5 TIPS TO SUMMER SKIN CARE

Hot weather actually changes your skin. The heat can lead to water loss and dehydration which in turn can cause skin to feel irritated, red and dry. Along with the heat you need to be aware of sun damage and protection. On the bright side, summer heat also tends to mean more sweat, more oil and speedier skin cell production. So, now that we know skin needs to be treated differently in the summer, let’s get into the 5 best way to get glowing, healthy skin this summer

Apply Sunscreen Regularly

Sunscreen is you best friend! 

It goes without saying that you need to wear sunscreen every day. This will keep your skin protected against sun damage and premature aging. You must wear it and reapply regularly. Tip: Don’t forget about your hands, neck, chest, ears, tops of feet and other spots that are likely to get sun. It’s worth searching for the perfect sunscreen since it’s so important. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher and water resistance. Still seeking the perfect sunscreen? There is a ton of information on line that is specific to your skin type – oily, sensitive, dark skin, children, other… so we recommend you google your skin type and get a list of options to consider. Tip: If possible, try a less expensive option that can purchase at a local drug store. You’d be surprised how improved inexpensive skin care quality has become and if for some reason you don’t find your perfect match, you can return it and keep trying.

Update your beauty regime

We aren’t proposing that you completely change all your products out but you should be more deliberate about what you’re using given the warmer weather. You can improve your skin by focusing on your facial wash, exfoliation routine, leveraging skin toner and adding antioxidants. You’re likely to be washing your face even more so consider the astringent level of your current facial cleanser. You don’t want something that will dry skin but you also don’t want to use something that leaves your skin oily. I personally love Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. It is on the top of most dermatologists lists and for me keeps my skin balanced year round. You should continue to exfoliate but you do not need to do it as often as you did in the winter or fall. Many don’t use skin toners but they play a special role in summer months. Toners help to remove any dirt or oils your facial wash didn’t remove. In the past toners were known for being harsh but today they are designed for specific skin types. We like this list from Allure as it captures toners that hydrate, brighten and clarify. Lastly, antioxidants would be added to your summer skin regime. Simply put, antioxidants enable your skin to repair itself by reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen growth. Antioxidants also protect your skin cells against free radicals and external damage. Antioxidants for the skin include vitamins like C, A, E and B3. Tip: try adding REWIND Toning Oil to your beauty regime. Its packed with antioxidants and also has facial toning properties – two in one!

Go easy on makeup

If you can go without, do. It’s easier and wearing makeup can be tricky when you’re sweating, re-applying sunscreen and wearing a mask. We recommend that you focus on overall healthy skin and focus on your eye and brow makeup. We highlighted the latest beauty trends on our last blog. If you missed it, you can check it out here.

Alter your diet  

That expression “you are what you eat” is true. With the warmer weather there are some key behaviors that will help keep your skin healthy and nourished. First and most importantly,  stay hydrated. Experts estimate you should drink half your body weight of water each day. So if you weigh 120 pounds you should drink 60 ounces of water a day. Thats about 8, 8 ounce glasses of water! You should also add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. Stick to fruits and vegetables in season. The best fruits for skin include: watermelon, cantaloup, strawberries, papaya and pineapple. These fruits are known for helping to give your skin a healthy glow because they are with antioxidants and vitamins that will strengthen, rejuvenate and  protect your skin. The top summer vegetables for skin include cucumbers, tomatoes, kale and raw spinach. Along with providing nutrients, they are known for protecting skin against sun damage.

Don’t forget about your body 

We tend to think of our face but the reality is that in the summer we expose more skin than any other time of year. Be sure to apply sunscreen and creams to your entire body. If your skin gets dry or sunburn, one of the best ways to keep skin nourished and remove the sting is to take a warm/not hot bath and add 2 cups of baking soda. Soak for  a minimum of 30 minutes. Tip: You can add a few drops of lavender oil for a nice scent and to help minimize any skin irritation.

In summary, you can enjoy the summer sunshine while improving your skin condition. Grab your sunscreen, keep drinking water, make sure you have the right summer beauty regime and enjoy the summer fruits and vegetables!

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Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

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