As summer approaches, many of us begin to feel the excitement of warmer and sunnier days. But with all the lovely sun-filled fun, come important reminders to stay safe and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. This article provides expert tips to ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated, even on the hottest summer days – here are your essential summer beauty must-haves!
1. Firing up your Sun Protection Regimen
Summer is right around the corner and you need to make sure that you’re protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Fortunately, it’s easy to get started with your sun protection regimen and enjoy your warm-weather activities to the fullest.
- Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the basis of any summer activity – no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Wear a broad spectrum SPF with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours. Don’t forget to apply it to your neck, hands, ears and feet.
- Add Sun Protection Clothing
Sun protection clothing can provide added security from harmful UV rays. Hats, rash guards and loose light-colored clothing are essential for outdoor activities. Add some sunglasses for extra protection.
- Take Breaks in the Shade
To avoid excessive sun exposure, it’s important to take regular breaks from the sun and seek some shade. Bring a beach umbrella or picnic table to the park, or if you can find some natural shade, even better.
- Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours
Another good way to combat sun damage is to plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. This is because the intensity of the sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to steer clear of this sandwiched time.
- Take Care of Your Skin Year-Round
Even though summer is the time for plenty of outdoor fun, make sure you stick to your sun-safety routine and lather up with sunscreen throughout the year. This will help prevent skin damage and premature aging.
2. Nourish and Shield your Skin from the Heat
Protect your Lips
It’s important to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays. To do that, use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply the balm frequently and ensure it’s present on your lips when you step outside. This will act as a barrier against windburn and dehydration, two common side-effects of extreme heat.
Nourish from within
You can also keep your skin healthy by nourishing it from within. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and provide it with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables with colourful antioxidants in your diet. In addition, it is also beneficial to supplement your meals with Omega-3 fatty acids to provide maximum nourishment.
Know your Ingredients
When selecting sun protection products, it is important to be aware of its ingredients. Choose products with natural ingredients that do not cause irritation and damage. Use:
- Moisturizers with antioxidants to protect from the sun’s damaging rays.
- SPF creams with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Lightweight face oils with UV protection.
- Serums designed to improve the skin’s natural protective structure.
Frequent Hydration
Dehydration is inevitable in the heat, which is why it is important to keep hydrated at all times. Invest in a good quality hydrating spray that can be used throughout the day. Plus, keep your body’s water levels filled up with electrolytes and drinks like coconut water that are rich in electrolytes.
Know your Skin Type
Ensure that you know your skin type before purchasing products. Products that are meant for dry skin may worsen the skin conditions of those with oily skin. Similarly, creamy moisturizers are more beneficial for dryer skin types.
3. Beat the Heatwave with Cool Summer Beauty Solutions
The soaring temperatures can make us ditch all makeup and skin care routines, leaving us with a dull and dehydrated complexion. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Keeping your cool (literally) just takes a few simple beauty solutions and strategies.
Swap Heavy Products for Lighter Alternatives: Summer is the time to stay far away from heavy foundations and thick creams and switch to lighter and more hydrating products. Liquid foundations with a dewy finish work best in hot weather and can even out your skin tone while letting your skin breath. Grab a creamy concealer to cover up any blemishes.
Boost the SPF: During the hottest months, amp up your sunscreen. The bright sun can irritate your skin, leading to breakouts, redness and worse. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it all over, paying extra attention to your face, neck and skin that is exposed. Don’t forget your lips too – choose a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Ease Into Retinol: Retinol can be a tricky business, but it is a great anti-aging ingredient. As the summer sun can ramp up the potential of sun sensitivity, ease into using retinol slowly during the warmer months. Start with using it twice a week and gradually moving up to daily use. Monitor your skin for any signs of redness or dryness and cut back if needed.
Cool Off: If your skin is hot and irritated, use cold compresses or face mists to instantly cool down. Store a facial mist in the fridge and use it throughout the day for an extra cooling effect. This will help calm your skin and give it a quick refresher.
Switch to Oil-free Products: Replace your usual moisturizing oils with lightweight oil-free alternatives such as a gel-based moisturizes and aloe-based products. These will help hydrate and protect your skin while avoiding any additional greasiness. Avoid fragranced products as fragrances can cause irritation.
Hydrate Inside and Out: Drinking lots of water will help your skin stay hydrated and protected. Invest in a few face mists that contain antioxidants and other essential skin ingredients to help keep your skin fresh and glowing. And don’t forget to hydrate your body from inside too: Stock up on fruits and vegetables other hydrating foods like coconut water and herbal teas that can help keep your skin hydrated from within.
4. Keep your Skin Safe in the Summer Sun
Summer is a time for bright colors, long days, and most of all, sun. But soaking up those rays all summer long can have an effect on your skin. Here are four tips for keeping your skin safe in the summer months.
- Cover up: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat will help shield your face from the sun. Don a pair of sunglasses too. When outdoors, wear loose, lightweight clothing which will help keep you cool and is breathable.
- Stay in the shade: Seek out shade, especially during peak hours when the UV rays are the strongest, usually midday. Hang out indoors or seek respite under an umbrella or tree.
- Use sunscreen: Make sure you apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15-30 that offers broad-spectrum protection. This should be done a minimum of 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every couple of hours, or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to protect your lips with lip balm that contains sunscreen.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds are dangerous and can increase your risk for cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps. If you use self-tanning products, make sure to follow the manufacturers’ directions on use.
By following these steps you’ll be sure to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage while still enjoying the hot summer months.
Finally, please remember that all of these steps are preventative. If you’re experiencing any skin symptoms or any pain, please seek medical attention from a qualified dermatologist or skin health specialist.
As summertime draws near, it’s important to remember that a little protection goes a long way when it comes to your skin. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your summer knowing that you are taking steps to keep yourself healthy and good-looking throughout these hot months!
