Summer is on its way, and it’s time to take extra care of your skin to protect it from the sun’s harsh effects and maintain a healthy complexion. The summer season brings longer days, outdoor activities, and increased sun exposure, which can lead to skin damage and premature aging. With these simple tips, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected throughout the summer months.
Wear Sunscreen Under Your Makeup
You should always wear sunscreen, whether you’re going to be outside all day or sitting at your desk. Choose a gentle sunscreen and apply it beneath your makeup. This is especially important for combating rosacea flare-ups, which impact 14 million people. Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 50 (ideally higher), and apply it generously to your face and exposed skin areas.
Use Hydrating Cleansers and Face Masks
Hot summer days leave your skin feeling dehydrated and dull. Incorporating hydrating cleansers and face masks into your skincare routine will help combat this. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help you retain moisture and keep your skin hydrated. With the facial treatment segment dominating the skincare market with a share of 54.6% in 2021, you’ll have many options.
Opt for Hydrating Professional Treatment
Professional treatments like hydra facials offer an intensive approach to skin hydration. These are non-invasive procedures that cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate. According to InStyle, you’ll leave your appointment with a brighter, plumper, and clearer foundation with reduced signs of aging. Additionally, it will help unclog pores and improve your skin’s overall texture. This is an excellent option if you’ve had prolonged sun exposure.
Seek Shade and Wear Protective Clothing
Since prolonged sun exposure is so harmful to your skin, cover it as much as you can, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you go outside during these times, wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses with UV protection. These measures will help you minimize direct sun exposure, reduce the risk of sunburns and sun damage, and lessen your likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Protect Your Lips and Under Eyes
Make sure you don’t neglect delicate areas like your lips and the skin under your eyes. These areas are more likely to show sun damage and can show signs of aging faster. Apply a lip balm with SPF regularly throughout the day to protect your lips. Look for lip balms that offer broad-spectrum protection and contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most effective things you can do for your skin’s well-being is to stay hydrated, especially when you’ve spent time in the sun. Drinking plenty of water during the summer is crucial to replenish fluids lost from sweating. Additionally, it helps your skin retain moisture and prevent dryness and dullness.
Practice After-Sun Care
Sunburns can still happen, even when you take precautions. If you get sunburned, you must soothe and heal your skin as quickly as possible. Apply cold compresses and take a cool bath or shower to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Use a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel to replenish lost moisture and promote healing. Also, avoid further sun exposure until your skin is healed.
Protecting your skin during the summer requires external and internal care. By wearing sunscreen, using hydrating cleansers and face masks, opting for professional treatments, staying hydrated, eating skin-healthy foods, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and practicing after-sun care, you’ll have healthy and hydrated skin all summer long. Remember, prevention is key.