Despite the fact it may not seem like summer in the UK just yet (hurry up please!), according to the Met Office, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. Whilst I love being in the sun and find it alleviates my eczema, I like to stick to the following to ensure my skin stays healthy and looking its best.
1. Antioxidants
Make sure you are consuming plenty of antioxidants to counteract damage to the skin. Acai, blueberries, cacao & goji berries are my favourite sources of antioxidants in the summer, all of which can be added to a smoothie or acai bowl for breakfast.
2. Stay hydrated
Don’t forget to drink adequate amounts of water to stay fully hydrated. Coconut water is great for an extra hydrating boost but try to get the organic, raw and unpasteurised versions if they are available to you.
3. "Eat your water"
“Eating” your water provides the same benefits. My favourite summer snack is watermelon, but I also love papaya, cucumber and mango as it gets warmer.
4. Exfoliate
If you’re lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere exotic, you can use wet sand as a natural exfoliant whilst at the beach! You may find you need to exfoliate more frequently in the summer months.
5. Wear a natural SPF
I like Green People or Coola. Having eczema, I find these products particularly good as they’re non-irritating and moisturising. Also, be sure to cover up in strong sun with a hat or loose clothing. Whilst I love a tan, burning is a whole different story! Using aloe vera if you’ve overdone it in the sun is helpful. I like to use the gel straight from the plant but you can also find good bottled versions available in the beauty sections of health food stores.
I’m all for being safe in the sun yet I’m a big believer in balance in all aspects of life and the many benefits the sun provides for mental and physical wellbeing are well documented (notably the effect on Vitamin D levels).
Frances Phillips is a model and nutritional therapist. She's graced the front cover of GQ magazine, modelled for luxury fashion brands and is often seen in the beauty pages of Elle and Glamour magazine. You can follow her lifestyle tips in our magazine or on her Instagram account @franvphillips
For more great skincare tips, check out our Omega 3 skin benefits guide