Keeping your skin healthy and safe is important all year long, but this is especially true in the summer months when the temperatures are high and the sun is strong. Here are some summer skin care tips that will help keep your skin glowing, moisturized, and protected.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating involves removing dead cells from the top layer of your skin. The process of exfoliating is mildly abrasive. Different techniques are used to help the top layer of skin shed. During this shedding process, blackheads become unclogged, as well as other pores, and leaves healthy, new skin exposed. Another benefit to exposing this healthy, new skin is that it’s prime for absorbing moisturizers and other beneficial products you add to your skin’s surface. Exfoliating is often done on the face but can be performed on other parts of the body as well. Exfoliation is often part of getting a facial at a spa or can be done at home using a mask or other exfoliating scrubs and products. Exfoliation is important, especially as you get older. That’s because with age, the regeneration process of cells slows down. This means less skin cells are shed, leaving surface skin dry, rough, and cracked. Acne and blemishes can also occur when clogged pores are left untreated.
Protect
Skin protection is extremely important in the summer months. Although you can get a sunburn even in cloudy weather, when the sun is high and strong in the summer months, more damage can be done. It’s important to wear sunscreen any time you venture outside. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, opt for sunscreen that is waterproof and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Apply an even coat on any exposed skin, including the face, approximately 20 minutes before you head outside. While outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours to ensure your skin remains protected. There are SPF lip balms available also that protect the delicate skin on your lips. Wearing certain clothing and accessories can also keep your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Try a large-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and loose fitting lightly colored clothing. You can also seek shade when the sun becomes too strong or overwhelming.
Hydrate
Your skin needs a certain level of hydration that isn’t found simply in drinking water, although that’s extremely important also. Drinking water does help rid your body and skin of toxins. But there are other ways to hydrate skin. These includes applying a moisturizing cream or serum to your skin promptly after washing it. This is when pores are open and will more effectively absorb the products you apply. For optimum results, press the product into your skin for approximately 30 seconds. You can also spray a hydrating face mist onto your skin after patting it dry.
Treat Damaged Skin
Skin damage comes in many forms from sunburn or heat rash to eczema and psoriasis. Depending on the severity of these conditions, prescription medications may be required. Other natural remedies are also helpful including the use of aloe vera, hemp oil, and other cooling gels. Routine skin care and using protection are effective ways of preventing skin damage. But when the damage is already done, these methods can help. Other ways to treat damaged skin include bleaching, LED (light-emitting diodes), or try visiting a dermatologist if none of these methods are working.
Cool Off
Cold showers aren’t meant just for quelling your sexual desires, they can actually help improve your skin’s overall health. Cold water prevents your skin from losing natural oils and nutrients. If you experience acne or other skin blemishes, cold water helps tighten your pores, making it less likely for them to get clogged or absorb dirt. Cold water has the same positive effect on your hair!
Eat Melon
Summer is a great time for enjoying fresh fruit. And by consuming melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, your skin will reap the benefits. Watermelon, specifically, is rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is essential in skin cell repair and creation. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps keep your skin young and tight. Collagen is used in some cosmetic surgery procedures. Collagen, or face fillers, are injected into the skin, stimulating collagen growth and creating full, plump skin and skin that appears more lifted and youthful.
Use Tinted Lotion
We already discussed protecting your skin against overexposure, damage, and sunburn. Many people suffer from these conditions because they sunbathe in hopes of getting sun kissed color or a deep tan. Others, opt for tanning beds. Tanning beds can cause wrinkles and premature aging. It also increases your risk of developing skin cancer by nearly 75%. So if you’re craving golden tan skin, try healthier alternatives. These include tinted lotions and spray tanning. Both offer a deeper skin tone minus the skin damage. Tinted moisturizers also offer hydrating benefits and toning.Â
Your skin is extremely important to your overall health. That’s because it’s the body’s largest barrier against outside infection and disease. Practicing routine skin care and protection will help keep you healthy and safe both in the summer and all year long.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
