How to care for skin in summer months

Summer is just around the corner, and as temperatures begin to rise, it may be time to re-evaluate your skincare routine. The increased exposure to the sun makes the skin more susceptible to flushing, redness, and sensitivity, leading to breakouts, burns, and rashes. The back and forth between humid and dry days can also jumpstart the oil production in the skin as it attempts to keep dehydrated skin moisturized. Heat can also enlarge pores, making it easier for dirt and bacteria to enter the skin and get trapped - leading to unwanted blemishes and acne.  

 

To help you create the perfect skincare routine for the hot summer months, we’ve put together some of the best tips and tricks for maintaining healthy skin during the change of season. 

 

 

Exfoliate regularly  

 

Using a natural body polish or scrub can do wonders for your skin’s overall health, no matter the season.  

 

Exfoliating is one of the best tips for achieving brighter, smoother skin. When we don’t exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells build up, clogging our pores and causing congestion that leads to dullness. Sloughing away that dirt and build-up refreshes the skin and allows new skin cells to penetrate and absorb other skin products better. For best results, incorporate exfoliation into your routine 3 - 4 times weekly.  

 

 

Slather on the SPF  

 

No matter your skin type, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB should be applied each and every day. The sun’s harsh rays can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, premature aging, and even cancer. A sunscreen with SPF 30+ is recommended to best protect the skin. If you are working out or swimming, sunscreen should be applied multiple times.  

 

 

Turn down the heat  

 

The summer months can get hot, sometimes so hot that multiple showers a day may be needed. By taking lukewarm showers, you may not only find it refreshing but also find that your skin is less irritated and itchy.  

 

Hot showers can dry out the skin by stripping it of its natural oils and healthy bacteria. This could cause the skin to crack and allow harmful bacteria and pathogens to enter, resulting in unwanted conditions like acne and eczema. 

 

Lock in moisture 

 

By applying a body moisturizer or facial oil while the skin is still damp, you can seal moisture into the skin, reducing irritation and dryness. Some other ways to hydrate the skin throughout the day include hydrating mists and consuming water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, melon, and leafy greens.  

 

Avoid heavy makeup or creams 

 

Heavy products on the skin prevent the pores from breathing, which could lead to breakouts and irritation. Additionally, excessive humidity and heat also impact the skin’s ability to breathe. Consider swapping your heavy foundation for a tinted moisturizer, and your heavy facial cream for a lightweight oil or serum.  

 

For more skincare tips and tricks, check out our other blogs!