Summer doesn’t have to mean sunburn skin. It’s really not difficult to avoid overdoing sun exposure, but you have to be prepared.

protect your skin this summer with wide brimmed hats

Prevention is the key. Wide-brim hats and sunscreen are the most effective – not to mention cheapest – ways to keep you looking dewy and fresh as the years roll on. Even with all of the advances we’ve seen in treating wrinkles and turning back the clock, surface treatments can only do so much and cosmetic treatments and surgery are prohibitively expensive. Your best bet for keeping your skin looking young is to protect it from damage in the first place. And with all of the options available now there’s a healthy and effective product for every type. Along the same lines, go big when you choose sunglasses. Oversized frames protect a much larger delicate area around your eyes.

Sunglasses don’t have to be super expensive, either. We love the freedom of inexpensive shades – we can buy a trendy new pair every year without breaking the bank. Just be sure to look for a sticker or tag that confirms the glasses block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.

Fruits great for the skin this summer

Now for the fun stuff. Cool, crisp melons are a favorite summer staple, and as it turns out, they not only taste great, they are also great for your epidermis. Melons contain a ton of antioxidants (which fight sun damage) and they hydrate the skin naturally. If you do end up with a sunburn, take it easy, cool down, and indulge in a little red. Red wine, that is. Red grapes contains Resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease the redness in your skin. Plain yogurt is another natural remedy. The lactic acid calms and soothes sunburned skin. Slather some on for a few minutes and then rinse with cool water for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Learn all of the latest facial techniques and products at the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology! We’ll share the skills and expertise you need to make a career out of making clients beautiful. www.GIC.edu

For more tips and product ideas see InStyle’s 25 Best Summer Skin Tips Ever.