A good skincare routine for summer can make your skin either super dry or wonderfully glowing and hydrated. As it gets hotter, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun and switch to products that suit the season. Drinking more water is also essential to keep your skin happy and refreshed, especially for those summer vacation photos.
In this article we bring to you the tips from the experts about which sunscreen to use and how often to apply it, as well as which ingredients to avoid during the warmer months. Get all the essential summer skincare tips directly from the pros!
1) Boost your antioxidants
To protect your skin from the summer sun and other environmental stresses, experts suggests eating more antioxidant-rich foods like pomegranates, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, watermelon, carrots, and leafy greens. These foods can help fight against free radical damage, including damage from UV rays.
You might want to update your daily and nighttime skincare routine by using products containing antioxidant-rich ingredients like raspberry seed oil, green tea, and kakadu plum. Kakadu plum, in particular, has five times more antioxidants than blueberries, as noted by skin experts.
2) Opt for smarter Sunscreen choices
Dermatologists stresses the importance of using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is labeled as “broad spectrum” or provides “UVA/UVB protection.” They also recommend avoiding spray sunscreens if possible, but if you do use them, be careful not to inhale them and spray them on parts of the body where inhalation is minimized.
For chemical sunscreens, experts suggests applying them 30 minutes before going outside. Additionally, using SPF protective clothing to cover as much skin as possible to reduce the areas where sunscreen might be missed or not adequately applied.
3) Don’t forget to shield your hair and scalp as well
Dermatologists warns that the sun’s UV rays can harm hair cuticles, causing dryness, frizz, and color fading. To safeguard your hair, he recommends wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. Additionally, suggests using a scalp sunscreen spray to prevent sunburn on your scalp.
4) Avoid staying in wet clothes
The summer heat and humidity can lead to fungal and bacterial infections in areas like skin folds, feet, and the groin. That’s why it’s crucial to change out of wet, sweaty clothes quickly, especially your undergarments. It’s also recommended to shower and dry off after participating in hot summer activities to prevent these infections.
5) Chill out with a cold shower
After spending a day at the beach, it’s best to rinse off in a cold or lukewarm shower instead of hot water. Hot water can dry out your skin by removing its natural oils and moisture, disrupting the lipid barrier, and causing increased water loss through evaporation. To counteract this, take shorter showers with lukewarm or cold water and use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Always remember to apply moisturizer immediately after getting out of the shower.
6) Avoid using Retinol
Sunscreen can break down in sunlight, leading to thinner and more delicate skin with reduced protection against sun damage, according to skincare specialists. Instead, they recommend focusing on hydrating the skin and using products with antioxidants, peptides, and moisturizing compounds during the summer. If you still want to use sunscreen, apply it at night and use SPF 50 in the morning, remembering to reapply it frequently throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.
7) Care for your hands and feet
Dermatologists emphasize on the importance of applying SPF to your hands, as they are frequently neglected but prone to showing signs of aging. Even when driving, our hands are exposed to UV rays through the windshield. Whether you’re wearing sandals or barefoot on the beach, it’s essential to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the tops, sides, and even between your toes to protect your feet as well.
8) Take off your sunscreen
Removing sunscreen at the end of the day is just as crucial as applying it in the morning. It’s recommended a double cleanse to effectively remove stubborn SPF from the face and prevent clogged pores. An oil cleanser or cleansing balm can break up heavy layers of SPF or makeup, followed by a second cleanse with a gentle cleanser to remove excess dirt and sweat. Don’t forget to wash your body as well to ensure all sunscreen and dirt are removed.
9) Simplify your skincare routine
In the warmer months, it’s best to keep your skincare routine simple. Using a gentle cleanser, hydrating mist, antioxidant-rich serums, and a broad-spectrum SPF! Prioritize hydration and antioxidants during summer, reserving retinol and stronger exfoliation for fall and winter when supporting cell turnover is more beneficial.
10) Choose hydrating treatments instead of professional peels
Skin experts focus on the importance of hydration for summer skin, especially with increased sweating and exposure to drying activities like chlorinated pools. Up your water intake, consume water-rich foods, and opt for hydrating treatments like hydrafacials instead of intensive peels.
To replenish moisture, use serums with hyaluronic acid for instant plumping and soothing moisturizers with ceramides at night to help the skin recover from UV exposure. Additionally, serums containing niacinamide can hydrate the skin while reducing inflammation.
11) Boost both energy and immune health
To counteract overheating and fatigue during the summer months, incorporating nutrients like B-vitamins and vitamin C into your diet or as supplements is recommended. These vitamins can boost energy levels and support immune function, helping you stay energized and healthy while enjoying outdoor activities.
