As temperatures, hours of sunshine per day, and humidity rise during the summer months, your skin has some specific needs for the season. Check out these tips for keeping your skin happy and healthy this summer.
Hydrate
Yep, we hear it all the time. But when it’s hot outside, you need more hydration on your insides to counterbalance the fluid loss you experience.
Bug bite care
Ah, mosquitos. And gnats. And all the other creep, crawly, flying things that can torment the most balmy summer evening. For some people, they don’t seem to attract the blood-sucking critters. For the rest of us, having a bite strategy is an important part of summertime skin care. Keep a topical gel antihistamine on hand for when those stings happen and an OTC remedy for those times you get swarmed. And for those times you’re outside and the bug population is in full swing, using bug sprays, insect repellent bracelets, and bug ‘zapper’ systems on your patio can help reduce the number of bites you receive.
Easy on the makeup, heavy on the sunscreen
As temperatures climb, you may find your skin struggling to keep up. In humid climates, you may grapple with more breakouts as the combination of your natural skin oils and muggy days collide. It can be tempting to slather on more concealer and foundation to hide the carnage, but long term, it could make your skin even more susceptible to issues. Consider going lighter on your makeup routine.
On the other hand, while sunscreen is advised no matter the climate, this is definitely not a time to skimp. Many of us spend more time outdoors during the summer months, which means our sun exposure is higher. Make putting on sunscreen a daily habit. You might have to try a few to find one that is the best fit for your skin type, but your skin will thank you in the long run as you reduce the odds of skin cancer and premature aging.
But you might need more moisture…
Sure, summer can mean muggy days in some parts of the country. But in other regions, summers are dry, which can be drying for your skin. Just because a certain skincare routine worked well for you when you were living in, say, the deep south, doesn’t mean that same summer scenario will work now that you’ve moved to a western state. Drier climates mean a greater need for keeping your skin moisturized, even if that hasn’t been your prior experience. While you’ll probably want to avoid heavy creams and moisturizers during hot months, wherever you live, keeping your skin moisturized, especially when summer days are arid, is an important part of the skin care routine.
After-sun care
What’s summer without some long, lazy days spent in the sunshine, on the beach or at the lake? And even with your best efforts, you might find yourself at the end of the day sporting some pink shoulders and a red nose. There are a wealth of products on the market made for those post-sun skin issues. Aloe vera gel remains a perennial favorite. And don’t forget OTC ibuprofen to help reduce inflammation from sun exposure. If you find that you are more seriously sunburned, it’s important to seek professional medical attention.
Make sure that your skin’s health is a priority this summer, just like your nutrition and fitness goals. As the largest organ of your body, you and your skin deserve it!
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.