June 13th, 2025

Essential Tips for a Radiant and Safe Summer

With longer days and brighter sun, it's time to enjoy summer responsibly. Prioritize your skin's health with these tips to keep it radiant and protected during the warm weather.

Understanding the Impact of Sun Exposure

The sun's rays can affect the skin in various ways. Moderate sun exposure facilitates vitamin D synthesis, while excessive exposure may cause sunburn, premature aging, and elevate the risk of skin cancer. It is important to understand the different types of solar UV radiation:

• UVA rays: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin and contribute to premature aging and wrinkles.
• UVB rays: Responsible for sunburn, UVB rays have a more superficial impact but are strongly linked to skin cancer.
• UVC rays: These rays are strong but get mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, except where the layer is thinner or depleted; then they can get through and cause cutaneous damage and increase the chance of skin cancer.

In addition to UV rays, there are also other wavelengths of the sun’s light spectrum that must be considered: infrared and blue light. Excess infrared light causes heat and inflammation, while an overload of blue light can contribute to accelerating the skin’s aging process. As a reminder, The Skin Cancer Foundation simply puts it, “an estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun.”

Skin cancer is likely the most dangerous and unwanted side effect of prolonged sun exposure on unprotected skin. Free radical damage and continued inflammation of the skin due to overexposure to the sun’s rays impact cellular DNA and cause mutations that can progress to cancers, whether benign or malignant, like melanoma. Research provided by The Skin Cancer Foundation has reported that “1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70,” and one study found that “regular daily use of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.” Therefore, it becomes vital to take appropriate measures to protect the skin, such as using a high-quality sunscreen.

Effective Sun Protection Strategies: Your Summer Skin Survival Guide

1. Use Sunscreen Daily: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful excess UV radiation. Incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine, even on cloudy days or when you're indoors but near windows. Remember, UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass. At home, you may benefit from tinting your windows with protective film that can block much of the UV radiation and transferred heat. Outdoors, if you plan to stay out longer than 20 minutes (i.e.: playing sports, at the beach, etc.) apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before engaging in those activities.

2. Choose your Sunscreen Wisely: Depending on the brand used, sunscreen formulations vary by containing agents that are either chemical or physical. In some cases, sunscreens contain a combination of both. But what are the differences?
   • Chemical Sunscreens: These usually contain ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and Avobenzone to name a few, that work to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. These agents are invisible and blend well with cosmetic products. However, there has been an increasing controversy about the safety of these ingredients and their impact on the skin and the environment, particularly ocean reefs and marine life.
     
   • Physical Sunscreens: These typically contain ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These mineral agents sit on top of the skin and reflect and scatter UV radiation. While preferred, they have also been the subject of controversy, especially due to increasing concerns about the use of nanoparticles and their effects on cellular health.

3. Choose the Right SPF: While an SPF of 30 is generally recommended, you might want to consider a higher SPF if you have fair skin, a history of skin cancer, or plan to spend extended periods outdoors. For best results, choose preferably a physical sunscreen formulation, like Pevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, which also includes protection against excess blue light.

4. Apply Generously: Most people don't apply enough sunscreen. Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your entire body. Don't forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, back of the knees, and tops of hands and feet.

5. Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating.

6. Check the Expiration Date: Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. Make sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle and replace it if it's expired.

7. Layering Products: If you use serums and lightweight creams, apply the sunscreen after them, and then apply make-up, if desired.

8. Wear Protective Accessories: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts made with fabrics that offer a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, wide-brimmed hats, and quality sunglasses with UV protection to shield your skin from direct sun exposure.

9. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you still want to enjoy the sun, make sure you start exposing your skin slowly and progressively outside of peak times, to build up a uniform tan instead of burning at once.

10. Be Mindful of Reflective Surfaces: Especially during the summer, water, sand, and even concrete can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. Take extra precautions when near these surfaces.

11. Stay Hydrated for Optimum Skin Health: Drinking plenty of water is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Hydration helps your skin stay supple and resilient against sun damage.

12. Eat a Nutritious and Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits and vegetables like berries, carrots, and spinach can enhance your skin's natural defense mechanisms.

13. Apply Topical, High-quality Moisturizers: Focus on those that contain hydrating and moisture retentive agents, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Squalane, etc. These ingredients will improve cellular performance, enhance the uptake of nutrients by those cells, and encourage proper repair - especially when damage starts to set from UV exposure.

Post-Sun Care

1. Moisturize: After sun exposure, use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to restore your skin's moisture balance and prevent dryness. For fast relief of dehydration, dryness, and discomfort, you may spray the Pevonia Phyto-Aromatic Mist all over affected areas.

2. Soothe Sunburn: If you experience sunburn, apply Aloe Vera or Water Lily based cooling gels to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The Skin Cancer Foundation shares important information about this: “Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.” Consider using Pevonia’s After-Sun Soothing Gel to alleviate discomfort and replenish moisture in the skin.

3. Check your Skin: Regularly assess your skin for any changes or abnormalities, such as new moles or pigmented spots. Early detection of skin issues is of utmost importance for effective treatment, if needed.

Special Considerations and Recommendations

For children: Children's skin is more sensitive to UV radiation. Ensure they wear protective clothing, use appropriate sunscreen, and limit their sun exposure.

For those with sensitive skin: Individuals with sensitive skin should opt for sunscreens that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Conduct a patch test before using any new product. If peace of mind is essential, the Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is an ideal option since it is meticulously formulated to protect the skin from sunburn, sensitization, dehydration, all while reducing the risk of skin cancer. During the summer, it is crucial to take care of your skin seriously with high quality formulated products. For the best protection, maintenance, and upkeep of your skin, this is Pevonia’s portfolio of sun care products:

• Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40: Pevonia’s sunscreen utilizes safe mineral extracts to protect the skin from sun damage and offers a high SPF. It does not contain nanoparticles. Furthermore, it includes repairing, soothing, and moisturizing agents to preserve skin health; and renowned Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera extract to improve mitochondrial function and repair the effects of excess blue light exposure, to which we also receive an excess from artificial sources, like electronic displays. This sunscreen is also sustainable and ecofriendly, especially with our seas, as the gentle, natural formulation which contains no artificial agents is oceans and reefs safe.

• After-Sun Soothing Gel: A restoring and repairing cooling gel containing Water Lily extract and Chamomile, that brings instant relief to sunburned skin.

• Phyto-Aromatic Mist: This indulgent, aromatic mist is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to immediately refresh and replenish the skin with deep hydration, while soothing plant extracts calm and cool the skin surface for increased relief from sun exposure discomfort.

• Professional Solution: Water Lily After Sun Soothing Wrap Treatment. Exclusive to Pevonia Spas, this post-sun treatment consists of Water Lily Flower Extract, Chamomile, and Green Tea to swiftly decrease the skin’s temperature and burning sensation, cool and soothe inflammation, while replenishing hydration and repairing the skin.

Enjoying the summer sun is great, but it's important to protect your skin. Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and safe during the sunny season. These precautions benefit your skin now and in the long run. Stay sun-safe and have a fantastic summer!