Summer is a great time to enjoy
the outdoors, but it can also take a toll on your skin. The sun's rays can
cause sunburns, wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer. That's why it's
important to protect your skin from sun damage and keep it hydrated and healthy.
In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to take care of your skin in
summer, using the best moisturizers, exfoliators, sunscreens, and natural
ingredients. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, we have a summer
skincare routine for you!
How to protect your
skin from sun damage in summer
The first and most important
step in summer skincare is to protect your skin from the sun. The sun emits two
types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and
cause aging signs like wrinkles and sagging. UVB rays cause sunburns and
increase the risk of skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, you need to use sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
How to choose the
right sunscreen for your skin tone and type
There are two types of
sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's rays
and convert them into heat. Physical sunscreens reflect the sun's rays and
create a barrier on the skin. Both types of sunscreens can be effective, but
they have different pros and cons.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be
more lightweight and invisible on the skin. They are suitable for oily and
acne-prone skin types, as they don't clog pores or leave a white cast. However,
some chemical sunscreens can cause allergic reactions or irritation in
sensitive skin types. They can also degrade over time and lose their
effectiveness.
Physical sunscreens tend to be
more gentle and more soothing on the skin. They are suitable for dry and sensitive
skin types, as they don't cause irritation or inflammation. They also last
longer on the skin and don't need to be reapplied as often. However, some
physical sunscreens can be thick and greasy on the skin. They can also leave a
white cast or flashback in photos.
The best way to choose the
right sunscreen for your skin tone and type is to test different products and
see how they feel and look on your skin. You should also look for a sunscreen
that has an SPF of at least 30 and a broad-spectrum label that indicates it
protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
How to apply
sunscreen correctly
To get the full benefits of
sunscreen, you need to apply it correctly. Here are some tips on how to apply
sunscreen properly:
- Apply sunscreen at least 15
minutes before going outside, as it takes time for the sunscreen to absorb into
the skin.
- Apply enough sunscreen to
cover all exposed areas of your skin. A general rule of thumb is to use about a
teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck and about a shot glass of
sunscreen for your body.
- Reapply sunscreen every two
hours or more often if you sweat or swim.
- Don't forget to apply
sunscreen to often-neglected areas like your ears, lips, hands, feet, and
scalp.
- Use a lip balm with SPF to
protect your lips from sun damage.
- Wear sunglasses, hats, and
clothing that cover your skin as much as possible.
The best
moisturizers for dry skin in hot weather
Even if your skin is dry, you
still need to moisturize it in summer. Moisturizing helps prevent water loss
from the skin and keeps it plump and smooth. However, not all moisturizers are
suitable for hot weather. Some moisturizers can be too heavy or oily for summer
and make your skin feel greasy or sticky.
The best moisturizers for dry
skin in hot weather are lightweight and hydrating. They should contain
ingredients that attract and retain moisture in the skin, such as hyaluronic
acid, glycerin, ceramides, or aloe vera. They should also contain antioxidants
that protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the sun, such as
vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, or niacinamide.
Some examples of
moisturizers for dry skin in hot weather are:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water
Gel: This moisturizer has a gel-like texture that feels refreshing and cooling
on the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin deeply without
leaving a greasy residue.
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing
Lotion: This moisturizer has a lightweight lotion texture that absorbs quickly
into the skin. It contains ceramides that restore the skin's natural barrier
function and niacinamide that reduces redness and inflammation.
- The Ordinary Natural
Moisturizing Factors + HA: This moisturizer has a cream-like texture.
Oily skin types tend to produce
more sebum, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts. In addition, the
heat and humidity can make your skin feel greasy and sticky. How can you take
care of your oily skin in summer without stripping it of its natural moisture?
Here are some tips to help you create a summer skincare routine for oily skin
types.
First, you need to exfoliate
your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil that can
accumulate on your skin's surface. Exfoliating can also improve your skin texture
and tone, and prevent ingrown hairs. However, you need to be gentle with your
skin and avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs that can irritate your
skin and cause inflammation. Instead, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant that
contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can dissolve the bonds between
dead skin cells and unclog pores without damaging your skin barrier. You can
use a chemical exfoliant once or twice a week, depending on your skin
sensitivity and tolerance.
Second, you need to hydrate
your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that can balance your oil production
and keep your skin plump and smooth. Oily skin types may think that they don't
need a moisturizer, but skipping this step can actually make your skin produce
more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. Look for a moisturizer that
is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and has a gel or lotion texture that can absorb
quickly into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. You can also look for
ingredients that can regulate your sebum secretion, such as niacinamide or
zinc.
Third, you need to protect your
skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can shield your skin
from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun exposure can not only cause premature aging,
sunburns, and skin cancer but also trigger more oil production and inflammation
in your skin. Choose a sunscreen that is suitable for oily skin types, such as
a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can
reflect the sun's rays without clogging your pores or causing irritation. You
can also look for a sunscreen that has a matte finish or a tinted formula that
can even out your skin tone and reduce shine.
Finally, you need to soothe
your skin if you experience any sunburns or redness from the sun. One of the
best natural remedies for sunburns is aloe vera gel, which has
anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can calm your skin and speed up
its healing process. Aloe vera gel can also moisturize your skin and prevent it
from peeling or flaking. You can apply a generous layer of pure aloe vera gel
on the affected areas and leave it on until it dries. You can also store your
aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing effect.
By following these tips, you
can create a summer skincare routine for oily skin types that can keep your
skin healthy, clear, and radiant. Remember to be gentle with your skin and avoid
products that can dry out or irritate your skin. Also, drink plenty of water
and eat fresh fruits and vegetables to hydrate your skin from within and
provide it with antioxidants and vitamins. Enjoy the summer and don't forget to
smile!
Summer is a great time to enjoy
the outdoors, but it can also bring some challenges for your skin. Acne
breakouts are more common in summer due to factors such as heat, humidity,
sweat, and sun exposure. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to
prevent and treat acne breakouts in summer, as well as some of the best natural
ingredients for summer skincare DIYs.
How to prevent and
treat acne breakouts in summer
Acne is caused by the
inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which produce oil to
lubricate the skin. When the pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin
cells, bacteria, and dirt, they can form pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or
cysts. Some of the factors that can trigger or worsen acne in summer are:
- Heat and humidity: High
temperatures and humidity can increase the production of oil and sweat, which
can clog the pores and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Sun exposure: Sun exposure
can cause inflammation and damage to the skin, which can aggravate acne. It can
also dry out the skin, which can trigger more oil production to compensate.
- Friction and irritation:
Wearing tight-fitting clothes, hats, sunglasses, or masks can cause friction
and irritation to the skin, which can lead to breakouts. The same goes for touching
or picking at your skin with dirty hands or tools.
To prevent and
treat acne breakouts in summer, you should follow these steps:
- Cleanse your skin twice a day
with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Avoid using harsh or abrasive
products that can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Use
lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Exfoliate your skin once or
twice a week with a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic
acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients can help remove dead skin cells and
unclog the pores. Be careful not to over-exfoliate or scrub too hard, as this
can irritate your skin and cause more breakouts.
- Moisturize your skin daily
with a lightweight lotion or gel that is oil-free and non-comedogenic (meaning
it won't clog your pores). Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, aloe
vera, or green tea extract, which can hydrate and soothe your skin without
making it greasy.
- Protect your skin from the
sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Apply it
generously and reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming. You can
also wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield your skin from
the sun's rays.
- Treat your existing breakouts
with topical products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or
tea tree oil. These ingredients can help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation,
and dry out pimples. Apply them only to the affected areas and follow the
directions on the label. Avoid popping or squeezing your pimples, as this can
cause scarring and infection.
The best natural
ingredients for summer skincare DIYs
If you want to pamper your skin
with some natural ingredients that are easy to find and use at home, here are
some of the best ones for summer skincare DIYs:
- Honey: Honey is a natural
humectant that can moisturize and nourish your skin. It also has antibacterial
and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal acne and prevent
infections. You can use honey as a face mask by applying it directly to your
clean skin and leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with
warm water. You can also mix honey with other ingredients such as yogurt,
oatmeal, lemon juice, or turmeric for added benefits.
- Cucumber: Cucumber is a
refreshing ingredient that can hydrate and cool down your skin. It also has
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce redness and
swelling caused by acne or sunburn. You can use cucumber as a toner by blending
it with some water and applying it to your face with a cotton pad. You can also
use cucumber slices as eye pads to soothe tired or puffy eyes.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a
soothing ingredient that can calm and heal irritated or inflamed skin. It also
has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent infections
and speed up wound healing. You can use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer by
applying it directly to your face after cleansing. You can also mix aloe vera
gel with other ingredients such as coconut oil, lavender oil, or rose water for
added benefits.
How to Hydrate Your
Skin from Within and Avoid Summer Skincare Mistakes
Summer is a great time to enjoy
the outdoors, but it can also take a toll on your skin. The sun, heat,
humidity, and pollution can cause dehydration, inflammation, and premature
aging. That's why it's important to hydrate your skin from within and avoid
common summer skincare mistakes that can age your skin.
Hydrating your skin from within
means drinking enough water and eating fruits that are rich in water and
antioxidants. Water helps flush out toxins, regulate body temperature, and
maintain skin elasticity. Fruits like watermelon, cucumber, berries, and citrus
fruits provide hydration and vitamins that protect your skin from free radical
damage.
Some common summer
skincare mistakes that can age your skin are:
- Skipping sunscreen. Sunscreen
is essential to prevent sunburns, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. You
should apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if it's cloudy or
you're indoors. Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
- Using harsh cleansers.
Cleansing your skin is important to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, but using
harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. This can
make your skin dry, tight, and irritated. You should use a gentle cleanser that
suits your skin type and pH level.
- Over-exfoliating. Exfoliating
your skin can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, but
over-exfoliating can cause redness, inflammation, and sensitivity. You should
exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild scrub or chemical peel that is
appropriate for your skin type and condition.
- Neglecting moisturizer.
Moisturizing your skin is essential to keep it hydrated, soft, and supple. Even
if your skin is oily or acne-prone, you still need to moisturize to balance
your skin's oil production and prevent dehydration. You should use a
lightweight moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
- Sleeping with makeup on.
Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores, cause breakouts, and accelerate
aging. You should always remove your makeup before going to bed with a gentle
makeup remover or micellar water. Then follow up with your regular skincare
routine.
By following these tips, you
can hydrate your skin from within and avoid summer skincare mistakes that can
age your skin. Your skin will thank you for it!