With the summer in full swing, you may be dreaming of weekends by the pool or at the beach. Along with those summer dreams comes the hope of having smooth, glowing skin. However, the summer sun poses some risks to your skin which include sunburn, peeling, and dryness. Even worse is the risk of premature aging which shows itself with fine lines and wrinkles. While enjoying the summer season it is important to protect your skin, even when it is cloudy! It can be hard to know where to start when transitioning your skincare routine for those hot sunny days. We have a few tips you can incorporate into your daily routine that will help keep your skin healthy all summer long.
Prioritize Protection From The Sun
As you probably have heard many times, the use of a waterproof SPF 30 or more sunscreen is a must all year long but especially in the summer. It does not matter what skin type you have, the UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause extreme damage to your skin. For added protection around your eyes wear sunglasses when out in the sun. The skin around your eyes is delicate so it is best to take extra care of that area. Wearing a hat is also another great way to add a second layer of protection.
Pro tip: Apply and reapply sunscreen every two hours to ensure maximum protection. If you are in the ocean or lounging in the pool, reapply your sunscreen once out of the water.
Go Light
Our wardrobe changes with the weather and so should our skincare routine. Heavy creams and moisturizers used during the winter will be too heavy for summer days. Choose a light moisturizer or moisturizing oil which will soak into your skin faster and more easily than a heavy cream. Your SPF cream can also serve as your daily facial moisturizer with no need for additional products.
Pro Tip: Since you don't want to apply a heavy moisturizer during the day, at night give your skin a little extra love. Moisturizing with a cream overnight will help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy from the inside out. The more hydrated your skin remains, the healthier it will be. Skin that is dehydrated tends to be dry and dull. Drinking lots of water will help you maintain firm and even-toned skin. Don't love plain water? Add a few slices of lemon, watermelon, pineapple or cucumber to sweeten it up.
Combat Summer Breakouts
When the weather is humid it causes your pores to be open. This makes your skin more susceptible to dirt, oil, and other allergens. Heat also causes a rise in oil production. As a result, you may see a spike in breakouts. Stay ahead of pesky pimples by using a toner with antiseptic qualities. Want to go all-natural? Tea Tree Oil is a great option. It is a gentle cleanser that can be used daily and will help purify, nourish, and refresh your skin.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Body
We get so concerned with protecting our face during the summer months, we often neglect the rest of our body. Don't overlook your neck, hands, arms, and legs when it comes to sun protection! Make sure to apply your SPF sunscreen to your entire body prior to leaving the house each morning.
You don't need to give up your sun in the fun this summer in order to keep your skin healthy. Just make sure to balance summer activities with a good skincare routine that protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.