Skin Care For Summer: Dos And Don’ts

The summer sun is shining bright and this year it is especially brutal. The last thing you’d want is the scorching weather to rob you of your skin’s radiance. With days getting warmer and humidity increasing, your skin starts shouting for help. So, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you get your summer skincare game right and avoid unwanted issues like stubborn tan (tanning plateau), acne breakouts, itching, prickly heat, hyperpigmentation and rashes.

Do These

1. Cleanse Gently
   Use a gentle face wash (foaming or gel cleanser for combination and oily skin and moisturizing and non-foaming for dry skin) to remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil from your skin. Avoid products that can strip away your skin’s natural oils.
2. Exfoliate Properly
   Use a gentle exfoliator twice or thrice weekly to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Don’t over-exfoliate, or it can irritate your skin.
3. Moisturize
   Especially in summer, hydrate your skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, or you could eventually break down your skin’s healthy barrier.
4. Wear Sunscreen
   This one’s a must-do – apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days and indoors. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or swimming.
5. Seek Shade
   Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Try to stay in the shade during peak hours.
6. Cover Up
   When possible, wear protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts or tops, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and get the sun protection you need.
7. Stay Hydrated
   This one’s a no-brainer – increase your fluid intake to keep your skin hydrated from within. Dehydration can make your skin dry, scaly, itchy, and dull, leading to many other health problems.

Avoid These

1. Never Skip Sunscreen
   Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Skipping sunscreen and too much exposure increases your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
2. Don’t Use Heavy Makeup
   Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. Heavy makeup can mix with sweat and natural oil, leading to breakouts and skin irritation. Also, always use a primer before the right foundation, set everything in place with an oil control setting spray, and cleanse thoroughly to remove any residue. Remember to clean your makeup brushes too, or it can lead to skin issues.
3. Don’t Tan Intentionally
   Avoid intentional tanning, whether it’s through sunbathing, fake tan sprays, or tanning beds. Too much of it can severely damage your skin with time. (See information on stubborn tan.)
4. Don’t Forget Your Body
   While you may often prioritize facial summer skincare, it’s essential to properly cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your body as well. Use a gentle body scrub and follow up with a nourishing body lotion to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
5. Don’t Overlook Lip Protection
   Your lips can quickly chap, dry, crack, and get sunburned. So, apply a lip balm with SPF for complete sun protection. If using lipstick, apply a lip balm with SPF under it for all-day protection.
6. Don’t Forget Your Feet
   Sun protection isn’t limited to the face, neck, and arms. Scrub and moisturize your feet, too, and remember to layer up with suitable sunscreen when wearing open footwear.
7. Don’t Ignore Signs of Sun Damage
   Pay attention to any skin changes like new moles, sunspots, or unusual growths. If you notice anything suspicious, consult a dermatologist for expert evaluation.

Summer Sun Skin Safety Is Crucial – Don’t Overlook It!

Remember, taking care of your skin is essential. So always prioritize your skin’s health, listen to its needs, and adjust your summer skincare routine accordingly. Avoid premature aging of your skin. Consult a board certified dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

More Information

Want to read more about skin care? Check out more of our blogs:
https://www.beautify.com/blog/face-and-body-beautification/

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¹ “Tanning plateau  is a phenomenon that occurs when the skin seemingly won’t get any darker, despite how often it’s exposed to the sun. This often happens to long term indoor tanning bed users. Over time as a tan progresses, the skin will become thicker, making it more difficult for the UV rays to penetrate through.” Why is my Tan Not Going Away