Overview
During the summertime, the warmer weather coaxes people outdoors with biking, swimming and cookouts. Although darker skin has more protection through the increased melanin production, the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage. Proper ethnic skin care can prevent skin cancer and premature aging and keep darker skin looking healthy and smooth all summer long.
Step 1
Use soaps and moisturizers that contain cocoa butter, and avoid products with alcohol that can irritate and dry the skin. Cocoa butter contains sunscreen properties while locking in moisture; however, never use cocoa butter in place of sunscreen. Cleanse the skin daily to keep breakouts at bay and keep skin tone even.
Step 2
Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 20 minutes before going outdoors, avoiding those that contain fragrance. Fragrance dries the skin and can render sunscreen less effective in blocking harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen often if excessive sweating is present or immediately after swimming.
Step 3
Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to keep the skin moisturized from the inside out. This flushes out toxins and helps prevent overdrying of the skin and premature wrinkling and discoloration brought on by sun exposure.
Step 4
Inspect your skin daily, being on the lookout for discoloration or oddly shaped moles. Inspecting your skin will increase your chances of keeping your skin cancer free with early detection.
Step 5
Wear light colored clothes outdoors to reflect the sun away from the skin. Darker skin tends to attract UV rays that can cause damage. Wearing light colors will not only reflect these rays away from you but will help keep you cooler during the summer months.
