The summer is almost synonymous with outdoor fun in the sun but that doesn’t mean that your skin has to suffer. Below you’ll find tips to protect your skin from overexposure to the sun without compromising summer fun.

Finding the right sunscreen

To Avoid Oily Skin: Sunscreen may seem like a no brainer and a skin protection essential for the summer, but the excess oil and grease that coats the skin after using sunblock can clog the pores and cause unwanted breakouts. To prevent this, look for an oil-free sunscreen. Not only will you avoid that gross greasy feeling, but you will also keep your skin nice and clear all summer long.

To Avoid White or Ashy residue: Nobody wants the streaky residue of your sunscreen overshadowing your summer glow, but sunscreen is a must for skin protection so what’s the solution?  To protect your skin from harmful rays without diming your glow, find a sunscreen without zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reduce the pasty after-effect.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

The large straw hats that populate the beaches and pool sides during the summer aren’t just fashionable, they are also very practical when it comes to protecting your skin from overexposure to the sun. When worn properly the large brim helps shade your face, shoulders and neck from the sun so you can be fashion-forward and sunburn-free this summer.

Vitamins

As tempting as it is hit the tanning salon or lay out in the sun for that added summer glow, protecting your skin means avoiding burns and finding the healthy supplements your skin craves. The vitamin D your skin would otherwise soak up from the sun can be found in supplemental vitamins or a healthy diet that includes extra vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D include, fish, cereals, soy milk and eggs among many others.

Planning Ahead

Knowing and understanding the UV index and planning accordingly can be a big help, especially when dealing with the ever-changing Texas heat. You may know that a low to moderate UV exposure rating between 2-5 is fairly easy to protect against by using sunscreen SPF 30+, but did you know that high to extreme levels are best to avoid if at all possible? On high-risk days, the EPA suggests wearing longer sleeves or pants when practical, and seeking shade whenever possible if you must be in the sun during peak hours, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Knowing and understanding these risk levels can help you better prepare for trips to the beach and better schedule pool time for you and your family this summer!

Sunburn

Unfortunately, sometimes sunburns just happen. The key to helping the skin heal properly is to act fast. As soon as you feel an approaching burn or notice your skin reddening, begin treating your burn. Apply cool water and a moisturizer to soothe the skin and minimize flaking and peeling. Be sure to stay hydrated in the days following your overexposure and keep a close eye on the burn, applying medicated creams such as hydrocortisone as needed.

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Steven E. Zimmet is an Austin dermatologist at Zimmet Vein and Dermatology. He has been practicing dermatology in Austin for over 30 years and in 2007 he was elected for inclusion in the Best Doctors in America® Database 2011-2012 for dermatology/phlebology.