Summer can be a tough season for our skin. The scorching sun and unbearable heat can do a lot of harm by depriving us of their radiance and softness. Rising temperatures also make our skin more uncomfortable. Besides the occasional summer sunburn, UV rays can speed up the common signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, and loose skin. High humidity and temperature can contribute to other summer skin problems, including excess sebum and sheen, so you should consider changing your skincare routine during the warmer months.
How Does Summer Affect Your Skin?
As the weather warms and the humidity in the area rises, the sebaceous glands of the skin begin to produce excess sebum (natural oil). The secreted oil adheres to the surface of the skin, causing stickiness, oil, and pore-clogging.Acne outbreaks are the most common problems that occur in the summer. For oily skin, the tendency is stronger because the bacteria and oils on the skin mix with the sweat, leading to clogged pores and acne.
When your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, it increases melanin production and protects your skin from sunburn damage. Melanin has , photoprotective properties. Excessive melanin leads to darker, tanned skin. Other problems include itching of the skin, heat rash, sunburn, and rashes from sunburn.
To protect our skin from breakouts and damage, here’s a guide to a skincare routine that will keep your skin safe all summer:
- Cleansing is a must
What are two things you can’t get away with in the summer? Sweat and oily skin. While heat creates excess oil on the skin, perspiration only aggravates the condition and makes you even more uncomfortable, leading to breakouts. To avoid such skin problems, you need to wash your face with foam in the morning, after waking up, and at night before going to bed. This will help the skin breathe and keep the skin hydrated. - Exfoliate
Besides oily skin, your skin can also be dry and dull in the summer. Therefore, it’s so essential to exfoliate your face with a facial scrub or a natural at-home method, such as coffee grounds mixed with oil and sea salt. Not only does it help remove all the dead, dry cells from your pores, but it also rejuvenates your skin and keeps it healthier. However, remember not to over-exfoliate your skin, as this can lead to blemishes and rashes. Once or twice a week will do wonders. - SPF for skin protection
When you go outside to feel the sun and warmth on a hot summer day, you should protect your skin with sunscreen. The sun’s rays can seriously damage your skin, as well as cause long-term damage. Apply sunscreen not only to your face but also to exposed body parts. - Stay hydrated
The simplest but most important skincare ritual is to drink plenty of water. Many people spend a fortune on expensive serums or face masks, but the easiest and cheapest way is to drink as much water as possible. It not only flushes out all toxins from the body but also makes the skin glowing and soft. - Say no to Heavy Makeup
Heavy Makeup makes it difficult for the skin to breathe. Humidity and heat also affect the skin’s ability to breathe. Use a tinted lip balm and tinted moisturizer instead of a thick foundation or other cosmetics for makeup. - Consume Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Keep your body cool from the inside out by including salads and vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce in your meal. Seasonal fruits such as watermelon and melon. Citrus fruits and juices can also help keep your skin healthy.
Cotton is the best fabric for summer. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid tight-fitting clothing made from synthetic fibers. This increases discomfort and makes you sweat more, which can itch and cause infection.
Summers are usually warmer and sunny and when you spend more time in the sun, it is important to pay attention to sunscreen. Find a broad spectrum of SPF30 and re-apply it every 2 hours to protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer. Try a light moisturizer and peel it off at most once a week to make makeup easier.If you need a healthy glow, choose a self-tanner or a powder containing a colored moisturizer and SPF.
Avoid going out from the heat in an air-conditioned room or vice versa, exposure to excessive sunlight, swimming to cool off, and moisture can adversely affect your skin.
The good news is that with care, you can restore your skin’s natural balance, radiance, and health. Follow a regular skincare routine, eat healthy foods, and use simple but effective natural remedies to achieve glowing skin.