The temperatures are at an all-time high and the sun remains in the sky for hours on in. It’s summertime. The time of year where everyone likes to come outside and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also one of the most complicated seasons to navigate when it comes to your skin. The heat causes common problems like oily skin and acne worse while the sun wreaks havoc on your skin’s elasticity, moisture, and youthfulness.
How Summer Affects Your Skin
There are advantages to increased sun exposure including an improved mood, high doses of vitamin D, and a beautiful tan. Yet, dermatological practices like Metropolitan Dermatology warn patients that too much time in the sun without taking the appropriate measures can do more harm than good.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin. The outer layer of skin known as the epidermis helps to protect the inner layer (dermis), but when hit with direct sunlight it starts to break down. When this happens, your skin becomes burned killing cells and increasing your risk of developing cancer.
Whether you’re outside for a few minutes or you intend to be out for a while you need to protect your skin. Below is a list of summer skin care tips you should live by for flawless, glowing skin.
Clean and Exfoliate
High temperatures aren’t the greatest for your skin. Though working up a sweat is great for detoxification, it can also result in increased breakouts. You may notice that in the summer you have an issue with pimples developing overnight.
To rectify the problem it is important to regularly clean and exfoliate your face and body. Washing your face with mild soap and warm water or a suitable skin care products at least 3 times a day and exfoliating once or twice helps to remove the buildup from your clogged pores to reduce the chances of an acne breakout.
Apply Sunscreen
Though it is advised that you wear sunscreen all year long, the summer is when the sun’s rays are most impactful. Therefore, it is most important to apply sunscreen every time you leave the house. Make sure that any products you’re using from lotions to makeup contain at least an SPF 30.
Change Moisturizers
Keeping the skin hydrated with lotions and creams is essential. Yet, during the summer months, you may want to consider switching the type of moisturizers you use. The hot sun and high temperatures can make applying heavier products uncomfortable. You produce more sweat causing your skin to be oily, your pores to clog, and pimples to develop. Switch to something lighter and airy that allows your skin to breathe. The same goes for your makeup products. Choosing more breathable products keeps your skin healthy and flawless all season long.
Lip Protection
It’s not hard to overlook the importance of protecting your lips in the summer, but you’ll regret it in the long run. Your lips have some of the most sensitive skin on them. The sun’s rays can easily penetrate the skin causing dryness and irritation. It also leaves you exposed to develop skin cancer of the lips. A little lip balm with SPF protection is all you need to keep this from happening.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the ideal protection for the skin. They limit the production of free radicals which break down the skin and increase signs of aging. It’s important that you’re getting enough antioxidants throughout the summer. There are facial creams and serums packed with antioxidants that you can purchase and add to your skin care routine. You can also take dietary supplements to increase your daily dose. Lastly, you can incorporate foods like blueberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, nuts, and other fresh fruits and veggies which are high in antioxidants.
Don’t get caught outside this summer without the proper protection for your skin. Your goal may be to enjoy the weather or to get a nice tan, but too much exposure to the sun and high temperatures without taking precautions won’t help. Simply follow the above summer skin care tips to avoid the increased risk of oily skin, acne breakouts, clogged pores, skin cell damage, sunburn, and skin cancer.