Whether you’re soaking up the rays here in Ireland (whenever we’re lucky enough to see some sun!) or heading somewhere with a better climate for a well-deserved holiday, you must prioritise taking care of your skin.
Our skin is a delicate organ that needs to be protected against the harmful effects of sun damage.
That’s why maintaining a good skincare routine and healthy sun protection habits are always important, especially during the Summer when UV rays are at their strongest.
Not only does the sun impact our skin's texture and complexion, causing dark spots and wrinkles at an early age, but it also poses serious threats to our skin’s health. From painful and damaging burns to developing skin cancer, sun exposure should not be taken lightly.
So, let’s look at our must-have skincare products and healthy daily habits that will help you take care of your skin during these hot Summer months to keep its healthy glow all year round.
Skincare products to keep your skin safe and looking fresh
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, there are certain products that you simply can’t skip out on.
Here’s what you need to use to achieve flawless, healthy skin, as well as our favourite products currently available online and in-store at Crowley’s Pharmacy.
Sun cream
It goes without saying that you should lather on the sun cream during the hot Summer months. Applying sunscreen every two hours is recommended, and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating in the heat.
But did you know that you should be applying sun protection factor all year round to provide protection to your skin, even during Winter?
Look for a sunscreen with a high SPF and ultraviolet protection factor to protect your skin from harmful UVA rays.
This SPF 50 is one of our best sellers this Summer to protect against UV radiation: Uriage Bariesun SPF50+ Moisturising Dry Mist
Aftersun
Even if you’ve been careful and worn sun cream throughout the day, it’s always wise to use aftersun after extreme heat to help your skin recover.
Aftersun rehydrates your skin after sun exposure and provides a soothing, cooling effect that feels amazing when the temperatures are high.
Before applying, cleanse your skin to remove residual sunscreen and dead skin cells for the best results.
Here’s the aftersun we are loving right now: Aloe Vera Organic Gel With Tea Tree
Moisturisers
Moisturiser is essential to any skincare routine, keeping your skin healthier in general while providing some much-needed hydration in the Summer when your skin can become dried out and tight.
Make sure to moisturise your face twice daily, in the morning and before you go to bed, and your body after a shower or at the end of the day.
Look for moisturisers that are made of natural ingredients and contain hydrating elements such as Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.
This is our favourite gentle moisturiser at the moment from a fantastic Irish brand, perfect for any skin type: Inis Revitalising Body Lotion
Hand cream
When you spend more time outdoors in the Summer, your hands need a little extra TLC.
Exposure to the sun can lead to dry and cracked hands, causing significant skin irritation and discomfort. Additionally, regular hand washing increases the risk of sunburn, making it essential to use UV protection for your hands.
We recommend this hand cream containing SPF 30 so you can protect your hands throughout this day: Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands SPF 30
Lip balm
It’s easy to forget about protecting your lips from the sun. But did you know they’re just as sensitive to UV damage as the rest of your body?
They need to be provided with enough moisture to prevent them from becoming chapped and sore, as well as sun protection factor to prevent sunburn.
We’re loving this lip balm containing SPF 50 this Summer: Hello Sunday The One For The Lips Clear Lip Balm Spf50
Healthy sun protection habits to protect your skin
As well as having a solid skincare routine, there are some simple habits you can adopt into your lifestyle to ensure you’re doing everything you can to look after your skin during the Summer.
Stay hydrated
When temperatures are high, you’ve got to make sure you’re drinking even more water than usual. According to Irish Heart, women should drink more than 1.6 litres of water a day and men more than 2 litres. This will protect your skin from becoming dehydrated so you can avoid any painful, dry skin this Summer.
Limit sun exposure during peak times
UV rays are most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So if you plan to spend a lot of time outside on hot, sunny days, limit sun exposure during these peak times to protect your skin.
Cover up from UV rays
Especially if your skin is very sensitive and prone to sun damage, it’s wise to cover up by wearing a sun hat and long sleeves to protect your scalp and other sensitive, exposed areas, such as the neck and shoulders. Don’t forget to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays with a pair of sunglasses!
Keep your sensitive skin protected with Crowley’s Pharmacy
Make sure you prioritise your skin’s health and protection in the sun.
After all, skincare is self-care, and we’ve got everything you need this Summer to help you take care of your skin!
With the help of our fantastic suncare products, you’ll love how fantastic your skin looks and feels.
We also have a full range of skincare products, including serums, facial oils, eye creams for dark circles, cleansers for acne-prone skin, and so much more.
Head to our online store to view our full range of products, or drop into our Dunmanway store to ask our helpful and friendly staff for advice.
