We are surrounded by pollution. Pollution erodes the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere which exposes us to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. Pollution’s free radicals not only threaten our planet, but these tiny particles penetrate deep through the skin which then cause dehydration and inflammation. Exposure to pollution and UV sunlight will increase dark spots on our skin and make it prone to developing wrinkles.

Moreover, climate has its own impact on our skin. For example, in the Southwest where climate is dry and hot, the environment expedites skin’s premature aging.  Cold climate can make skin dry and brittle.

So, how can YOU protect YOUR skin?
With so many products on the market, it is difficult to pinpoint the ones that will work for your skin type. Plus your skin changes over time due to stress, hormonal fluctuation, water content, medication and age.   

Dry skin:

Having dry skin is common. Tip: Use warm, not hot water, in the shower or bath. Avoid cleansers with alcohol and synthetic fragrance; instead use a rich moisturizer to protect your skin from drying out. Always remember to use sunblock with a higher SPF.

Oily skin:

Your skin naturally produces sebum (skin oil) for protection. Skin feels oily when it is pumping out more sebum than required – happening mostly around the nose, forehead or T section of your face. Tip: Keep your skin clean and wash your face twice a day. Use oil-free foaming cleanser and light moisturizer.

Normal skin:

Your skin tone is fairly even with no visible pores or blemishes and neither oily nor dry. That doesn’t mean you are free from taking care of it! Tip: Wash your face every day to get rid of dead skin and dirt and exfoliate twice weekly.

Sensitive skin:

Sensitive skin is delicate, gets irritated easily and requires tender care. Tip: Use products that contain calming ingredients such as aloe, cucumber, green tea, chamomile, oatmeal and honey.  Wash your face gently with lukewarm water; gently pat dry with clean towel.

Final thought:

Heavy cleansers contain potentially harmful chemicals that could actually make your skin dry and dull. So, before moisturizing or putting on an anti-aging treatment, cleanse your face gently with lower PH (slightly acidic) soap or a gentle cleanser (like Clavé’s Orange Blossom Green Tea Facial Cleaner) with natural ingredients that relax the skin. Wash your face with lukewarm water, pat dry with clean towel.

Exposure to sun and high temperatures can damage skin, giving us premature wrinkles and dry skin.  Keep in mind that we need the sun to allow our skin to manufacture Vitamin D, a main ingredient for strong bones. Fortunately, nature has given us some measure of protection in the form of melanin.  Melanin not only gives the skin its color, but also protects us against Ultraviolet (UV) rays.  However, when our skin is unprotected and sun exposure is greater than melanin can process – sunburn develops.   

In order to protect ourselves against UV, we need take a few simple steps.

Wear Sunscreen. You should wear sunscreen at all times.  Add it to your daily routine! Apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. But if you are planning outdoor activity, or spending time by the swimming pool, lake or beach, wear SPF of at least 30 or higher.  Apply sunscreen a half hour prior to going out to give enough time for the skin to absorb. Keep re-applying every two hours to maintain protection.  But, always use common sense. When you are wearing sunscreen, it doesn’t mean that you can sit under the sun the whole day.  Sunscreen does not protect you 100% and you will end up with sunburn. To apply a proper amount of sunscreen make sure to read the instruction on the label.

Limit your activity. Don’t hang out in the direct sunlight, or better yet stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s ray are the strongest.

Wear protective clothing. Wear the type of clothing that blocks out light – wear light and long-sleeved shirts.  Try to cover up as much of the skin as possible.

Protect your eyes. Sunglasses are a basic tool to protect your eyes and the delicate skin under the eyes, including eye lids and brow bone area. You should continue protecting your eyes not only during summer months, but all year round.  Wraparound sunglasses tend to cover your eyes, as well as the sides, to prevent sunlight from seeping through.  

Wear wide brimmed hat for protection.  It covers your face, side and back of your neck.

Don’t ignore moisturizer. Keep your skin hydrated with rich, high quality lotion that can protect skin from drying.  High quality lotion can trap in moisture and keep skin soft.

And finally, follow the Australian saying “slip, slop, slap!”
SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen and SLAP on a hat.