty is an excellent option for making your skin protection seamless. “Staying at home I’ve worn less makeup but focused on skincare. It’s great when both are combined! Supergoop has the best line because there’s something for everyone, ” explains Marlie Massena, Marketing and Special Events Manager at Bloomingdale’s. Massena reveals her new favorites found in her store are great for skin brightening and can also act well as a make-up primer. If you can combine your products you’re more likely to use them and you get a bonus benefit. These items are always on hand, says Marlie.

Don’t forget the neglected parts (lips, hands and scalp).

When it comes to protecting our skin we often neglect our extremities or smaller more sensitive areas like hands, lips and scalp! If you spend a lot of time in the car make sure you put sunscreen on your hands. When it comes to your lips opt for a tinted lip balm with SPF. “When you’re outside, there are under eye creams with SPF that help especially if you have dark circles since most people are sensitive to putting face sun products too close to their eyes,” says Marlie.

Below are suggestions that can get you protected from head to toe.