Summer is usually the best time to spend some time at the beach, party with friends, swim, and have plenty of fun activities. However, it doesn’t mean that your skin and hair are also having a good time. In fact, your skin or hair is more likely to get damaged during summer. 

The hot summer sun is harmful to the hair skin, and that’s why you must take extra precautions to protect them. This article discusses how the summer sun can damage your hair and skin and how you can protect them. Keep reading for more information. 

Effects of the summer sun on your hair and skin

• The UV rays can penetrate the outer skin layers and pass into the deeper layers, damaging or killing the skin cell.

• UV rays can also penetrate your hair cuticles and cause dryness. 

• The summer sun can make your skin itchy and dry.

• The hot sun can be harsh on your scalp, causing sunburn and dryness.

• Too much exposure to summer sun can also lead to wrinkles. 

But you can avoid all these issues by protecting your hair and skin from the summer sun. 

Ways to protect your skin and hair from the summer sun

1. Use sunscreen on your face, and beyond

Many people believe that sunscreen should only be applied to exposed areas such as the face, arms, back, and legs. However, there are many areas that we should also adequately protect. So you should also apply sunscreen on the neck, ears, décolletage, feet, and hands. If you plan to walk on the beach, you need to make sure that your feet are well-protected. 

It is also advisable to reapply the sunscreen every two hours or every time you get out of water. This will ensure that your skin is adequately protected. Although it may seem tedious, it will significantly help you protect your skin from the harsh sun. 

2. Pair your sunscreen with antioxidants  

As mentioned above, applying and reapplying the sunscreen can be quite challenging. However, your sunscreen can work even better if you combine it with other skincare products with antioxidants.  Antioxidants are molecules that can help prevent certain cell damage, such as damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.  They achieve this by protecting the skin from free radicals, which are destructive molecules that form because of factors such as the use of harsh ingredients or unprotected sun exposure. 

Studies show that antioxidants can promote cell function, improve elasticity, increase production of collagen, help you develop healthier skin cells, and so much more. This is why it’s ideal to combine it with sunscreen to help you protect your skin from sun damage.

3. Protect your hair against the sun

Many people tend to focus on their skin and ignore their hair when it comes to sun protection. But the summer sun can severely damage the hair, too. The hair, just like your skin, requires some love. You should use hair products that have UVA and UVB protection. While at the beach, you can also apply spray sunscreen, which can be easily removed from the hair with a shower. If you plan to spend more time at the pool, you can saturate your human hair wigs with regular water and then apply conditioner before you get into the water. This will help prevent the chlorine from stripping moisture from your hair. 

4. Protect your scalp

It is no secret that a healthy scalp translates to healthy hair. When applying sunscreen to your skin, chances are that you are ignoring your scalp. But your scalp should also be protected against the sun damage. You can apply the sunscreen along your hairline to refresh your hair and protect it throughout the day. You can also apply a UV protection spray to your hair bundles to protect it against the sun damage.

You can use a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck. This type of hat can offer extra protection from the summer sun. When it comes to choosing a hat, you should pay attention to the fabric. According to the American Cancer Society, straw hats are not as protective as woven hats.

5. Use a leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness

Saltwater or chlorine water can really make your skin very dry. But you can prevent this dryness by treating your Brazilian hair bundles with a leave-in conditioner. The leave-in conditioner will not only keep your hair soft and shiny, but it will also make it frizz-free without becoming greasy. When choosing a leave-in conditioner, choose one that suits your hair type and texture. And if you are planning to spend your day at the pool, remember to apply a leave-in conditioner and wear a swimming cap before you jump in the pool. 

6. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated

You may be doing all the above tips to protect your skin and hair from the summer sun, but if you are not drinking plenty of water, you won’t achieve much. The hair and skin tend to benefit more if you are adequately hydrated. During summer, you can easily become dehydrated due to the mix of heat, over sweating, direct sunlight, etc. That’s why it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids. Again, you can include a number of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to help you stay hydrated. This is a crucial hair and skin care tip for summer.  

Final words

There are plenty of things you can do to protect your hair and skin against summer sun; from applying sunscreen and conditioner to wearing hats. The list is endless. In summer, the air is always filled with excitement and ecstasy, but don’t let all the excitement take over you to a point that you forget to protect your hair or skin from the sun damage. Whether you are taking a trip to the beach, spending a day at the pool, or just heading to work, ensure that you adequately protect your skin and hair.