How to protect your skin from sun damage and saltwater?

Very few things can compete with a day spent at the beach when it comes to relaxing and rejuvenating both, mentally and physically. The sound of the waves and the salty smell of the ocean, fine grains of sand gently massaging the feet and the sun warmly kissing the skin…  

Unfortunately, this idyllic picture can get clouded by the awareness of the damage that the sun and the sea can wreak on our skin. However, armed with the right knowledge and products, every one of us can keep our skin healthy and young-looking while enjoying all the pleasures of the beach.

About our largest organ – skin

Skin is the largest human organ and is made up of three layers – epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the top layer responsible for the skin’s waterproof protective barrier, skin tone and pigmentation. The dermis is the deeper layer where most blood vessels, hair follicles, lymph vessels, and glands are situated. The glands produce sweat and an oily substance called sebum. Sweat helps to cool the body while sebum prevents the skin from drying out. Both travel from the dermis to the skin’s surface through the pores. The deepest layer is the hypodermis, which is made of fat and subcutaneous tissue. This layer stores energy, connects your skin to muscles and bones and provides protection and insulation to the body.

While we dream of a healthy summer glow, exposure to the sun and sea can dry out and damage not only the top layer but cause deeper damage to the dermis as well. Ultraviolet rays break down elastin – fibers responsible for skin’s elasticity – causing the skin to stretch and sag. Excessive sun exposure can also destroy collagen – the natural protein responsible for firm and tight skin. These factors add up to signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, mottled pigmentation, and discoloration. It can also cause a more prominent appearance of freckles or blood vessels. The loss of the supportive collagen and elastin fibers result in the skin becoming more prone to bruising and tearing and taking longer to heal.

Saltwater – a double-edged sword

A dip in the water is an unrivaled pleasure on a hot summer’s day. Saltwater contains many vitamins, amino acids, and minerals including magnesium, potassium, and sulfur, and therefore, can be very beneficial in replenishing the skin. However, the danger lies in the overexposure to salt water which can cause dry and itchy skin. If your skin is naturally prone to dryness, overexposure to salt water or chlorinated swimming pool water can cause even more damage and irritation. 

We have compiled a list of tips that will ensure the health and protection of your largest organ while you work on your healthy summer glow.

Apply SPF before going to the beach

30 minutes before heading out to the beach, apply the first very generous layer of sunscreen. A layer that’s too thin can reduce its effectiveness by 50 percent.

Those who are lucky enough to have darker, less sun-sensitive skin, should apply a formula containing no less than SPF 15. The fairer the skin and the longer your skin will be exposed to the sun, the higher the SPF should be.

If swimming is in the books, it’s better to apply waterproof SPF that protects against chlorine sensitivities and ensures that the water rolls off the skin and doesn’t penetrate it as deeply. Also, remember to apply SPF to the lips, ears, nose, tops of hands and feet, behind the knees, and back of the neck. 

Maintain protection at the beach

While relaxing at the beach, it’s important to remember to reapply the SPF every 2 hours, and if you’re going in the water, reapply after each dip. 

Be aware of the reflected light from the sand, snow, and other surfaces hitting the areas of your body that the sun wouldn’t normally get to, for example under the chin. Umbrellas and other shade-providing objects don’t protect against this reflected light and therefore we need to take care of these vulnerable areas too.

It is best to get to the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun when UV rays are the harshest. If you can help it, don’t tan at all. Your skin will look young longer if you apply a self-tanning formula instead and remember that the UV rays are just as active on cloudy days.

Consider showering between the swims to reduce the absorption of salt water or chlorine and make sure to drink lots of water to keep yourself thoroughly hydrated.

Replenish your skin after sun and sea exposure

When you come back from the beach, shower to remove all traces of saltwater. Be sure to use a mild soap that will not dry out the skin any further. After you bathe, apply liberal amounts of moisturizer to your whole body – aloe-based moisturizers are well known for their cooling and soothing properties. 

Pay special attention to your face and neck area – the skin here is very sensitive and frequently more exposed than other parts of the body. Your skincare products should include antioxidants and other ingredients that hydrate, relieve sun damage, reduce redness and inflammation, maintain moisture levels, encourage collagen and elastin production, and assist the skin’s natural repair cycle.

Here at MRVL Skin, we offer innovative and luxurious formulas that work to replenish the skin and curb the aging process caused by sun exposure and other factors.

1. Our Arnica Recovery Cream provides the ultimate barrier protection to your skin with anti-inflammatory & healing benefits. This rich combination of Beta-Sitosterol activates the production of collagen and skin renewal. Active ingredient Arnimo (Arnica Montana Flower Extract) is rich in antioxidants and combined with our proprietary Blue Scorpion Peptide aids in reducing inflammation.

2. HA Hydrafill Cream is an intensely hydrating, ultra-lightweight daily moisturizer. A unique complex of 9 types of Hyaluronic Acid and an encapsulated Ceramide preserves the skin’s moisture levels and maintains plumpness. Amino acids, proteins, and enzymes strengthen the skin’s barrier function for a youthful, hydrated complexion with the added benefit of Blue Scorpion Peptide to stimulate collagen and elastin production.jinf

3. Anti-Aging Firming Serum is the ultimate anti-aging treatment where Blue Scorpion Peptide is paired with Ubiquinone – an antioxidant that firms, lifts, and plumps the skin – reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ubisome Q 10 P1 generates energy in the skin to assist with the health, elasticity, and natural skin repair cycle. 

4. Retinol Repair Night Cream helps to exfoliate the top layer of skin and peel darker spots leaving the skin looking smooth and clear without irritating it. Retinol is a powerful wrinkle-fighter that boosts skin collagen production to both minimize and prevent fine lines. We recommend using Retinol all year long along with sunscreen to help maintain young and healthy skin. 

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WRITTEN BY MRVL SKIN SOLUTIONS™

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