For a clean and clear complexion, follow these tips to help develop a foolproof summer skincare plan. These steps will walk you through the basics to healthier-looking skin from the inside out.
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Cleaning is So Important for Boosting Hydration
A quality cleanser for hydration will include:
- Emollients to prepare and soften the skin
- Humectants to retain moisture
- Occludents create a barrier to help retain moisture
In addition to hydrating your skin, a cleanser should be removing dirt and pollutants from the skin. Consulting a skincare specialist or dermatologist will help you decide which formulations are best suited for your skin. If you have sensitive skin, some products can aggravate and irritate your skin, making the condition worse.
Don’t Stop Hydrating
Make sure you are properly hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will aid in digestion and help to remove toxins.
Water intake may fluctuate with climate and physical activity. Make sure you are getting a sufficient amount in the summer when the weather is much warmer. Additional benefits of water that supports a healthy glow include:
- Flushing out bacteria
- Regulating body temperature
- Carrying nutrients to cells
Take Cooler, Shorter Showers in the Summer
Taking a long, warm shower may feel relaxing; however, hot showers can dehydrate and cause dry skin. For moisture preservation, moisturize while the skin is damp after taking a shower.
- The longer you shower, the dryer your skin will become
- Long, hot showers exacerbate dry skin
- Apply protective emollients immediately after showering
Always Wear Sunscreen
The best thing you can do for your skin to prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin disease is to wear sunscreen. If you plan on being outdoors for more than three hours, applying SPF only once won’t suffice. Studies have shown that applying SPF more frequently–every 20 minutes–is more effective than applying every two to three hours.
How to protect your skin If you live in a warm region with high levels of UV radiation:
- Wear protective clothing
- Find shade
- Apply liberal use of SPF
Taking preventative measures is always better than trying to treat skin conditions. Always wear sunscreen, especially in the harsh summer sun.
Moisturize Even During Summertime
The perfect skincare routine will vary depending on your skin type. Moisturizing should be an essential step (morning and evening) for all skin types. When days are longer, warmer, and more humid in the summertime, switch to a lightweight moisturizer to avoid clogging pores. Save the heavier creams for dry, wintry months to alleviate dry, scaly skin conditions that typically occur during winter.
When transitioning to a lightweight moisturizer during summer, don’t skip out on these hydrating, skin-healing ingredients for a fresh, dewy finish:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Emollients for breaking the dry skin cycle and promoting smoothness
Moisturizers will help restore the skin’s outermost layer, protecting the skin from pollutants. The combination of SPF and moisturizer are crucial.
Vitamin C will help improve hyperpigmentation, usually brought on by sun exposure. Always consult a dermatologist to help you locate a stable formula for your skin. While exfoliating may help minimally reduce the appearance of wrinkles and remove dry skin, talk to a skincare specialist on how frequently you should exfoliate and get recommendations on the best product for your skin. A good rule of thumb is to exfoliate a maximum of three times per week.
If you follow the skincare tips mentioned above, your skin will look fresh and feel protected for all your summertime alfresco activities.