Achieving a radiant, glowing complexion during the summer requires a dedicated skincare routine. The difference between dry, parched skin and a dewy, luminous look lies in how well you care for your skin as temperatures rise.
Here are some key tips to ensure your skin stays happy, hydrated, and healthy throughout the summer months:
Increase Your Antioxidants
Your diet plays a crucial role in protecting your skin, especially during the summer when you’re exposed to more sun and environmental stress. Boost your intake of antioxidant-rich, seasonal foods. These include:
- Pomegranates
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
Antioxidants help combat free radical damage caused by UV rays and other stressors. Additionally, updating your skincare routine to include products with antioxidant-rich ingredients can be beneficial. Look for items containing:
- Raspberry seed oil
- Green tea
- Kakuda plum (which has five times more antioxidants than blueberries)
Get Smart(er) with Your Sunscreen
Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential, but there’s more to consider for optimal protection.
Here are his key tips:
- Preferred Form: Sticks and lotions are generally better than sprays. If you use spray sunscreen, avoid inhaling it by being mindful of where you spray.
- Application Timing: Apply chemical sunscreens 30 minutes before going outside to ensure they are fully effective.
- Protective Clothing: Wearing SPF-protective clothing can reduce the amount of skin you need to cover with sunscreen, minimizing the risk of missing spots or applying too little.
Remember to Protect Your Hair and Scalp
Sunburn isn’t just a concern for your skin; it can affect your hair too. Sun’s UV rays can damage hair cuticles, causing dryness, frizz, and color fading. To safeguard your hair,
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. For extra protection, use a scalp sunscreen spray to prevent sunburn on your scalp.
Avoid Staying in Wet Clothes
Summer heat and humidity can create an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial infections, especially in areas like skin folds, feet, and the groin. Change out of wet, sweaty clothes as soon as possible, particularly undergarments.
After engaging in hot summer activities, it’s important to shower and dry off thoroughly to prevent these infections.
Cool Off with a Cold Shower
After spending a day at the beach, it’s best to rinse off with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, disrupting the lipid barrier and leading to dryness.
Taking shorter showers with cooler water can help maintain your skin’s moisture. He also emphasizes the importance of applying moisturizer immediately after showering to keep your skin hydrated.
Skip the Retinol
Retinol can break down in sunlight and make the skin thinner and more delicate, reducing its defense against sun damage. Instead, Simone recommends focusing on hydration, antioxidants, peptides, and moisturizing compounds during the summer months.
If you must use retinol, apply it at night and use SPF 50 in the morning, reapplying it frequently, especially after swimming and sweating.
Take Care of Your Hands and Feet
Hands are often neglected when applying sunscreen but are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Applying SPF to your hands is crucial, particularly when driving, as they are exposed to UV rays through the windshield.
For your feet, whether in sandals or barefoot at the beach, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the tops, sides, and between your toes.
Remove Your SPF
Removing sunscreen at the end of the day is just as important as applying it in the morning. Double cleanse to effectively remove stubborn SPF and avoid clogged pores. Start with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to break up heavy layers of SPF or makeup.
Follow with a gentle cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and sweat. Remember to cleanse your body thoroughly as well.
Simplify Your Summer Skincare Routine
During the hot and sticky summer months, it’s best to keep your skincare routine simple. Follow these tips for healthy summer skin:
1. Gentle Cleanser: Start with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and sweat without stripping your skin.
2. Hydrating Mist: Use a refreshing hydrating mist to keep your skin cool and moisturized.
3. Antioxidant-Rich Serums: Apply serums packed with antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage.
4. Broad Spectrum SPF: Always use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Focus on keeping your skin hydrated and protected with antioxidants. Save more intensive treatments, like retinols and exfoliation, for the cooler fall and winter months.
Choose Hydrating Treatments Over Professional Peels
Summer activities can make your skin greasy from sweat and lead to dryness from extra washing and exposure to chlorinated pools. Licensed Esthetician Ian Michael Crumm suggests prioritizing hydration over harsh treatments. Here’s how:
- Increase Water Intake: Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Hydrating Spa Treatments: Opt for treatments like hydrafacials or soothing spa facials that replenish moisture.
- Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers: Use serums with hyaluronic acid for instant plumping. Follow up with a soothing nighttime moisturizer containing ceramides to help your skin recover from sun exposure. Serums with niacinamide can also provide hydration and reduce inflammation.
Boost Your Energy and Immune Health
Increased outdoor activities during summer can lead to overheating and fatigue. Support your energy and immune health with the following nutrients:
- B-Vitamins: These help boost your energy levels.
- Vitamin C: This supports your immune function.
Incorporate these vitamins into your diet or take them as supplements to stay energized and healthy throughout the summer.
