Summer Skin Care Tips for Healthy, Happy Skin

Warm weather, sunbathing, and more exposure to the elements that might harm your skin all come with the summer season.

Follow these summertime skincare suggestions to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion throughout the season.

Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out

H2O is your skin's best friend. Ensuring an ample intake of water contributes to maintaining well-hydrated, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. Strive to consume water equivalent to half your body weight in ounces on a daily basis. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, ensure you drink a minimum of 75 ounces of water every day. Water helps flush toxins from your body and keeps your skin's moisture barrier functioning properly.

Apply Sunscreen Religiously

Reapply Often

Ensuring the well-being of your skin during the summer months hinges on a crucial measure: the application of sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. This singular act stands as the utmost priority, safeguarding your skin from potential harm. Lather it on 20 to 30 minutes before heading outside and reapply every 1 to 2 hours, even if the bottle says it's water resistant. Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. The UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so take extra care applying and reapplying sunscreen during those hours.

Choose the Right Formula

In the summer, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen that is sweat and rub-proof. Look for options labeled "sport" or specifically made for the face. Tinted moisturizers and foundations that contain SPF can be wonderful options for daily application; however, they do not provide the equivalent level of safeguarding compared to a dedicated sunscreen.

Avoid Harsh Scrubs

Exfoliating too aggressively in the summer can strip your skin and compromise its natural moisture barrier. Instead of using a harsh scrub, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant a few times a week containing ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid. This helps slough off dead skin cells without irritation.

Moisturize, Nourish, Hydrate

During the scorching summer months, the relentless heat and penetrating UV rays have the potential to deplete the moisture from your skin, making it imperative to prioritize the act of moisturizing. Look for a lightweight, oil-free lotion made specifically for your skin type (oily, dry, combination). Apply right after showering while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Reapply during the day if needed, especially after swimming or sweating a lot.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Tinted moisturizers and foundations infused with SPF offer a delightful choice for your everyday routine. Nevertheless, they fall short when it comes to providing the same level of protection as a specialized sunscreen. Aim for 5 to 9 servings of produce each day. An assortment of berries, refreshing citrus fruits, vibrant carrots, delightful sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich leafy greens can do wonders for the health and radiance of your skin. These delectable options are among the top-notch picks to nourish and enhance the complexion.

Limit Time in Direct Sunlight

Whenever feasible, it is advisable to minimize your exposure to the scorching midday sun from 10 a.m. onwards. and 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade, especially around noon, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect exposed skin.

Take Cool Baths and Showers

Warm water can further dry out your skin, so opt for lukewarm or cool showers in the summer. You can also take cool (not cold!) baths to help soothe irritated skin. Avoid long, hot showers that strip natural oils. Pat your skin dry after bathing instead of rubbing vigorously.

Sleep with a Humidifier at Night

Excessive dryness caused by air conditioning can significantly strip moisture from your skin. To combat this, consider incorporating a humidifier into your nighttime routine. By running a humidifier while you sleep, you can reintroduce much-needed moisture into the air around you. This simple adjustment can go a long way in preventing dehydration of your skin.  Aim for a relative humidity level between 40% and 50% for optimal skin hydration.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

In the summer, avoid using any skin care products containing harsh ingredients like alcohol, menthol, and high concentrations of fragrance. These can further irritate and dry out your skin. Stick with gentle, fragrance-free formulas made specifically for your skin type.

Hopefully, these tips will help keep your skin happy and healthy all summer long! Remember to drink plenty of water, moisturize daily and reapply sunscreen often. A little extra care for your skin during the warmer months can make a big difference to your overall complexion and confidence.