Keep Skin Looking Sun-Kissed All Summer Long

By Joanne Graves,  Owner of Sanctuary Spa

Summer is in full swing and now is the time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your skin looking sun-kissed, without the sun-damage!

Keep Exfoliated

There are so many benefits to exfoliating your skin. Your body’s natural exfoliation slows as you age, leaving your skin to appear dull and lifeless. Exfoliating will reveal softer, smoother skin and it feels amazing! I often describe it as having an ‘all-over’ back scratch. Whether you prefer a spa treatment or one of the do-it-yourself treatments, there are many good options: dry brushing, salt or sugar scrubs and even exfoliating gloves.

Keep Hydrated

Your skin is your body’s largest living organ, and functions optimally when you sip the summer days away. After all, your skin is made up of 64% water. Collagen, the protein that gives strength and elasticity to skin, as well as a youthful appearance, relies largely on water. Blood flow, the vehicle through which your skin is nourished, increases within hours of ingesting water. When well-hydrated, your skin appears more plump, visibly lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And don’t forget all the ways you can get those 64 or more ounces during the summer. Think cucumbers, watermelon, homemade icy fruit pops!

Keep Moisturized

Wait, didn’t we just go over that? Nope! Hydration and moisturization are actually two different animals.  Hydration is keeping the H2O in the skin, moisturization is keeping the skin’s sebum (oil) balanced. A good moisturizer should be applied to damp skin, to help seal in the hydration and keep your skin from over or under producing oil.

Keep SPF On Your Skin

Really, truly, all the time, and everywhere the sun shines. If you could take a picture of the skin on your chest and another of the skin on your derriere, then compare the two, you’d actually see the reason why we preach SPF in the spa industry. This is not a selfie I’d recommend posting anywhere! Do you know what approximately 90% of the damage to your skin is caused by?
You guessed it! The sun. Which leads me to…

Keep Away From the Sun

Yes, we all want to look like bronze beauties in our birthday best, so fake it! Today’s sunless bronzers have come so far, no one will be the wiser. Melanoma is not uncommon, even in people under 30. In fact, it’s one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women, according to the American Cancer Society’s website. So why wouldn’t you? Here again, there are options for the spa-goer and the DIYer, so you have no excuse not to look  ‘just off the beach’ tan all summer long!

Testimonial:

“Last week I treated myself to a 75 minute Swedish Massage and it was like no other. I am dealing with current stress issues and afterwards, I felt relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated. Fabulous spa.”  ~ Nancy