The changing of the seasons plays a huge role in fashion and skincare. Aside from marking the launch of the newest trends and styles, the seasonal changes also affect the way people take care of their skin. How you look after your skin during winter can be wildly different from how you do it in summer, for example. Now that the hot season is just around the corner, it’s imperative that you change up your skincare habits again to accommodate the effects of excess heat and sun exposure.
Some of the things you should avoid this summer include skin damage due to extended exposure to the sun. You should watch out for sunburn and dryness, in addition to other common summer skin problems like heat rash, folliculitis, and acne breakouts. What items do you need to add to your skincare kit to prevent these issues? Here’s a helpful list:
Sunscreen. Sun protection is a must all year round, regardless if you’re skiing up in the mountains or lying on the sand by the beach. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s best if you go with a water-resistant sunscreen that offers protection against UVB and UVA and with an SPF factor of 30 or above. The product should be applied 15 minutes before you go out and reapplied after every 2 hours if you’re going swimming. On regular days, however, you can go with a hypoallergenic sunscreen that’s light on the skin. Skinfood’s White Dandelion Derma Mild Sun Lotion, for example, has an SPF of 43 and protects the skin against UV rays without leaving a heavy, sticky feeling.
Moisturizer. Dry skin can also be a problem during summer. It can cause discomfort, plus it can make oil glands produce more oil than usual to compensate for the lack of moisture. Excess oil, in turn, can attract dirt and debris that may clog pores and cause acne. Prevent excessive dryness by drinking a lot of water and slathering on a generous amount of moisturizer. Switch your thick winter moisturizer for a lighter, more liquid product that won’t feel sticky or heavy when you’re out in the sun.
Exfoliator. As mentioned before, oily skin can attract dirt and debris which can cause other skin issues. Exfoliating regularly is one way to get rid of dirt, debris, oil, and dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts. In addition to preventing congestion, it can also aid in the absorption of moisturizers, toners, and other products that you put on your skin. Just remember, though, that you should avoid exfoliating damaged or sensitive skin, like patches that have been affected by sunburn, to prevent aggravating the condition.
Bug Protection. Bug bites can ruin a camping trip, a beach holiday, or even a walk in the park. They’re more than annoying as well, as bug bites can be a method of transmission for many diseases, plus they leave unsightly marks on the skin. Avoid bug bites altogether by using products with DEET or picaridin, which medical authorities insist are safe as long as they are used according to instruction. If you’re averse to these bug repellents, you can also avoid bug bites by wearing pants and long sleeves or using mosquito nets where applicable.
Staying Healthy Inside and Out this Summer
Taking care of yourself this summer doesn’t just stop at skin level; you also have to make sure that your body is healthy. Counteract the effects of excess heat and sun by keeping yourself hydrated and staying under shade as often as possible. These habits, plus maintaining a healthy lifestyle, should help you stay in tiptop shape and keep your skin glowing anytime of the year.
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