5 Ways to Get Rid of Skin Woes and Improve Skin Health
These summer months can be a hazard to skin health if a good routine isn’t properly established. Between regular sun exposure and intense heat, your skin can react poorly to the summer climate. Constant heat and humidity can cause your skin to appear oilier than usual if you have oily skin, and rough and patchy if you typically have dry skin. These warmer months are also a prime time to get some color on your skin, but tanning will increase your chances of sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, clogged pores, and of course, skin cancers.
With all of these potential risks, now is the perfect time to develop a summer-specific skincare routine to protect yourself from all of the harmful effects the sun can have on your skin.
Avoid Touching Your Face
First and foremost, you should avoid touching your face, especially in the hotter summer months. Throughout the day, you touch multiple surfaces, like doorknobs, car keys, and grocery carts, all of which can contain bacteria and allergens. When touching your face or rubbing your eyes, you transfer the bacteria from your hands to your pores. This transfer can cause acne and other undesirable skin flare-ups.
Similarly, everyday accessories like eyeglasses can also spread bacteria to your face, as the frames can collect sweat on your temples, under your eyes, and on the bridge of your nose. Choosing disposable contact lenses instead of eyeglasses can help you avoid these issues altogether. If you do have to wear your frames occasionally, make sure to disinfect them properly after each use to cut down on spreading any bacteria to your face.
Regardless of the season, make sure to wash your face with a clean cloth to prevent dirt, oil, and bacteria from clogging your pores. While washing your face, you should also keep your hands and surroundings sanitary. Consider using a product, like a facial cleansing bar, to balance and nourish your skin during the summer months. The combination of a consistent cleansing schedule and a fresh pair of contacts can allow your skin and eyes to breathe, which can help tremendously on hot and dry summer days.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
The warmer seasons pose the perfect opportunity to keep your skin moist and healthy. Having hydrated skin can significantly improve elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, especially when you’re frequently exposed to the sun. Hydrated skin can also help you combat oiliness during the summer, as dehydrated skin produces more oil to make up for lack of moisture.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water each day for both your skin and your overall health. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle to motivate you and hold yourself accountable for your daily drinking goals. It’s common for people to become dehydrated during the hotter months, and dehydration can contribute to both dry and oily skin.
Wear SPF
It’s imperative to incorporate the proper skin protection into your routine during the peak summer months. This month being UV Safety Awareness Month, reminds us to take the necessary precautions to keep our skin healthy and protected against UV rays. To do this, make sure to add SPF into your daily routine, and reapply every two hours while you’re in the sun. This will not only reduce your risk of sunburn but reduce the risk of long-term damages such as cancer.
Consider Changing Your Face Wash
When developing your summer skincare routine, you should look into the benefits of your face wash. For example, in the winter, use a nourishing face wash to avoid cold, cracked skin. In the summer, you should use a face wash to draw out the excess oil your face might produce. Double cleansing is a great way to ensure you clean out your pores fully and leave your skin feeling refreshed. You may consider washing your face 2-3 times per day to ensure your pores are clean and reduce your chances of clogging.
Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Exfoliation is the key to brightening and smoothing your skin and can also help remove dead skin cells, especially in the summer when there is a heightened risk of sunburn and peeling. Dead skin cells also prevent the skin from breathing properly and can lead to acne and other skin problems. Exfoliate your face and body for a smooth, healthy, and lightweight complexion; but also make sure you aren’t exfoliating too much which can cause more harm than good to your skin and its barrier.
It’s essential to reevaluate your skincare routine with the change of every season. Oftentimes, your skin will react differently depending on the weather and your interaction with the sun. Prepare and protect your skin this summer with these simple steps and be mindful of your skin health all year round!