How to Protect Your Hair and Skin in the Heat

It’s hot outside! And, as the mercury rises, it’s essential to take some extra precautions to protect your skin and hair from the sun and heat. We’ve got you covered from must-haves in your skincare set to the best way to keep your hair looking its summery best. Here are five easy tips to help you stay cool and look good all summer long.

Why It’s Important

As the summer months roll in, so does the heat. And while we all enjoy soaking up some sun, it’s important to remember that our hair and skin need special care during these hot days. If you’re not careful, you can end up with frizzy hair, sunburn and even heat exhaustion. In addition, the sun can be damaging to both hair and skin, causing dryness, breakage and even premature aging. That’s why it’s important to take some extra steps to protect your hair and skin when spending time outdoors.

1) Apply and Reapply Sunscreen

We all know that sunscreen is important, but it’s even more crucial during the summer months. A good-quality sunscreen is vital for many reasons. Most importantly, it helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

UV rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging. In addition, sunscreen helps to prevent tanning and brown spots if you’d like to avoid those. When choosing a sunscreen, it is crucial to look for one with an SPF of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen can be mixed with moisturizer to create a more evenly distributed application. You can also look for moisturizers that already have sunscreen included.

Don’t forget that your entire body needs this level of protection if you’re spending time outside, so don’t forget your neck, chest, hands, back and legs. Even your lips are susceptible to sun damage, so don’t forget to apply a lip balm with SPF.

2) Consider Sun Protection for Your Hair

There are many products specifically designed to protect hair from the sun. These products work by creating a barrier between your hair and the UV rays. Look for products that advertise UVA and UVB protection. They’re commonly available in mist or spray form and can be applied to dry and wet hair. The best part is that they won’t mess with your style.

And if you find yourself at the beach without any products for sun protection for your hair, no worries! You can always improvise with your sunscreen. It’s true! Simply apply some sunscreen to your hands and then run your hands through your hair. It’ll wash out later and is a great way to get some extra protection.

3) Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing and Accessories

Another way to protect your skin and hair is to wear loose-fitting clothing and accessories. This will help keep your skin from being in direct contact with the sun for too long but won’t be unbearable in any extreme heat. Look for breathable, light fabrics like cotton and linen. And if you’re going to be in the water, make sure to wear a swim shirt or rash guard to help protect your skin from the sun. And don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face.

That hat will also go a long way to keeping your hair from getting sun-damaged. Or, you can reach for a lovely scarf – also cotton or linen, avoid non-breathable synthetics – and tie it around your head like a bandana. Finally, if you’ve got long hair, put it up in a bun or braid to help keep it off your neck and away from the sun as much as possible.

4) Adjust Your Skincare Routine

Anyone who’s ever had a sunburn knows that the sun can be tough on your skin. But did you know that even if you don’t get burnt, the sun can still damage your skin? That’s why it’s so important to adjust your skincare routine to help protect against sun damage.

One of the best things you can do is to exfoliate regularly. This helps remove dead skin cells, which can make your skin more vulnerable to damage. Look for active ingredients in skincare products like glycolic acid or salicylic acid in your exfoliating products. These will help to slough away dead skin cells while also providing some protection against the sun.

5) Seek Out Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important for many reasons, but when it comes to sun protection, they can help repair the damage that’s already been done. Look for products that contain vitamin C, green tea or niacinamide. These ingredients will help to repair damage from the sun while also providing some protection against future damage.

6) Stay Hydrated

The importance of hydration cannot be underestimated, especially in the summer heat. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin and hair healthy and hydrated. And if you’re going to be spending time outside, make sure to pack a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated on the go. If plain water is too basic for you, you can always add some fruit or herbs to your water for a bit of flavor. There are also tons of different summery tea blends that are available. Just pop a bag into your water bottle and you’re good to go!

7) Limit Your Time in the Sun

No matter how well you protect your skin and hair, the best way to prevent sun damage is to limit your time in the sun. If you can, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. And if you are going to be in the sun, make sure to do so during the early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t as intense.

Better Safe Than Sorry

When it comes to sun protection, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By taking some simple precautions, you can help protect your skin and hair from the harmful effects of the sun. And don’t forget, the best defense is a good offense. So be sure to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Now that you know how to protect your skin and hair from the sun, you can enjoy the summer worry-free.