SKIN IS IN

I remember growing up in Greece as a child, loving the time spent in the sun and sea. I consider myself lucky that I never had to worry about getting a sunburn. I would spend endless days outdoors with my bicycle, and during our family vacations in Kiparissia by the beach with my siblings, or at my grandma's village Asea, running around in the one park we had and around the village. By the end of the summer, I had that nice healthy sun-kissed glow and hardly ever got burned. In my young adult years, things had already changed. I remember the sun feeling stronger, and sunscreens started to become a staple in our beach bags. Nowadays, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I hardly step outside my condo without using sunscreen. Things have definitely changed—the environment is different, and we are also more aware.

Walking to the beach in Koufonissia

As summer approaches, we get ready to soak up the warm weather here in the Bay Area. The days are getting longer, we're spending more time outside, and it’s more important than ever to protect our skin from the sun’s rays.

We’ve all heard the warnings—too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. But like my ancestors used to say, "oudén kakó amigés kaloú"—no evil is pure good.

Let’s not forget the wonderful benefits of the sun! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of warm sun rays on my skin, taking me back to those carefree childhood days in Greece. My mood always brightens after a few minutes in the sun, and that lovely sun-kissed glow makes us look and feel so healthy. I still consider the sun my best friend, and I’m grateful for all the fantastic benefits we get from its light. Having spent my life in sunny places, I can’t imagine living without summers

Definitely, my approach to sun exposure has changed over the years. Nowadays, I enjoy the sun mostly during the later hours after 4 p.m. or earlier in the morning  and I splurge on a great sunscreen more than on a good moisturizer. That's the key item in my skincare routine. I also try to swim for 20-30 minutes a couple of days a week without sunscreen during low UV index hours, just to let my body absorb those vital sun rays.

In my 50s and a little wiser, I now follow these essential tips to keep my skin healthy, beautiful, and glowing during the summer months:

SUNSCREENS

I use sunscreen regularly as it’s my best friend and our first line of defense against the sun's UV rays. I choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, covering both UVA and UVB rays. I pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which is generally sufficient for daily use, though higher SPFs provide more protection. I apply liberally to cover my entire body, including my ears, neck, and the tops of my feet, and I reapply every few hours or more often if I’m swimming or sweating.

Some of my personal favorite sun care products right now are Supergoop Body Spray Sunscreen, Colorescience SPF 50 Glow Face Tinted Sunscreen for a great glow, and an after-sun care product, Noni Sol Organics it’s super luxurious and hydrating.

NAXOS ISLAND AFTERNOONS

During the summer long sunny days, I try to pick clothing that can provide some protection from the sun. I love wearing my long-sleeved white gauze shirt and flowy pants, and when I wear shorts, I always apply sunscreen before leaving the house. I choose fabrics with a tight weave for better protection; if you can see through the fabric when you hold it up to the light, UV rays can penetrate it. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for shading my face, ears, and neck, and I avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. Sunglasses are a must for me throughout the year—I never leave my house without them because my eyes are light-colored and very sensitive to light. I always look for labels that indicate UVA and UVB protection or polarized lenses.

HYDRATION STATION

Staying hydrated is also very important. Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, which can affect our skin's health. It is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if we are spending a lot of time outdoors. I also love to eat foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, to help maintain hydration levels. My favorite summer splurge is watermelon—so yummy and very high in water content. Our body naturally craves these kinds of foods during the summer.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR DERMATOLOGIST

Lastly, it's a good idea to check our skin regularly. I'm personally not so great about it, so when I return from a summer vacation, I try to have my skin checked by my dermatologist. Regular self-examinations can help you spot early signs of skin damage or skin cancer, and it's highly recommended by doctors. 

Protecting our skin from the sun is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage. By incorporating these tips into our daily routine, we can enjoy the summer sun safely. Taking care of our skin today means healthier, more radiant skin in the future, and also a greater and healthy relationship with the sun that has so many great benefits to offer us. Needless to say, the feeling of that sun-kissed skin is priceless.

Till next month … with all my love,

Katerina