My Go-To Summer Skin Care Tips
During summer, your skin is more vulnerable than ever to heat, pollution and humidity. While those killer rays may feel amazing, the long term effects of sun exposure may not be as attractive. Sun radiation not only deprives your skin of its natural glow but it can also activate free radicals that promote skin aging, allergic reactions and skin cancers. Keep your skin looking gorgeous and healthy this summer with these five simple skin care tips.
1. Stay hydrated
In summer, it’s super important to fuel up your body with fluids, especially water. Dehydration prevents your body from eliminating toxins through your skin, which in turn makes you more susceptible to dry skin, discolorations, and even premature wrinkling.
How much water you should drink depends on your weight, age, and activity level but an easy rule to remember is dividing your weight (in pounds) by 2 and drinking that volume of water (in ounces). Although if you are thirsty, you should just drink regardless of how many glasses you’ve had already.
2. Protect your skin
Sunscreens aren't meant to last forever. If your sunscreen bottle is a year or two old, it’s probably time to buy a new one. Look for an SPF 30, broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal. These compounds form a barrier on the outer layer of your skin that starts protecting you as soon as you put them on.
To get the best results, use as much sunscreen as a shot glass on your body, a full teaspoon on your face, and reapply it every 1 to 2 hours that you are in the sun. You should also avoid long exposures to sun radiation between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Exercise early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and ditch the obsession with tans. Sunbathing dehydrates your skin and promotes wrinkling, plus it increases the risks of developing skin cancer earlier.
3. Give your skin a break from makeup
Taking a break from makeup in summer allows your skin to breathe, balance, and decongest from any build up caused by foundation and other cosmetics applied daily. Make the most out of the beauty trends leaning towards the more natural looks. But if you can’t live without makeup, just stick to a tinted moisturizer and a concealer.
Summer sun rays can be quite harsh on your delicate lip tissue and the fragile skin around your eyes. Keep your lips looking luscious with an SPF 15 or higher richly textured lip balm, and avoid wearing any eye makeup.
4. Examine your skin regularly
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should examine your skin every month, although this is particularly important during summer. Remember that skin cancers are almost always curable when found and removed early. Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised. Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms. Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
5. Amp up your antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Introduce them to your beauty routine by choosing products formulated with a blend of several potent antioxidants and botanicals. Layer a serum under a lightweight moisturizer or use it alone to boost your coverage.