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We all know we need to protect our skin from excessive exposure to the sun's harmful rays. The sun's not all bad, of course: Sunlight helps our bodies create vitamin D. And anyway, who wants to hide indoors after the cold weather is finally gone and when it feels so good to get outside and be active? However, exposing your skin too much to the sun does lead to skin damage and premature ageing. So here are some tips that you may want to follow when you’re outdoors to help manage sun exposure.
Protect sensitive skin
If your skin is sensitive, always apply some sunscreen. A minimum of SPF15 is vital. Preferably choose sun lotions made with as little chemicals as possible. Products made with “nano-sized titanium dioxide” are said to work well as barriers to UVA radiation. Here at Raw Gaia we are working on a sun protection cream to bring out for next summer.
Keep Hydrated
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to plump up your skin from the inside out. The recommended daily amount is two litres a day but lots of fruits and vegetables will also help. Their antioxidant content will help to protect your skin against free radicals and sun damage.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Tan
As best as you can, stay away from caffeine, alcohol and fried foods, as these will dehydrate your body. Eat more raw vegetables and fruits, which is easier now that the weather is warmer. This will really help with the glow and tone of your skin. You will see that a better diet makes for a better tan!
Be Wardrobe Wise
Try to wear a hat as much as possible - it is the best protection possible for your face and neck. Long sleeved light gauzy shirts while in direct sun are also good as well as any other light weight clothing that covers your body.
Retain The Moisture
Always moisturise your skin as much as possible before going in the sun. You can use for example, our lavender floral water and then lock in the moisture by applying rosehip oil or hemp oil over your face. For the rest of your body, use shea butter which contains some sun-blocking properties (though please note that shea butter cannot be used as an SPF)
Lavish Your Locks
The sun breaks down the protein structure of the hair, making it brittle and more vulnerable to breakage. We recommend a small amount of coconut butter combed through the hair before hitting the beach. This will help to keep your hair moisturised and prevent it from breaking.
TLC For Your Skin
If you have been unlucky enough to get sun burnt then apply a moisturiser or body butter, as many times as needed. Shea butter is very good for these unfortunate occasions. Also applying a few drops of either lavender oil or rosehip oil directly to the skin will provide some relief.
Long-Haul Flight Recommendations
The pressurized cabin atmosphere in long-haul flights causes the skin to lose vital moisture, so guard against dehydration by boarding the plane with clean and moisturised skin. Our facial cleanser and floral toner along with our revitalizing eye oil with sea buckthorn fruit will work as barriers against water loss. Resist drinking alcohol and caffeine during the flight, as these will dehydrate your skin further. Keep make-up to a minimum and before landing, splash your face with cold water.
Be Sensible
Lastly, the sun is at its strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm so if you must be out during this time, try to take regular breaks from being in the sunlight and also make sure that you re-apply your moisturiser every 2-3 hours.
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