Posted: 2007-06-19 14:30
You may not think of yourself as a "sun-bather" but if you enjoy walks outside, gardening around your home, enjoying the pool or the lake during warm months then you will find the following informative.
Please, walk with me ...
I've just returned from a most wonderful and much needed week in the Caribbean for two! Great sights, great sounds, great food, and great weather. Hard to beat!
I was careful with the tropical sun on my northern skin. On one of the last days we lazing on the beach (with sun protection of course) and opted for a walk in the surf - oh, to have to make such choices in life!!
Being the logical person I am, I had applied my sun protection to one side and planned to apply product to my back when I flipped over. This detail escaped me as we set out on our walk. I'll cut to the chase and say that I got a tad "over-done" on my back.
F o r t u n a t e l y ! ! My suitcase held a jar of Palm'Hydra Body moisturizer. I applied it generously over my tender back and hoped for some relief. I was so impressed with the change in my skin! The discomfort and tightness were almost instantly relieved AND the rosy-glow was gone in 2 days. Wow!
The sun is harsh on our skin. Add to that salt water and / or chlorinated pool water and the dehydration quotient really jumps. Drinking lots of water and monitoring your consumption of alcohol will help but isn't enough. You must hydrate your skin from the outside.
Many after-sun lotions contain alcohol so they seem to "penetrate" quickly but no one needs a science degree to know that alcohol will only further dry your skin. Likewise these products have petroleum based ingredients and oils which have no positive effect on your skin nor do they hydrate but rather tend to sit on the surface of the skin. The end results is just a hole in your wallet and little change to your skin.
It is important to chose your after-sun moisturizer carefully and be sure it includes oils and ingredients that will really moisturize and hydrate your skin.
A flower left out in the hot sun needs to be cooled, watered, and cared for in order to come back to good living. Your skin is no different. It needs to be hydrated and nourished to do its job effectively - protecting your body.
So, whether you are swimming, sunning, gardening, sailing, or on a stroll this summer please remember that sun-protection is only half of the equation. You must replace the moisture and ensure the health of your skin to ward off the "effects of summer" and this can be achieved from the OutsideIN .
Take precautions and enjoy these warm months!
