Skin Smarts

You may have spent the majority of your summer outside in the spirit of being in the sunshine and enjoying those glorious desert rays. Summer is a time for outdoor barbeques and tans; however, your skin may be paying a high price for those sunny days.

Those tawny tones you’re rocking now may turn into wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer later. How do we proceed into the dry fall and winter months and make sure we repair and care for the biggest organ we have: our skin?

After exposure to the heat and sunlight, the skin will become extremely dry. This fall, switch from a gel-based face wash to a cream-based one. The oils in those creamy cleansers will help rejuvenate and moisturize your skin. Additionally, coconut oil is a great tool to truly hydrate the skin in an amazing way.  Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and the paste can be used to hydrate the entire body. If you’d like to convert it into its oil form, just melt it down on the stove.

It may also be valuable to purchase a humidifier for the upcoming cooler weather.  Having the heat on and the windows closed in your home causes the air inside to become extremely dry. A humidifier will instantly add moisture to the air and can prevent your skin from becoming cracked and irritated.

Even though summer is over, don’t forget to use sunscreen on a daily basis. Cloudy or clear, the sun’s ultraviolet rays will penetrate and cause skin damage year-round.  Remember, even though you may be covering your body with jeans and sweaters, your skin underneath still needs love and care.

Men and women alike: be smart about your skin now, and you’ll be well on your way to a flawless and healthy fall complexion.

Text by Kate Long