Now that summer is around the corner, it’s time to hit the beach. Not forgetting that you now have a great excuse for having as many popsicles in a day as you want, but it’s always nice to bask in the warmth of the summer sun.
However, the pleasantness of the sun comes with its side effects. The harmful UV rays from sunlight can take a toll on your skin. Solar radiation is said to break down collagen and elastin, the substances that keep the skin firm. This then causes acceleration of aging skin which is manifested through skin spots, sagging, and wrinkles.
With a plethora of skincare dos and don’t guides out there, it can be confusing to pick a single method. So, if you’re looking to prepare your skin for the summer break, we’re going back to basics. Here are some tips to surviving the summer.
Cleanse
No skincare routine is complete without the first step, cleansing the skin. Cleansing gets rid of residual dirt, sweat, and grime that builds up in our skin as we go about the day. It also prevents excessive sebum secretion that makes our skin oilier than necessary.
A water-based cleanser is the way to go if you focus on preventing acne breakouts. But these types of cleansers may strip your skin of its natural oils. On the other hand, an oil-based cleanser is a good option for makeup removal and unclogging pores. However, those who use oil-based cleansers are inclined to have major breakouts initially. Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type, whether oily, dry, or a combination of both.
Exfoliate
In addition to using cleansers, you can also exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin and get rid of impurities clogged in your pores. You can buy exfoliants that are rich in glycolic, salicylic acid, or you can even make your own. For the thicker skin on the body, you can use coarser ingredients like sea salt to scrub off dead skin cells with a mixture of almond oil for a smooth glow.
Since the skin on the face is much more delicate, it is best to opt for a mild exfoliant. A commonly used homemade exfoliant is a sugar scrub. Some even add honey for moisturization and lemon juice to lighten hyperpigmentation. But remember not to overdo this step, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient.
Stay hydrated
Hydration should be an essential part of your skincare routine, especially during the hot summer season. To prevent dull and dry skin, make sure to use moisturizer after cleansing your face. If you have plans for the whole day, the Aiken moisturizer would be a good choice as it locks in hydration for up to 24 hours after the first application. It is crucial that you apply your moisturizer with clean hands. This is to prevent impurities from further clogging your pores and avoid contaminating your jar of moisturizing cream. Staying hydrated can also be done with the THXSILK line of hyaluronic acid products, which have hyaluronic acid added to the fabric to keep skin hydrated at night.
Stimulate your skin cells
The latest trend is to use the ancient Chinese gua sha method to stimulate your skin cells. The tool comes in the form of a flat smooth-edged stone. Healthline suggests that using the gua sha tool to massage your face promotes blood circulation under the surface of the skin. This, in turn, brightens the skin, reduces puffiness, and quickens the skin-repairing process. Additionally, it has long-term benefits, such as lowering the probability of developing fine lines.
Apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is a step you should never ever skip, especially when you’re out and about under the sun in summer. It prevents sunburn, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. The general rule of thumb for sunscreen selection is that the more exposure to the sun, the higher the SPF. Meanwhile, a minimum of 30 SPF is the recommended amount.
You can start with the Cetaphil sunscreen as it feels light when applied. Plus, they have several options of SPF levels for you to choose from, depending on your usual routines. It is advisable to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. If you’re always on the go this summer, you might want to pack a tube of sunscreen before stepping out the door.
Practice good habits
Skincare is more than only on the outside. Taking care of your skin entails practicing healthier habits too. Eating foods like fatty fish, avocados, and walnuts can boost your skin health. Apart from that, you can prevent dull and dry skin as well as peeling lips by drinking a sufficient amount of water. And of course, exercise is also a great way to sweat out harmful toxins to improve skin health.
We’ve broken down the basics of skincare but ultimately, creating the perfect skincare routine takes a whole lot of research and a little bit of experimenting to finally get it right. With this in mind, it is vital that you find suitable products for your skin type to get the best results. Practice a skincare regimen that is suitable for your skin, the environment you’re often exposed to, as well as your everyday routines. All the best with tackling your summer skincare but most importantly, have fun with it.