Summertime Shimmer

by Sandra Cannon, Expert Contributor and Owner of Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa

Whether it’s on the beach, at the pool or just enjoying outdoor activities, many people seem to feel compelled to spend as much time as possible out in the sun. Time outdoors can certainly be beneficial to your mood and temperament, but it’s important to remember that sun can damage your hair and skin.

Be proactive with your summer beauty regimen. Add new products with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) to your normal skin and hair care routines.

Most hair ties do your hair more harm than good, and when sunglasses’ nosepieces and hinges break, they can pull out strands of your hair. Putting your hair up — especially when it’s wet from chlorine or salt water — is extra-damaging to your hair and scalp. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp! Keep in mind that the sun and tanning beds can drastically fade hair color and are just as harmful to your hair as they are to your skin.

Here are some ways to prevent and even reverse summer hair damage:

• Start off the summer with a trim, to get rid of split ends.

• Use a UV blocker for your hair as well as for your skin.

• Use leave-in spray hair conditioner, to protect your strands.

• If your hair is long, wear it in loose braids or wear a hat.

Summertime can also be a great time to exfoliate (slough away) dead skin cells. As humidity increases, skin is better able to tolerate stronger formulas and active ingredients in skincare products. After freshly cleansing, include a product with Vitamin C in your summertime AM and PM skincare routine. Additionally, Vitamin C helps prevent and treat uneven skin pigmentation, which shows more in the summer months.

In the warmer months, put aside the heavy makeup you may typically use. With increased sweat and oils bombarding your skin in summer’s heat, lightweight makeup in oil-free and weightless formulas will allow your skin to breathe without clogging your pores. Believe it or not, water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water and electrolytes keep the body hydrated, support the skin, and also keep your hair from real thirst.

Dehydration immediately halts hair growth, and your hair can become brittle enough to split. Consider adding targeted nutritional supplements like collagen, hyaluronic acid and coconut water to improve your hair’s texture and keep your hair growing normally. Finish your AM skincare routine by putting on sunscreen with a high SPF, and then reapply it at least every two hours when you’re out in the sun. UV rays cause up to 90% of photo-aging that happens to your skin.

Sandra Cannon, Expert Contributor and Owner of Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa

CORINTHIAN ON THE SQUARE SALON & SPA

Specializing in Facials for Men and Women

Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa is an Aveda Concept Salon that offers a unique approach to personal style that celebrates the individual! Let us ease away your care and freshen your mind, body and spirit.

610-356-6062

www.CorinthianSalonandSpa.com

3543 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square