Summer is here, which means that it’s time to change your skincare routine. In winter, the skin needs extra moisture to combat the dry air and dry indoor heat. In summer, sun protection and cleansing take center stage.
Here are six ways to keep your skin looking its best this summer.
1. Wear Sunscreen Daily
Even if you’re only going from the car to your job and back home, you should be wearing sunscreen every day in the summer. Your skin can burn even on a cloudy day.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so make sure that you’re choosing the right sunscreen product. Apply as directed, and make sure that you reapply the product every two hours.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep both your body and your skin hydrated. If your body is dehydrated, your skin will become dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkling and is less resilient than hydrated skin.
It’s especially important to stay hydrated if you’re out in the sun for long periods of time. Bring an insulated water bottle on hikes, walks and trips to the beach or pool. Try to avoid being out in the sun between 12pm and 3pm when the sun is the strongest and you’re at greatest risk of dehydration.
3. Don’t Forget Moisturizer
Moisturizers can help keep the skin hydrated during the hot summer months. The sun and heat will zap your skin of moisture. Drinking water will help, but the right moisturizing products will keep your skin from looking dull and dry.
Unless you have plans to become a licensed esthetician in the next few months, you’ll probably need to rely on drug store moisturizers. Choose an oil-free moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin.
4. Eat Skin-Nourishing Foods
Healthy skin starts from the inside. Along with your summer-friendly skin routine, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating skin-nourishing foods, including:
· Fatty fish, which provide Omega-3 fatty acids
· Healthy fats, like those found in avocados and olive oil
5. Exfoliate
It’s especially important to exfoliate your skin in the summer. You’re clogging your pores with sunscreen, moisturizer and dead skin from dehydration.
Exfoliate all parts of your body, including your arms, face and legs. Body brushes are great for this job. They’re gentle and leave your skin looking refreshed all summer long.
6. Cleanse Daily
If your skin is feeling especially dry, you may be tempted to skip washing your face. But it’s important to keep up with your daily cleansing routine. You’re probably using more sunscreen and products than you did in the winter. And because you’re outdoors more often, your skin will be more exposed to pollution, which can damage the skin and speed up skin aging. If you start noticing fine lines and wrinkles in your face, you may consider dermal fillers such as Best Dermal Fillers in West Caldwell, NJ or Botox injections in Little Rock and other cosmetic procedures like trying out this Hydrafacial Treatment in The Dalles, OR or Sculptra treatment in Las Vegas, NV.
Cleanse your face in the morning and evening. Don’t forget to use Custom Moist Towelettes or apply a moisturizer after cleansing, and remove all makeup before you start your evening routine. You might also want to try using imabari towels instead as these are gentle on the skin and offers superior absorbency.
One last tip for summer skin: keep aloe vera on hand to treat sunburns. This soothing natural treatment will help keep your skin from drying out.