Summer Skin and Hair Care

By: Caitlin Emmons

While summer is a time for picnics, swimming, playing, and adventures,
it is also when skin is most exposed to harmful UV rays. But skin is not all
that can be harmed by summer exposure; hair too may be damaged by
your sunny itinerary. But don’t worry because these tips will help you get
that perfect summer glow while keeping healthy!

Sunscreen--Forget diamonds,
sunscreen is a girl's best
friend! Without the protection
offered by this miracle cream,
you are more likely to
prematurely age your skin as
well as be prone to skin cancer.
Remember, sunscreen is no
longer that goopy white stuff
your mom made you lather on
before you could get in the
pool. Now you can get it grease-
free, oil-free and scented. Anything above SPF (sun protection factor) 15
is good, but if you are prone to burning then you probably want to smear
on some with a larger factor. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied after
swimming or sweating. But summer isn't the only time you should use
sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommend putting
it on anytime you will be exposed to sunlight for more that 20 minutes,
even on hazy or seemingly cloudy days.

Oil-free moisturizer--If you have a moisturizer built into your morning
regiment you may want to consider trading in your trusty friend for its
oil-free summer counterpart. You may want to find a moisturizer that
also has SPF, this way you can keep your skin soft and protected, because
no one wants to look like they are 75 at 30.

Clothing--Cotton shirts are great to cover up, but not white ones, as it
actually allows the most UV penetration. Go out and buy cute summer
shirts that are bright and colorful to help block the rays!

Water--We have all heard the mantra: drink eight glasses of water each
day. But this summer make that your personal goal, and then work to
make it more. Not only does water keep your skin moisturized, it also
flushes the toxins out of your system. This will keep your skin clearer and
more lustrous. And who doesn't want a summer glow, especially when all
it took was a bottle of water?

Want your hair to glow as bright
as your new summer tan? Keep it
sleek and shiny, and most
importantly, undamaged with
these key tips.

Clarifying shampoo—Look for a
shampoo that is especially
designed to remove chlorine and
other chemicals from your hair
if you think you will be spending
a lot of time in the pool. Look for
products that contain Parsol SLX, a product that was introduced just a few
years ago. This silicone-based chemical works to undo the damage caused
by harmful UV rays.

Conditioner--If you are going swimming in a pool, one of the best ways to
protect your hair is to put conditioner in you hair before going in. This
gives your hair even more protection from the chlorine, suggests
hairstylist Barbara Vermey.

Lemons--When life gives you lemons, use them to lighten your hair?
Want those bright summer highlights, but can't convince mom to let you
dye your hair? Just add some lemon juice, grab your sunscreen and a
magazine and sit out in the sun. The juice makes your hair photosensitive
which lightens it. There are many ways to do this, but make sure you
avoid getting the juice right on your scalp.

Hats--Baseball cap, top hat, large brimmed sun hat, whatever floats your
boat—they all can protect your scalp from unnecessary sun exposure. The
wider brimmed ones can also protect your eyes and face from direct
sunlight.

Summer is a time to have fun, but don't forget to stay safe while you are
at it! Moisturize your face, legs and hair. Throw a bottle of water, some
sunscreen, and those classy sunglasses in a bag and get ready to soak up
the sun!