Summer is officially here.
School’s out. Friends are out water skiing, fishing and playing tennis, golf and beach volleyball. The Florida sun shines bright between rain storms and, when it does, many of us are taking our workouts outdoors. Exercising outside is one of the many benefits of living in our great state, but it can also have a negative effect on the skin without proper care.
Our largest organ
Healthy skin does so much for us, besides protecting and shielding the body from environmental elements such as bacteria and temperatures. The nerve endings located under the skin provide sensation of heat, cold, pain and pleasure. With this information, the skin helps regulate body temperature and toxins with perspiration. As we exercise, our skin monitors body temperatures to help us stay cool.
Like the lungs, human skin also takes in oxygen through the pores and releases carbon dioxide. Healthy skin relies on proper hydration to stay soft and supple and function properly. This is why it’s important to stay hydrated.
Take extra care
The American Cancer Society says there is a direct link between overexposure to the sun and contracting skin cancer. Proper sunscreen use and sun exposure follow-up care is strongly encouraged every day.
The average American woman uses 12 personal care skin products per day, according to OrthoMolecular Research, while the average man uses six. With hundreds of products on the market, how do you know what to use for your unique skin type and sun exposure?
What to avoid
Parabens are synthetic preservatives frequently used in skin care products to increase shelf stability. Known as hormone disruptors and toxins to the human body, parabens were linked to 19 out of 20 women’s breast cancers in a 2004 medical study in the United Kingdom, led by Dr. P.D. Drabre. Look for skin care products and sunscreen with a paraben-free label.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in most skin care items, especially shampoos, body washes and cleansers. It’s also found in some toothpastes and makeup foundations. Listed as moderate hazard on the Environmental Working Group’s database, SLS is simply best avoided.
Steps before sunscreen
I recommend using toner before applying sunscreen to keep the skin mildly acidic, with a pH range of 4.6 to 5.0. This level of acidity promotes the best skin function for nutrient absorption, tone, texture and natural moisture, and it also alleviates skin sensitivity.
When the skin is too alkaline, dryness and increased sensitivity will set in. When the skin is too acidic, sun sensitivity is heightened as the skin becomes dehydrated and rough to the touch. The right pH at the start of your workout will facilitate better results whether you’re at the gym, golf course or beach.
Many factors can influence skin pH. Some medications change the pH level of the skin, including cholesterol-lowering drugs. Diet, cosmetics and skin care products modify skin pH. A high-acid diet including meat, dairy, sugar and refined carbs will throw the skin pH balance off.
Just bring along a spray bottle of toner to use throughout the day. Use broad-spectrum sunscreens with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Repeat sunscreens application throughout the day. Sunscreens are only water-resistant, so re-apply after going into the pool.
If toner is too pricey, try witch hazel.
Witch hazel has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans as a folk remedy. WebMD lists witch hazel as a way to lessen inflammation, draw tissue to gather and slow bleeding and balance skin pH. Spray or wipe it on with a soft cloth. The natural tannins and oils work with the surface of the skin’s chemistry.
Witch hazel can also treat insect bites, bruises, varicose veins, scrapes, minor burns and even hemorrhoids. It can be found at your local drug store or grocery and, applied properly, is safe for children.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.