It is summer time again, and like every year the roasting heat and humidity can drive away the moisture and natural glow from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. So as you prepare to go to the beach and show more skin, get ready to face the sun's rays with these tips: Drink water: Drink eight glasses of plain water daily. If possible, drink at least once every 30 minutes. Water helps you feel fresh, washes out a lot of toxins, and prevents dehydration. Eat your SPF: There's some evidence that oral intake of Vitamins C and E together can limit the potential for sunburn. A salad with Vitamin C-rich citrus fruit, berries, tomatoes, and vitamin E-rich nuts is an ideal SPF meal. Keep your skin hydrated: Apply a fast-absorbing, light refreshing lotion generously right after you dry off from the shower. Feed your face: To get an even summer skin tone, cut a large strawberry in half and then swipe it across you face in small circles. Leave it on for about two minutes and then rinse off. Repeat to brighten up sun and age spots. Apply sunscreen: Opt for sunscreen that has UVA and UVB products in it and comes in SPF30 and SPF70 factors. But it is not enough to just apply the sunscreen: you need to apply enough of it and reapply it every one to two hours you are in the sun in order to ensure a safe summer. Go for natural looks: In the scorching heat of summer less make-up is best. In case you want to use foundation, apply face powder with a SPF factor to avoid patchy skin. To make your lips fresher, always use a gloss or lip balm with an SPF of 15. Wear a wide hat: Opt for a hat with a wide brim for full protection. Pacify over-exposed skin: Apply cooling balms generously over exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow, to prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation. Load up on melon: This delicious summer fruit is rich in antioxidants and delivers unique hydration to skin, resulting in a radiant complexion. It can also actually boost your SPF by several factors. Add a summer tint: Instead of sunbathing in roasting weather, opt for sunless tanners to give your skin a glowing look. If you alternate your regular facial moisturiser with one that builds a bit of colour, you'll have the healthy glow you used to have after spending a weekend on the beach. Luckily, most facial tanners build colour gradually, and as a result you'll never get too dark. Take a cold shower: A cool shower after excess sweating decreases potential acne breakouts and keeps your skin in shape. Pamper yourself with a beach body scrub: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of fine-grained sea salt, 1/2 cup finely ground coffee beans, 1/4 cup sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon or 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Massage the mixture into damp skin with long, firm, semi-circular movements. Take your time in order to activate the ingredients and then rinse well.
