Summer is that time of the year when you get to enjoy your outdoor activities such as going to the beach and taking long walks. However, as much as this is the season of fun, it does not imply that you should neglect your skin in the process. Sun exposure is necessary because it helps the body to produce vitamin D, but too much exposure is not good for your skin. Fortunately, there are skin care tips that will help you maintain gorgeous healthy skin during those summer months.
Following the Paleo lifestyle means you already know that what you put into your body affects your health. However, have you ever considered the effects of what you put on your body? You are diligent and careful about the chemicals you ingest, but if you are unwittingly slathering chemicals onto your scalp and skin with no thought, it might be time to consider their contribution to the side effects you may still be experiencing.
Apply Sunscreen
Getting sunshine on the larger parts of your body is beneficial and necessary. From the presence of vitamin D receptors in your cells and vitamin D production centers in your skin, along with the central role vitamin D plays in calcium metabolism, immunity, and gene expression, it becomes clear that adequate vitamin D is an essential component of your health and longevity. Although the warmth of the sun's rays feel pleasurable on the body and definitely promote a happier mood, it is important to know one's limits. As with everything, that limit is unique to you. If your skin begins to feel the burn, you feel overheated or you begin to not feel optimal when in the sun, you have probably exceeded what is safe and naturally right for you. It is for these times of prolonged exposure when applying sunscreen is one of those things you cannot compromise on during summer, and this is the case even on cloudy days. Just because it is overcast does not mean you can avoid wearing sunscreen. This is because the sun’s rays are quite proficient and powerful. Most conventional sunscreens contain both organic and inorganic components UV filters, including aluminum and benzophenone, which can cause oxidative damage. Make a point of choosing a product that is non-toxic. Zinc oxide based products are probably the safest of the commercially made sunscreen products.You can easily find natural sunscreen which does not contain harmful chemicals. You also want to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, especially if your skin is fair. If you are going to be in the sun for long hours, make sure that you apply the sunscreen again and again if necessary.
Moisturize
Your Paleo diet will provide the fats and oils that your body and skin need to function optimally. When you choose Pete’s Paleo meals they are carefully crafted to provide a wide array of fats to support lubricating the skin cells. Including bone broth, even during the warmer summer months, provides extra collagen which further supports your skin’s elasticity. Sadly, in our modern world, diet alone is often not enough. During those winter months your skin may tend to feel drier than in the summer. Applying moisturizer in winter comes more naturally. However, regardless of the time of the year, it is important to keep your skin properly moisturized at all times. As with sunscreen, be aware of the harsh chemicals added to many products which can damage the skin's cell structure and create further dryness. Naturally formulated moisturizers like tallow balm (from grass-fed cows) are easily absorbed and assimilated into the skin's layers and provide protective barriers against some of the effects of weather exposure. Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil will also work well if that is all you have available. In the event that you do experience over exposure to the sun’s rays or sun burn, make certain that you act quickly to minimize the damage by simply applying a moisturizer that contains aloe vera.
Sleep
As you enjoy fun activities or simply appreciate the warm weather, make sure that you also get enough sleep. While you sleep, the body's hydration rebalances and the rise in growth hormones allows damaged cells to become repaired. Sleep also has a direct impact on the production of collagen and thus the integrity of your skin. Insufficient sleep may cause increased levels of stress hormones. This in turn slows down the production of collagen in your skin. Skin subsequently loses elasticity, leaving you with a worn and tired look. Making sure you skin is well cleansed and moisturized to optimize the benefits of a good night's sleep on your skin. Any of the moisturizing options mentioned will work well. Be sure to concentrate on your more problematic areas like elbows, knees and heels.
Hydrate
Drinking water is important for your overall health, and that includes the health of your skin. Water assists in flushing toxins from the body. If these toxins are allowed to build up, they affect your detoxification organs, including your liver, kidneys and your skin. So make sure that you keep hydrated throughout the day.
Exfoliate
Another skin care tip is to exfoliate once or twice every week. The skin produces new cells much quicker than it is able to get rid of them. Dead skin cells tend to pile up on the surface of the skin. Over a period of time, the skin will start looking dry, rough and dull because the dead cells will be clogging up the pores of your skin. Exfoliating is important because it helps remove these dead cells, leaving you with skin that is healthier and more radiant. Because exfoliating also promotes the fast regeneration of skin cells, it helps to slow down the ageing process. If possible, opt for a product that contains natural exfoliating grains
Skin Care Routine Essentials
Microfiber Cloth
A good quality microfiber cloth is your best tool for an ‘all in one’ skincare routine. Just moisten with warm water to exfoliate, remove makeup, and keep your skin clean. No expensive chemical products necessary!
Baking Soda
If you want or need to exfoliate, try mixing two parts baking soda with one part high quality extra virgin olive oil. Wet your face with warm water and apply the baking soda blend with your fingertips. Rub in gentle circular motions making sure to avoid the eye area. Rinse well with plenty of warm water and pat dry.
All Pete's Paleo meals are also prepared with our favorite extra virgin olive oil - a testament to the many uses of a well sourced and prepared Paleo compliant product.
Dry Brush
When it comes to the rest of your body, you can use the dry brush method to exfoliate and help remove dead skin cells. Ideally, a special natural brush or exfoliating mitt will work best. Start at your feet and move in circular movements. Do one leg at a time. When you get to your torso, start over at your neck and work your way down towards your heart. Do the same with your arms. Not only will this feel great, but skin brushing aids in cell regeneration and increased blood flow!
Castor Oil and Coconut Oil
If you feel you need a little more cleansing than the microfiber alone can provide, give oil cleansing a try. It will leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and without the need for extra moisturizer.
Oil cleansing helps your skin’s natural balance restore itself. Conventional skincare products can stimulate the body to over-produce oil in response to the products stripping the oil from your skin. With the oil cleansing method, those natural oils are not stripped away.
Each evening you will use coconut and/or castor oil to gently cleanse. If you feel your skin is oily, use more castor oil; if you find your skin is drying out, use less castor oil. You can also add an essential oil of your their choice, which can further support soothing the skin.
The process is rather simple: Wet your face with warm water. Place a quarter-sized amount of your oil mixture in your hands and rub them together, then massage the oil into your face for at least 30 seconds. Lay a microfiber cloth moistened with warm water over your face for about 30 seconds before gently beginning to rub off the oil mixture followed by rinsing it off. You may find little to no need for extra moisturizer once you are using the oil cleansing routine, however, if you do feel you need some extra moisture, try finishing with a little bit of coconut oil. You will not need much as a little goes a long way.
Apple Cider Vinegar
An apple cider vinegar rinse can help act as a toner. Try mixing it in with some water and increase the amount of vinegar you use as your skin gets used to it. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth and apply it after washing and pat dry.
Please visit our friends at Beauty Counter for more clean, naturally derived, healthy skincare products to support all your Paleo skincare needs.
If you follow the skin care tips discussed above and you also try and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, you can be guaranteed that you will have healthy and radiant skin throughout those summer months. Ultimately, taking care of your skin now will play a pivotal role in determining the health of your skin in years to come as well.