WELLNESS
S u m m er R adian ce GIVE YOUR SKIN
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rizona summers can be hard on our skin, even if we’re not living with the brutal heat of the Sonoran Desert. The northern half of the state is still much drier than average, and mid-altitude communities like Prescott and Sedona do see days that broach the 100-degree barrier. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their peak destructive power. SPF protection needs to be our top summer skin care priority, but we can still keep our complexions dewy and radiant throughout the season if we support it with the right products, health care and nutrition. • This will be the final step of your skin care routine, but you must apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on every part of your skin that will be exposed at least 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house. Better yet, just wear it all day so you won’t have to remember to time the application just right. UV rays do penetrate most windows, too. You will need to reapply every two hours or so when you are outside.
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Northern A Z Luxur y L iving VOL. 2, NO. 3
• Use a lightweight moisturizer if you have oily to normal skin, but if your skin is on the dry or sensitive end of the spectrum consider a heavier, more nourishing one to seal in as much of your natural oils as you can. • Especially if you have dry skin, hyaluronic acid’s moisturesealing powers can meet their kryptonite in arid climates when the ambient humidity is lower than the amount
of moisture in your skin. At that point it’ll get the water it seeks by sucking it from the deeper layers of your skin, which can worsen dehydration and redness over time. Try using an occlusive moisturizer instead of or on top of products containing hyaluronic acid. • Drink plenty of water to support your skin and every other organ in your body. Eat hydrating fruits like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and oranges to boost your skin’s moisture from within.
