Care for Skin Outdoors: Before, During, and After

It’s summertime! Outdoor events are endless! From music festivals, concerts, food festivals, wine tastings, picnics, backyard BBQs, camping, beach days, and hiking, here's some helpful advice to keep your skin safe and happy in the sun.

Pre-Sun

Following a regular skin care routine, particularly while active outdoors, gives the skin a healthy base. Try to avoid any retinol or AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) if you’ll be enjoying outdoor activities daily.

Avoid facials and acid peels at least 7-10 days before a big outdoor festivity or trip. The UV rays can severely damage the work in which you invested.

Sunscreen.

Whether dipping in the water, jet skiing, or lounging outdoors, apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Water-resistant or sports sun creams are helpful, but they’re not a guarantee sunscreen has stayed after splashing or sweating.

Lips. 

The lips are fragile—its skin is much thinner than most other areas. If burned under the sun, they can become chapped, blistered, and left bleeding. Lip balm with a minimum SPF 30 is recommended.

Sun breaks.

Nothing is stronger than the sun’s rays. You can use the best sunscreen and UPF clothing, but we can’t beat the sun. The sun will come out tomorrow — no need to soak up an entire day’s worth of sun.

Scalp and hair protection.

If you’ve ever had a scalp burn, you know the pain. The top of our heads are extremely exposed to the sun. The hair and scalp need protection, too. How can these vulnerable areas avoid the burn?

Wear a hat.

The best recommendation is a UPF 50+ hat. Any hat is better than no hat, but to arm yourself from UV rays, UPF is the way to go.

Sunscreen for hair and scalp.

Yes, it exists. There are SPF hair and scalp powders, mists, and sprays. Opt for a clean, chemical-free product. Aerosols are not a good option for health and environmental reasons—never spray aerosol near the face. Coola’s protects while nourishing the hair and scalp, mess-free.

If you have a sunscreen spray (non-aerosol), you can use that. It may be a little greasy, but it’s better than nothing at all.

Ears.

People tend to forget these little, but important gems. It’s very possible to get burned on the outer ears and the mastoid (the temporal bone located behind the ears). Be sure to apply sunscreen all over the front and back of ears, and mastoid.

Eye Protection.

The eyes can get sunburned. Unprotected eyes can lead to eye cancer, cataracts, and growths on the eye. Use polarized or 100% UV protection sunglasses. You might want to have a sunglasses neck strap so you know where your glasses are and are less likely to lose them.

Also, there are newer, fashionable options that are a cross between goggles and sunglasses, if you’re going to be in the water.

Hydrate and Rehydrate

Eat raw fruits and vegetables. They’ll hydrate you and nourish. The vitamins will also feed your skin what it needs to repair the damage.

Allergies.

Spring is not the only season that can trigger allergies. Outdoor events held in the desert where the dust is wild, can be equally tough on ones who don’t have allergies, but dangerous for those with asthma.

From thousands of people shuffling around the grounds to the main action creating dust pockets to the natural environment having dust clouds.

Bring medication.

If have known allergies, make sure to bring your prescription(s). People with asthma should always have their medication, especially in the compromising places, such as festivals. Reports of deaths caused by asthma happen. Singer, Halsey had an asthma attack onstage directly after her performance. Lucky for her, medics were immediately on hand.

Bug spray.

Insects can be annoying, especially when a bite turns into an uncontrollable itch. Some people are allergic to them. Bring bug spray to keep your outside fun day, fun.

The After Party.

After sun care is as important as sun protection. When the day is done, the skin needs love. It may not appear to be damaged, but it is. Sun damage typically starts 15 minutes after exposure. It could be less for others.

Exfoliate.

Make sure to wash any sweat, dirt, and sunscreen residue off. First, gently wash the whole face. Next, gently exfoliate with a face brush or cleanser. Avoid exfoliation if sunburned.

Face or sheet mask.

To replenish and hydrate skin more deeply, start with a clean, moisturizing mask.

Aloe vera.

This conditions, soothes, and heals damaged skin, extraordinarily on burned skin.

Body.

Lotion with calming properties like oats or lavender is fantastic. Add in an oil of your choice, like almond, coconut, or jojoba for added moisturizing benefits.

Hair and scalp treatment.

Hopefully, your scalp is burn-free because it is insanely painful to wash if so. A nourishing mask will make your scalp and hair happy. Don’t leave them out.

Nutrients.

Drink a smoothie. Eat a fruit or vegetable salad. Juice. Take vitamin supplements to help.(Always consult with your doctor before beginning any.)

The body loses numerous vitamins and minerals. Let’s not talk about how much water is depleted. A person can lose 10 liters per day. Refill it after the outdoors so your body can heal from the inside out.   

Being outdoors is healthy for our minds, bodies, and souls. Have a great time while caring for your skin.

The power of the sun is strong, but you can still keep your skin healthy and celebrate the outdoors. Use a skin product with a high cell turnover rate, such as RxESCUESKIN. The serum is the ultimate boost to regenerating deep into the skin’s layers. The moisturizer adds in more skin happy benefits and locks them all inside.

From Our Skin Care to Yours,

RxESCUESKIN