Summer is here, which means hot days at the beach, pool parties, exotic trips, and soaking up the sun! While we're excited to put away our winter coats and bring out our sundresses, you might be overlooking your skincare products. With the change in season, ideally, your skincare prep should start in Spring right before the temperature starts to scorch. The long daylight hours and hot, dry, or humid weather can have a different effect on our skin compared to chilly, darker days of winter.
Your skin may not be ready for the harsh summer weather. Oilier, patchier skin with breakouts and rashes are just a few concerns you’ll be facing if you’re not prepping your skincare routine. Let’s get gorgeous with some easy prep steps for a sun-kissed glow that help combat any side effects of heat and humidity on your skin.
Exfoliate
To get your skin summer-ready, exfoliating is the very first step to help your skin stay hydrated and glowy. Chemical exfoliation is perfect to help your skin transition into the warmer, humid season by shedding your winter skin.
Using Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) on your face will help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oils and prevent a dull complexion. You can also try to include glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid into your skincare regimen daily to help with cell turnover. Exfoliating your body with a physical exfoliant such as a homemade coffee scrub will remove dead, flaky skin and help improve any dryness.
Keep a Toner in Hand
Facial toners are an essential part of any skincare routine, they might look like water but their benefits are just as good as a moisturizer and cleanser. Toners are the only skincare step that will prep your skin for hydration in the heat. With the summer heat and humidity, your oil glands are working overtime. Making your skin more prone to breakouts, keeping a toner handy will skin tight and minimize your pores even after you've cleansed it.
Use a toner in the middle of the day to eliminate excess sweat and oil. Opt for an alcohol-free toner that prevents over-drying your skin, witch hazel, and rose water are perfect alternatives for an instant boost and replenishing moisture. It relieves sunburns and irritation while also making your skin healthy and radiant.
Hydration is Key
If you believe your skin can skip out on creams and lotions throughout the summer, you’re certainly wrong. Switch out your moisturizer from winter to summer with a lighter cream or serum. Since the air is humid and more prone to sweating, your winter cream will weigh your skin down and exacerbate sweating. Go for a thinner, runnier moisturizer that’s non-greasy to heal your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
For dry, dehydrated skin, the Hydraluxe Serum is fast-absorbing with its botanically-rich ingredients that will restore elasticity to the skin for a youthful glow.
SPF Re-application
It goes without saying, SPF is your best friend in the summer. As the most crucial part of your beauty regimen, SPF should be used on your face, lips, body, and hair to prevent long-term damage and aging. Only use SPFs that contain Zinc or Titanium (mineral-based SPFs) since they efficiently filter UV rays.
Don’t neglect any part of your body that gets exposed to the sun. Opt for a least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection, which protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Always make sure to reapply every 2 hours you are exposed to natural sunlight.
Don’t Over Shower
If you’re showering every day during summer, we get it. It’s hot and you’re sweaty, but chances are you might be doing more harm to your skin. You might love a long shower during summer, but your skin doesn’t need it. Showering too frequently can dry up your skin, especially if you’re using a soap that strips all oils and bacteria from your skin.
The natural oils in your skin help protect it from dryness and allergens. If you have eczema, a hot shower will aggravate it, leaving you with red, itchy skin. If you absolutely must shower after a long day out, always follow up with body oil or use a shower oil in the bath to rehydrate your skin.
Summer is one of our favorite seasons of the year. Before you head out to enjoy the beach, take the time to transition and prep your skincare routine. Make the most with these skincare tips and protect your body and face from harsh sun rays. You don’t want to do too little or too much for your summer prep routine, instead using the right products to help keep your skin healthy, free from sun damage and youthful is all it takes!
