Protect Your Skin This Summer: Understanding Sun Damage and the Benefits of Natural Post-Sun Skincare

Here, in Maine especially, we are always excited to see hot sunny days after long cold winters. Summer is warm and bright. There are more things to do and we often connect with our friends and family a bit more this time of year as well. We get outside and our skin soaks in that glorious vitamin D that so many of us lack up here in the northern part of the US. While summer sounds like its quite literally all sunshine and rainbows we do need to take a few extra precautions to keep it that way!

In this post, we will dive into the importance of summertime skincare, how the sun can affect us and our skin, how to prevent sun damage, and some natural post-sun skincare to keep you glowing and feeling your best.

How Does the Sun Cause Damage to our Skin?

Whether you are hanging the laundry on the line, hiking a mountain, or tubing on the lake you are exposed to the sun. Sunshine can be both beneficial and harmful. Lets talk about it. The sun emits UV rays which are invisible to the majority of us but their effects run deep - down to the cellular level of our skin. UV rays or ultraviolet radiation consist of 3 different categories; UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVC is one that primarily gets absorbed by the ozone layer but the other two travel much farther and we should be wary of them. If you are readying this then its likely you are old enough to have racked up a few sunburns in your lifetime. Sunburns can be linked to UVB rays which can also contribute to skin again and skin cancer. UVA rays are also linked to early aging skin, and skin cancer, as well as eye damage. Its important to learn how to defend your skin against these rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Without proper protection, your chances of facing these issues increase significantly.

Sunshine isn't the enemy...

Now don't go full vampire and stray from the sun all together because its also very important! UVB rays can trigger the conversion of cholesterol molecules into vitamin D3 which is important for a number of things from immunity, to bone health, and mental health. Vitamin D deficiencies can be a big factor in depression so as you might imagine getting some sunshine can quite literally help put a smile on your face. Sunshine also helps us regulate our sleep cycles and has in some cases even alleviated the side effects of some skin conditions.

Why Focus on Summer Skincare?

Now you might be asking why such importance is emphasized on summertime skincare and not fall or winter. Well, its because UV rays, while present year around, are at their peak during summer which is also the time you are outside most and most exposed. Your skin is your bodies largest organ and serves as your body's primary barrier or armor if you will against environmental threats such as UV rays so its important to adopt habits that can help protect your skin so you can keep on having fun in the sun!

How can we protect our skin from the sun? Tips for Effective Sun Care

We have 4 easy ways to minimize sun damage for your skin. The first is to plan your day around the UV index which can be found on most weather stations but a general rule of thumb is that it will be at its peak between 12pm - 2pm. The higher the index the higher the need for sun protection.

Seeking shade during peak hours helps reduce your exposure. Wearing protective clothing like a wide brimmed hat, a lightweight long sleeve and sunglasses can all make a big difference too especially if you are already showing signs of a burn.

Stay hydrated! It might sounds like this is just something people say and its more for you than your skin but it actually helps replenish the moisture loss to your skin barrier which is, again, your main defense against the sun.

Last but certainly not least is to wear sunscreen or sunblock. Sunscreen is a chemical based protectant that interacts with the UV lights by absorbing them and essentially deactivating them before they penetrate your skin. Sunblock on the other hand is a mineral protectant that causes the UV to bounce off the skin all together. Correct application, and reapplication is key to its effectiveness. Using at least SPF 30 should provide a 97% blocking of UVB rays. No sunscreen or sunblock is 100% effective but range from 97% to 99% at SPF 100.

Is Post-Sun Skincare Important?

After a day under the sun even with adequate protection you may acquire a burn or just feel dry. If burnt gentle soaps free from exfoliants followed by a gentle soothing moisturizer to replenish the skin will be your best friend. Overly dry skin can feel tight and just plain uncomfortable. Properly caring for it can help replenish your skin barrier for more summer fun in the sun and keep you feeling your best too.

Choosing natural moisturizing products can be extra effective in offering nourishment and relief without the harsh chemicals that could just cause further irritation to your already stressed skin.

Don't Skip Post-Sun Care

1. Gentle Soap: Its important to avoid exfoliation is your skin is irritated. Choosing a gentle bar and even one with a more nourishing after feel will be wise. Some soaps can be drying which would contribute to even tighter skin and not in a good way! A great soap choice would be one like our Purely Castile bar. Its formulated with 100% organic extra virgin olive oil and designed to be extra moisturizing and gentle enough for even newborns.

   
   

2. Aloe Vera Gel: This is the #1 relief for sunburns. You can either apply it right from the leaves of a potted house plant or you can buy it at the store in a bottled form. We also have a soap bar that has aloe as a key ingredient for post sun washing and extra skin soothing.

   
   

3. Hydrating Lotion Bar: An all year favorite is our lotion bar which features the nourishing ingredients of organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, and organic beeswax along with natural vitamin E. These ingredients can moisturize the dry skin and support the skin's natural barrier as well. Vitamin E in particular can help protect skin cells from damage, soften the skin, and prevent moisture loss.

   
   

Final Thoughts on Summer Skin Care

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer here in the United States and on average after just 5 sunburns a persons risk for melanoma (a form of skin cancer) doubles! The effects of sun exposure accumulate over time, meaning even small doses can add up to long-term harm. Beyond the discomfort of a burn, uneven skin tone, aging skin, and sun spots, the long-term consequences of UV exposure can be deadly. So, remember to protect your body from harmful rays and check your skin frequently for any changes that could indicate skin cancer.

While we all want to keep our skin looking youthful and radiant, but more importantly, we need it to stay healthy. Understanding how the sun affects your skin is key to protecting it overtime. With the right habits and a few natural, nourishing products, you can enjoy every ounce of sunshine—without putting your skin at risk. Plus, our products are plastic-free, so you’re helping protect the seas and the trees, too. This summer, commit to smarter sun care. Your skin, the environment, and your future self will thank you.