Summer is here, and so are all the summer indulgences. Spending time in the sun, surf, and sand may feel ideal, but our skin disagrees. Even while we’re spending time in the water this summer, it takes extra work to keep our skin hydrated and healthy. Too much sun can rob skin and hair of their natural moisture. Follow these ten expert tips to fight summer dryness and have glowing skin all season long.
Moisturize Like Mad
Using a moisturizer seems like the obvious choice for healthy, hydrated skin, but many people forget to moisturize in the summer. The heat that makes us perspire in the summer months causes our skin to lose its natural moisture. It is essential to apply a moisturizer at least twice a day, even in the summer. If you find yourself showering more in these hot, sweaty months, moisturize as soon as you get out. Applying moisturizer fresh out of the shower or bath helps to lock in water molecules and make the most of your moisturizing routine.
Choose a water-based moisturizer as opposed to an oil-based moisturizer with a gel-like quality to promote healthy, hydrated skin. For sunny days, choose a moisturizer that has a sunscreen in it as well. Make-up isn’t enough of a protective layer, selecting a moisturizer with sunscreen will ensure adequate summer protection.
Choose The Right Cleanser
In the warmer summer months we are blessed with more humidity to fight dryness, but in return, our skin tends to produce more oil. Many people think the secret to fighting oily skin is aggressive skincare products, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Using harsh cleansers strip your skin of natural oils and cause more irritation. Use a mild foaming cleanser that has mild AH and BH acids. Cleansers with papaya, aloe vera or cucumber based products will cleanse and moisturize your skin while keeping it fresh and bright. Many dermatologists prefer a liquid cleanser to bar soaps, which can be harsher to the skin. Choose a nourishing cleanser and keep your pores free of dirt, sweat, and sunscreen.
Exfoliate
It’s important to exfoliate your skin year-round, but in the summer it can be especially helpful. A gentle exfoliator helps remove dead skin cells and allow your skin to absorb moisturizing products. You only need to exfoliate once or twice a week though. Use an exfoliating sponge or massager and carefully scrub off dead skin from your body. Move in gentle circular motions across the entire body then rinse. Experts recommend exfoliating at night as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays after your exfoliate.
Hydrate with a Facial Mist
Try a facial mist to hydrate your skin and keep yourself cool this summer. Mists can have a variety of positive qualities. They hydrate without being gooey or clogging your pores. They are full of vitamins that promote skin health. Facial mists help to soothe irritated skin and provide a cooling sensation when you are feeling overheated.
Drink Water
Nothing moisturizes more thoroughly or naturally than water. It can quench your thirst and also help flush unwanted toxins from your body. For glowing skin drink at least 64 oz of water a day. If plain water gets boring, try adding fruits like lemons or strawberries for a flavor boost that adds essential vitamins and nutrients. Supplement with green tea and coconut water to increase your intake of electrolytes and antioxidants. These beverages will help clear dead skin cells and keep the skin soft and clear.
Use Lots of Sunscreen
We all know we should be wearing sunscreen year-round, but it is extra important in the summer. The sun’s rays are strongest, and we tend to spend much more time enjoying ourselves outside. Keep your skin moisturized and fight off those UV rays with a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen of SPF 30. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun and re-apply every 2 to 4 hours, or more if you are in the water or perspiring. Make sure you apply sunscreen everywhere, even places that are hard to reach like the backs of your arms and shoulders. Don’t forget your neck or chest, where you might be even more prone to burn.
Soothe Sunburn
Even the most diligent of sunscreen-wearers can find themselves with over-exposed skin from time to time. On those days when you forgot your sunscreen, didn’t apply enough or just spent too much time in the sun there are ways to soothe your skin. Apply a cooling balm generously to your sunburned skin, ideally at the first sign of a pink glow. Choose one that contains natural cooling agents like aloe vera to help soothe your skin and repair damage.
Be Smart in the Sun
Sunscreen is a good defense against the sun, but even with the best sunscreen, some harmful rays can break through. To really protect yourself in the hottest days of summer wear protective clothing that keeps the sun’s rays off of the most sensitive parts of your skin. Many dermatologists recommend avoiding being outside when the sun is hottest (10am-2pm). If you’re spending your days at the beach, take a long lunch or a shopping break midday to keep you out of the sun at its hottest hours.
Eat the Right Foods
The foods you eat during the summer can have an impact on your skin as well. Include fruits and vegetables that are high in water content like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and lettuce which will give you nutrients and antioxidants. Try to avoid salty snacks that can dehydrate your body. Fill your plate with green vegetables to improve your immune system and reduce stress. Choosing the right foods will keep your skin hydrated.
Exercise
Moisturizing in the summer can be as simple as adding exercise to your routine. Do simple workouts each morning to feel good and stay fresh. Things like yoga, walking, and jogging are relaxed and stress-free ways to keep yourself moving and give your skin a natural and healthy glow. Just be sure to hydrate extra if you find yourself sweating, that way you’ll ensure a moisturized skin that lasts through the day.
Conclusion
Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to relax, have fun in the sun, and have healthy and moisturized skin all summer long!
