Though summer is often associated with laid-back, carefree vibes, most people are actually busier with outdoor activities, vacations, and barbecues or other gatherings on the calendar. As a result, many of us look to lower-maintenance self-care routines.
Turns out, that’s good news for your skin, as there will be less weighing it down when the weather warms up. For healthy, radiant skin all summer long, here are some tips to consider.
Lighten Up Your Products
With the increased heat and humidity summer brings, moisture isn’t evaporating off your skin as quickly as in winter. This means you can lighten up your skincare regimen. Start by opting for a lightweight moisturizer, such as a water-based product instead of a heavy cream. The same goes for your cleanser: instead of a creamy or oil-based solution, look for a lightweight or foaming face wash.
Continue to Moisturize
Just because your skin is getting more hydration from the humid air doesn’t mean you should forgo moisturizer altogether. Summer sun, heat, a cranked-up AC, and swimming in chlorine or saltwater can all dry out your skin. Continue to moisturize each morning, but cut back on the number of products you use by searching for a tinted moisturizer that also contains an SPF.
Apply a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C should be a component of your skin care routine year-round, but it’s especially important during the summer. This powerhouse ingredient helps to prevent hyperpigmentation, a common summertime skin concern, and may boost the appearance of fine lines. Apply a vitamin C serum after washing your face and before moisturizing in the morning.
Exfoliate
Many people experience breakouts in the summer. Oftentimes, these are a result of your pores getting clogged by increased sweat and oil accumulation brought on by warmer temperatures. Exfoliating is a simple yet effective way to remove dead skin cells that could contribute to these clogged pores.
Physical exfoliating is the process of sloughing away dead skin and other surface impurities by using something abrasive, like a scrub or rotating brush. Chemical exfoliators break the bonds that hold skin together using beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid. Consult with your dermatologist about which exfoliation treatment may be best for your skin during the summer.
Use Retinoids with Caution
Retinoids encourage cell turnover to boost collagen, improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But this accelerated cell turnover can also leave new, fresh skin more sensitive to the sun. You’ll therefore want to take extra precautions with sun protection when you use retinoids.
Apply SPF
We know you’re probably tired of hearing it by now, but the importance of sunblock can’t be stressed enough. You need sun protection year-round, but in summertime especially. Whether you spend hours outside each day when the temperature climbs, or prefer to limit your activity to light errands, apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 50, and continue to reapply every two hours.
For personalized skin care recommendations any time of year, turn to Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics. Offering both general dermatology and aesthetic services, our practice is committed to helping you achieve skin that looks and feels its best. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 404-355-5484.
