Sweet summertime – long hot days in the sun and endless fun activities. While you’re out there enjoying yourself, don’t forget to also take care of yourself. At the top of your list of concerns should be your skin. From sunburn to clogged pores, this time of year can be extremely taxing on the skin.
Dirt, sun, and sweat can wreak havoc, making it difficult to enjoy your summer. You should be able to enjoy yourself without your skin taking a beating. Here are six tips for how you — and your skin — can survive the dog days of summer.
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1. Use Sun Protection
Not using sun protection can put you at a higher risk for skin cancer. Not to mention the shorter-term effects that sun exposure can have on skin. A bad sunburn can cause redness, swelling, and inflammation. It’s critical that you use SPF every day in the summer. No matter how much you plan on being outside, use at least SPF 30 on your face and body.
When choosing sunscreen for your face, consider your skin type and other skin conditions. For example, if you have acne, a mineral and/or non-comedogenic formula is best. Also, keep in mind that if you use an acne treatment, this can make your skin more photosensitive. If you have skin that is extra sensitive to sunlight, you’ll want to be more scrupulous about sun protection.
2. Wear Lightweight Makeup
Heavy makeup is a no-go in the summer for several reasons. First off, it can interfere with the effectiveness of your SPF. Second, if you sweat in the heat while wearing heavy makeup, the makeup can get into your pores and cause breakouts. Suddenly, you have an additional problem on your hand besides just protecting your skin.
The perfect summer makeup routine includes SPF, a lightweight foundation and concealer, mascara, and a sheer lip gloss. If you want a fast routine, you could even consider a light BB cream that includes SPF. You can probably skip the blush, highlighter, and heavy eye makeup. In general, try to keep your makeup minimal in the summer. Lightweight makeup can also feel better in the summer heat.
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key during the summertime. If you don’t hydrate often enough, your skin will dry out, which can lead to numerous skin problems. Water stimulates the circulation of blood and supplies sufficient oxygen to the skin. Staying hydrated will help keep the skin smooth, soft, and free of imperfections.
In addition to drinking lots of water, you can also use hydrating face masks and products with hyaluronic acid. This will provide you with some extra hydration on the outermost layer of your skin. It can even be helpful to carry a facial mist with you in the summer. Not only can this be a great way to cool off, but skin mists often contain ingredients that can help your skin.
4. Moisturize Often
Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and even more so in the summertime. Exposure to the sun and spending time in the heat can dry out the skin. Even if you notice excessive oiliness, it could still be a sign that your skin is dehydrated. If your skin is producing oil, it could be a natural reaction to prevent it from drying out.
Moisturizer is also important because the harsh effects of the sun can also cause premature signs of aging. Look for a good lightweight moisturizer that will moisturize your skin while keeping it glowing and healthy. Look for other ingredients that can improve the skin’s texture and tackle fine lines/wrinkles, like vitamin C or retinol.
5. Exfoliate a Few Times Per Week
Curating the perfect skincare routine in the summer is important, and this includes an exfoliator. It’s easy to forget this step, especially if you find a gentle cleanser that you really like. Gentle cleansers should be used on most days and an exfoliator should be incorporated two to three times per week.
Exfoliators remove excess dirt and oil from the skin. By exfoliating often, you’re helping your skin maintain a soft and smooth texture. Failure to exfoliate can result in the buildup of dead skin cells, which can make the skin dry and dull. Make sure to incorporate an exfoliator into your skincare routine this summer; your skin will be glowing in no time.
6. Use a Quality Toner
Lastly, incorporate a good toner into your skincare routine. This can be extremely beneficial because it closes open pores. During the summer when you’re sweating and exposing your skin to bacteria, a good toner is key.
The best toner for you will depend on your skin concerns. For anti-aging, look for a toner with vitamin C. If you think you could benefit from extra exfoliation, look for alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids. For hydration, seek out hyaluronic acid as a main ingredient.
The conditions that summertime brings can be harsh on your skin. But if you get ahead of it and take care of your skin this summer, you won’t have to worry. Taking the right skin care tips into consideration can save your skin in the summer. Better yet, your skin will look amazing at the end of the season too.
