When warm weather arrives, it's only natural to want to get out and enjoy the sun's glorious rays. But as much as we love the look of sun-kissed skin, it's also important to protect your skin to keep it looking healthy and youthful.
Take into consideration the following skincare tips and you will be well on your way to enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Store Your Skincare Products in the Refrigerator
The skin tends to become extra sensitive during the summer due to harmful UV, excess sweat and dehydration. Keeping your products in the fridge will gently cool and soothe hot, sensitive skin and speed up the de-puffing powers of your favorite eye serum or cream. It also prolongs the shelf life of some products by slowing down the degradation of ingredients.
Cut down your shower time
Between beach days, workouts, and plain old summer sweat, many of us shower more than once a day in the summer to remove all the accumulated dirt and sweat. But remember showering in hot water can over-dry the skin and lead to inflammation and even summertime eczema. Keep your shower time short, around 4-5 minutes, or even better, consider showering with cool water because it helps constrict blood vessels to temporarily tighten the pores and reduce redness. Ideally, all showers should be followed by a cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine.
Drink More Water
Drinking water is the key to beautiful skin. Aim to carry a bottle of water anywhere you go and drink 2-3 liters a day. Watermelons, musk melons, and fresh juices are a great way to stay hydrated and keep the skin healthy. Drinking plenty of water also helps flush toxins from the body, thorough sweat and urine, and improve your overall health - both physical and mental.
Exfoliate Your Skin
It's important to remember another important step in keeping your skin in tip-top shape: exfoliating. Because in the summertime we produce more sweat which clogs pores and causes breakouts, exfoliation is essential to remove excess oil within the pores and produce a smoother surface. Removing dead skin cells from the top layer of facial skin with an exfoliating cleanser not only unclogs pores but also enhances the penetration of moisturizers. Remember exfoliation is important for the entire body, not just your face.
Moisturize Well
A common misconception people have, especially those with oily skin types, is that skin is oily in the summer so we do not need to moisturize. The truth is that skipping this essential step can make your skin even more oily because your body will step up sebum production to compensate for the lack of hydration and protect itself from drying out. Summer skincare calls for a lightweight, non-comedogenic, non-greasy moisturizer, both for your face and body, immediately after your bath or shower.
Start Using a Toner, If You Haven’t Already
Don't forget toning. Toners are an excellent way to remove residual dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and makeup and close the pores to prevent their buildup. Pay close attention to the T-zone while toning because it appears the sleekest in the summer due to excess oil production. In hot weather, try keeping a bottle of toner in your refrigerator and apply it to your face and neck for an immediate cooling effect.
Invest in Antioxidants
Given that the sun is more intense during the summer, free radicals are at their peak, which is why antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are essential during this time of year. Not only do they keep your skin hydrated and protect it from damaging environmental factors, but they also stimulate the production of collagen and prevent the formation of sunspots.
Sun Protection, Sun Protection, Sun Protection
Make sun protection part of your daily routine. It's one of the best long-term investments you'll ever make. UVA rays are strong year-round and UVB rays are more intense during mid-day, spring and summer. Wear a moisturizing sunscreen on your face year-round, preferably with an SPF of 15 or higher, apply it 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Choose a vitamin-enriched lotion that won't clog pores.
