With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your summer skin care routine. The hot sun can be damaging to our skin, so it’s important to take some extra steps to prevent damage and keep our skin looking and feeling healthy.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your skin for summer:.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin is important any time of the year, but especially during the summer. Sweat, sunscreen, and dry skin can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal fresh, healthy skin.
You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) product.
Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and inflammation.
2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun damage is one of the most common skin problems during the summer months. Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
To protect your skin from the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 every day.
You should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for additional protection.
3. Hydrate Your Skin
Summer heat can dehydrate our skin, leaving it dry, cracked, and flaky. That’s why it’s important to hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
You can also use a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides – all of which are great for hydrating the skin.
4. Use Lightweight Products
During the summer months, you may want to switch out your heavy, creamy skin care products for lightweight, gel-based ones. Heavy products can clog pores and feel uncomfortable in the heat.
Look for products labeled “oil-free,” “water-based,” or “gel” to ensure they won’t clog pores or exacerbate oily skin.
You should also consider using a lighter-weight foundation or BB cream to allow your skin to breathe.
5. Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Even though you may be using lighter-weight products during the summer, it’s still important to moisturize your skin daily. Moisturizer helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and flakiness.
Related Article
7 Summer Skin Moisturizing Tips
Choose a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination. You may want to consider using a hydrating facial mist to refresh your skin throughout the day as well.
6. Take Care of Your Lips
Our lips can easily become dry and chapped during the summer months, so it’s important to take care of them too. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun, and hydrate them with a moisturizing lip balm throughout the day.
Avoid licking your lips, as this can actually make them more dry and chapped. You can also exfoliate your lips gently with a damp cloth or a sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells and reveal soft, smooth lips.
7. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing your skin is important year-round, but it’s especially important during the summer when sweat, sunscreen, and other impurities can build up on the skin.
However, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Look for a cleanser that’s labeled “gentle” or “non-drying,” and avoid cleansers that contain harsh sulfates or fragrances.
You may want to consider double-cleansing to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean without being stripped of moisture.
8. Take Cool Showers
Hot showers can be tempting, but they can actually be drying to our skin. During the summer months, it’s better to take cool or lukewarm showers to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
You can also try adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, to your shower for a refreshing and invigorating experience.
9. Eat a Healthy Diet
What we eat can have a big impact on the health and appearance of our skin. To prepare your skin for summer, focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, strawberries, and spinach, can help to protect your skin from damage and promote healthy, glowing skin.
10. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, and it’s especially important for our skin. Lack of sleep can lead to dark circles, puffiness, and dullness.
Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your skin look and feel its best. You can also try using a silk pillowcase to prevent wrinkles and reduce hair breakage.
Conclusion
Preparing your skin for summer doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By following these simple tips, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected all summer long.
