Ah, summertime. The sun is out, the temperatures are rising, and you’re finally able to kick back and revel in the season’s warmth. But with all this heat and sunshine comes inevitable risks to your skin: sunburns, dehydration, and potential long-term damage. That’s why finding the right skincare routine, and learning how to use sunscreen correctly, is essential if you want to have a safe and sun-kissed summer! Read on to find out all the details about the summer skincare products and sunscreen strategies you need to know.
1. Shine in the Sun: Protecting Your Skin with Summer Skincare
SPF is Non-Negotiable
For those fun summer days spent outdoors, it pays to keep one thing in mind: sunscreen is non-negotiable. SPF is your first line of defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays, and should always be worked broadly and liberally, even if your skin tone is naturally dark and on overcast days. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA & UVB protection and an SPF of 30 or higher.
Daily Skin Cleansing Routine
Fuss-free and efficient, summertime skincare needs to put convenience at the top of the list. That’s why it’s important to create a daily routine that includes cleansing your skin. Start by finding a gentle cleanser that leaves your skin feeling refreshed without drying it out, and add a moisturizer. For those days when you get extra sweaty, double-cleansing is your friend!
Go for Natural Exfoliation
Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface, leaving your skin dry and dull-looking. Use this as an opportunity to make exfoliation part of your routine and opt for something natural and gentle. Oat fiber, for example, is an effective choice, as it retains its shape and texture long enough to help scrub away those dead skin cells. Make sure to avoid harsh grains that might feel abrasive on your skin.
Locking in the Moisture
It’s easy to opt for water-based and light moisturizers in the summer, but if you want to protect your skin from the heat without feeling heavy, thicker, oil-based moisturizers are a great alternative. Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Feed Your Skin from the Inside Out
While your skincare routine is essential, nourishing your skin from within is just as important. Start with water—drinking plenty of it throughout the day keeps your skin hydrated and glowing. Adding healthy fats, like omega-3s, to your diet can also boost hydration and help keep skin supple. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
2. Tan and Shield: Essential Sunscreen Tips
Summer heat can be brutal and even dangerous if we don’t take the necessary precautions. Tanning and sunburns are two of the most common health issues during the season, so having the right sunscreen protection is essential.
Sunscreens to Look For
- Formulas that are broad-spectrum and rated SPF-15 or higher.
- Sunscreen lotions with the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Formulas with water-resistant technology to provide protection when swimming or sweating.
Make sure you always read the ingredient list on the sunscreen tube. Each item should contain the physical sunscreen ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as well as chemical sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate. If the sunscreen contains these ingredients it should provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Applying Sunscreen
- Always use sunscreen when you go outdoors. Apply at least 15 minutes before going out.
- Apply sunscreen generously to all areas of exposed skin, including your face, ears, backs of your hands legs, arms, and any other part of your body that may be exposed to the sun.
- Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen after swimming or heavily sweating.
- Keep sunscreen bottles in a cool, dry place when not in use.
To get the most out of your sunscreen use, it’s important not to rely on it as the sole protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Wear protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved shirts. Take other steps to be sun safe such as avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 11 A.M. – 3 P.M. and staying in the shade whenever possible.
3. Lather Up and Rejuvenate: Treat Yourself with Summer Skincare Essentials
Summertime means sunny days spent outdoors enjoying the warm weather, but it can also mean dry and irritated skin. But don’t worry – there’s no need to sacrifice looking your best. With these skincare essentials, you can maintain your summer glow and give your skin the nourishment it needs.
- Gentle Cleansers: Start your routine with a gentle cleanser like glycerin soap, which is free of fragrances, and helps keep your skin moisturized. Additionally, a gentle cleanser won’t strip your skin of all its natural oils, allowing your skin to retain its natural balance.
- Exfoliators: A gentle exfoliant can work wonders on dull, dry summer skin. Be sure to use a light scrub with tiny grains or bristles to gently remove dead skin cells. This can help the skin to look and feel smoother and more vibrant, while also giving room for the fresh layer of skin to emerge.
- Moisturizers: Moisturizing your skin is one of the most important aspects of summer skin care, since the summer weather can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. Choose a lightweight moisturizer with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera and shea butter, to help boost moisture levels without feeling greasy.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen isn’t an essential just for beach days. In fact, it’s important to wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if you’re just staying indoors. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and helps to reduce the signs of premature aging.
Now that you’ve added these summer skincare essentials to your routine, you can look forward to glowing, well-moisturized skin all summer long. With the right products and habits, you can maintain your skin’s natural vibrancy and radiance while protecting it from the summer sun.
And if you’re looking to give your summer look an extra boost, don’t forget to apply a light-weight moisturizing serum on your skin every night before bed. It will help keep your skin looking smooth and feeling hydrated throughout the dry summer months.
So now that you know what products you should be using in the summer, it’s time to start lathering up and rejuvenating your skin! With these summer skincare essentials, you can enjoy a summer of glowing and vibrant skin.
4. Glowing and Radiant: Protecting Yourself from Sun Damage
As the sun’s rays become stronger, it’s important to take care and maintain your skin health. Sun damage can cause wrinkles, blemishes, and in some cases, even skin cancer. Here is a list of what you should do to keep your skin beautiful and protect it from sun damage:
- Use Sunscreen: Sunscreen is the most basic and important way to protect your skin from sun damage. It will help block UV rays that damage your skin, and can also help reduce the aging effects of sun exposure. Use both a moisturizer with a sun protecting factor (SPF) of at least 30, and a separate sunscreen for areas of your body that are exposed to the sun. Be sure to stay vigilant and reapply regularly, even on rainy days and in the winter.
- Wear Protective Clothing: One of the best ways to protect your skin is to get into the habit of wearing protective clothing. This includes wearing wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses that protect UVA and UVB rays from the sun. In addition, stay in the shade whenever possible and choose fabrics with high UPF ratings.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds may sound like a good way to get a golden glow, but in reality, they can also damage your skin. Artificial UV rays emitted by tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, and create premature ageing and wrinkles.
So if you’re looking for glowing and radiant skin, get into the habit of taking care of your body and protecting yourself from sun damage. The key is to have a good daily skincare routine, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds as much as possible.
And remember, daily sun protection is the best way to keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy. After spending a day outdoors, make sure to take a cool shower, use moisturizer, and take a break from the sun.
5. Beat the Heat: Tried-and-True Sun Safety Tips
Summertime in the city brings scorching sun and sticky, humid temperatures. Fortunately, keeping your cool is easy with the right precautions. Here are five tried-and-true sun safety tips to ensure you stay safe in the heat:
1. Water, Water, Everywhere
As temperatures climb, being thirsty is the first sign of dehydration. Make sure to bring your own water with you wherever you go. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and seek out restaurants and cafés with water fountains. Staying hydrated is essential and will help you feel your best.
2. Don a Hat and SPF
A wide-brimmed hat is a must to protect your head, face, and neck from the sun’s rays. As for sun protection, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 15, and reapply whenever needed.
3. Seek out Shade
When it’s sunny outside, opt for shady spots to hang out. Trees, awnings, and umbrellas are your friends and can provide a break from the sun’s intensity. The shade will help you cool down and give you some respite from the heat.
4. Wear Breathable Clothing
Shorts and light-colored, airy clothing are must-haves in the warm summer months. Natural fibers like linen and cotton will help to keep you cool and free from overheating.
5. Know the Heat Alert
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke is a real concern during the summer months. Check the weather and local heat alert advisories to stay on top of any potential risks. If you’re feeling unwell, find a cool environment and drink plenty of fluids.
Following these tried-and-true sun safety tips will help you stay cool and safe all summer long. Have a great time enjoying all the city has to offer in the glorious sunshine – just don’t forget your hat!
Don’t let the summer sun cause you skin distress. Keep it sun-kissed and safe with the proper summer skincare essentials and sunscreen tips. Make your summer skincare routine a priority and enjoy summer the safe way!
