2013-07-10

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- By Jillian Magenheim -



Now that we’re officially in the dog days of summer, it’s time to make sure we’re all prepared for that spur of the moment trip to the beach.  Although it may seem as easy as lathering up in your favorite sunscreen and heading out into the surf, there are some additional steps that will further help to insure the health of our skin.  Even those of us that are super careful can end up with some harsh sunburn, peeling skin, brassy/dry hair, even heat rash when the proper steps aren’t taken.  So, in order to make sense of it all, we’ve put together the ultimate list – along with some of our favorite products – in order to keep your skin happy and healthy no matter what.

1. Exfoliate: Not only does this help lift dead skin cells away allowing for new skin cells to generate, but it also unclogs pores as well as increases circulation so your sunscreen and moisturizer will absorb quicker and deeper.  We love Kate Somerville Exfolikate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment which is great for sensitive skin as well as reduces pores and detoxifies with enzymes of pineapple and papaya.  Algenist Multi-Perfecting Detoxifying Exfoliator is also a great option.  This treatment is oil-free and clay based with a dose of salicylic acid to give you an all over even skin tone.

2. Hair Regimen: Protecting your blonde from turning green, your brunette from getting brassy and your fiery red from fading, a SPF filled shampoo and spray routine will help block the harmful chemicals of chlorine and the breakage and color altering power of UVA/UVB rays.  Redken and Phyto Plage have great lines of SPF UV proof haircare products (shampoo, hair mask, spray and conditioner) all of which keep your strands healthy and bright.

**Quick Tip – by wetting your hair with clean water before going into the sun or pool, your hair will absorb the chlorine and sun rays slower.

4. Time to lather up:  The pinnacle of preparing for a day out in the sun is having a go-to sunscreen.  At an impressive SPF 60, La Roche-Posay Antheliosis Ultra Light-Weight sunscreen is often rated as one of the top sunscreen’s on the market.  With an optimized combination of UVA/UVB blockers, antioxidants and a light-weight, quickly absorbed formula, it’s our go-to for both face and body coverage.

5. After Sun Care:  Keeping your skin moisturized is mandatory after a spending time in the summer heat.  Hawaiian Tropics, Silk Hydration Lotion has ribbons of both lotion (for 24 hour hydration) as well as cooling aloe, leaving you .  Another great option is Ultra Clarins After Sun Moisturizer (Ultra-Hydrating) which will not only keep your parched skin fully hydrated, but is the best at making your tan last you through labor day.

6. Aloe: Ok, so you may have missed a spot here or there when you were applying your sunscreen.  An aloe gel is just the ticket to kick start your skin’s healing process.  All organic and enriched with vitamins A, C and E, Aloe Life Skin Gel & Herbs is a lifesaver in a bottle.  This magical formula is thickened with seaweed and contains healing aspects like chamomile and yellow sap allowing for even the most sensitive skin to feel the ultimate cooling relief   

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Jillian Magenheim is the Editorial Coordinator for Oliviapalermo.com.  She’s a New York City based editor, writer and blogger with a true love for fashion while remaining a foodie at heart.  Follow her thoughts on Twitter @magenhaz

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