Welcome to our ultimate summer skincare guide! It’s hot out there. Which is why we created this comprehensive guide on mastering summer skincare to keep your skin radiant and healthy even during scorching heatwaves. Let’s dive in together and make this season one to remember!
1. Hydration is Key
During the scorching summer heat, our bodies tend to lose more water through sweat, leading to dehydration which can wreak havoc on your skin. Proper hydration is essential to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and if you engage in physical activities or spend a lot of time outdoors, increase your water intake accordingly. Throw a little coconut water in the mix, too. You can also include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber and oranges in your diet to boost your hydration levels. Proper hydration ensures that your skin remains supple and maintains its natural glow.
2. Keep it Clean!
Cleansing your face twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime removes impurities, excess oil and sweat that accumulate on your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry or sensitive. If you wear makeup, using an oil-free makeup remover before cleansing ensures a thorough cleanse.
Exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover. However, it’s essential to exfoliate with caution, as over-exfoliating can cause irritation and sensitivity. Depending on your skin type, exfoliate 1-3 times a week using a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
3. Shield from the Sun
Sun protection is the cornerstone of a successful summer skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and make sure to apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin, including your face, neck, arms and legs.
For prolonged outdoor activities, reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can also offer additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Embrace Lightweight Moisturizers
While it may seem counterintuitive, using a moisturizer is essential even for those with oily skin during the summer. But be sure to swap heavy creams for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers during summer. These moisturizers keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores, reducing the chances of acne breakouts. And they provide your skin with the necessary hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Consider one with added humectants like hyaluronic acid for drier skin types to lock in moisture all day.
5. Take Less Hot Showers
As tempting as a hot shower may be, especially after a long day outdoors, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, flaky and irritated. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers or baths to cleanse your body and face. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing, as excessive rubbing can cause friction and irritation.
6. Incorporate Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting your skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to premature aging, pigmentation, and other skin concerns. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, helping to keep your skin youthful and healthy.
Some ingredients to look for include Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens the skin and stimulates collagen production, and green tea extracts containing polyphenols that soothe inflammation and protect against UV damage. Olus, niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, helps to improve skin texture, minimize pores and reduce redness.
7. Hydrating Face Masks
Pamper your skin with hydrating face masks once or twice a week to give it an extra boost of moisture and nourishment. Hydrating masks are perfect for soothing sun-exposed skin and restoring its natural radiance. Look for masks containing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, hyaluronic acid or honey, which have hydrating and calming properties.
Apply the mask to clean the skin and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing off. You can even store your sheet masks in the refrigerator for a cooling effect that further reduces inflammation and redness.
8. Avoid Heavy Makeup
Heavy makeup can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and an uneven complexion, especially in hot and humid weather. Opt for a lightweight and breathable makeup routine to enhance your natural beauty. Consider using a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream for light coverage, and use concealer only where necessary. Water-resistant mascara and eyeliner can help prevent smudging, and a touch of lip balm or tinted lip gloss can add a subtle pop of color to your lips. In general, we recommend mineral powder makeup such as Jane Iredale for daily use and avoid liquid makeup except for special occasions to minimize pore congestion. Remember to remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime to allow your skin to breathe and regenerate overnight.
9. Cool Compress for Sunburn
While we always recommend that you avoid overexposure to the sun, sometimes the sun wins. If you accidentally get a sunburn, act promptly to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Apply a cool compress to the affected area to soothe the burning sensation and reduce redness. Aloe vera gel is an excellent natural remedy for sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Apply a thin layer to the sunburned skin for relief and moisturization. And seriously avoid further sun exposure until your skin recovers completely.
10. Eat a Skin-Friendly Diet
A healthy diet can work wonders for your skin, especially during summer. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and tomatoes are packed with skin-loving nutrients that promote a clear and glowing complexion.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetable and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids contributes to healthy skin from within, giving you that radiant summer glow. These include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and flaxseeds, which help maintain skin elasticity and reduce inflammation. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and processed foods, as they can contribute to skin issues like acne and inflammation.
Now You Know!
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the top 10 tips for mastering summer skincare. Embrace these practices, and your skin will thank you with a youthful and radiant appearance all summer long. Remember, consistent care and protection are the keys to a flawless and healthy complexion, no matter how intense the heatwave gets.
California Dermatology Care has the skincare info you need all year ‘round, especially in the Bay Area. Contact us at 925-328-0255 or visit our contact page here to learn more about the various treatments and procedures available to you and our best recommendations for products to keep your skin glowing so you can enjoy the summer sun while looking and feeling your best!
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