Summer is almost here! Before you decide to go out and have some fun under the sun. You have to prepare your skin from the damage it’s going to take from all those outdoor activities. When warm weather hits, you want to strip down to the bare minimum. And that doesn't stop at cute cutoffs and bikinis: Get ready to nix stubble, a streaky tan and other summer bummers. So here a few things you should do to prepare your skin for the summer.
Beat breakouts or acne. During this season, the weather is a lot warmer than any others, and sometimes the moisturizer you use can add more acne to your whole body (oh no). If acne is an issue for you, the summer months can make matters worse. Breakouts can be frequent in acne-prone skin in the summer months. So, it is suggested that you should use water-based moisturizers and if you have to wear makeup, make sure that it is double duty that can moisture, protect and cover any blemishes on your skin, like a BB cream. Some of the best products to reduce oil are zinc and titanium-based sunscreens. Look for SPFs that are labeled as "matte finish" and are oil-free. After your day is done use a cleanser or treatment with skin-sloughing acids as soon as the temperature soars to keep pores clear from the get-go. And throughout the day, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil.
Preventing sunburn. Fun in the sun can take a lot of energy. Imagine what it's doing to your skin. A recent twin study found that the more UV exposure you get, the deeper your wrinkles and the more mottled the skin. Soothe redness or face flushing by drinking plenty of water, which helps hydrate your whole body as well as your skin, experts say. Trust your thirst. It's normal to get thirstier in the summer. It is suggested to apply sunscreen to your skin at least every 15 minutes. If exposing yourself under the sun can’t be helped, apply aloe vera to your skin once you get home. As much as possible, avoid exposing your skin to direct sun. This is a biggie. The summer sun is hot, but heat isn’t the only thing to watch out for. Make sure you’re using a product with sufficient SPF and remember to reapply every few hours. Using broad-spectrum skin protection daily and staying out of the sun’s glare at peak hours will help minimize sun spots and wrinkles, not to mention reducing the likelihood of skin cancer. If you are going to be exposed, plan your attire accordingly. Find quality shades, coverups in light fabrics and brimmed hats to protect exposed skin. Don’t forget that your scalp is skin too, especially important if you have fine hair or a super-short cut. Nobody likes a painful surprise when fingers running through your hair can be so pleasant on summer nights. SPF and hydration don’t just come from skin care products and water. Good nutrition is a natural way to take care of your skin. Minerals and vitamins found in summer fruits such as berries help maintain healthy skin and may also be sources of anti-oxidants. Produce like melons and cucumbers are fabulous sources of water and they’re all in-season during spring and summer. It’s like nature already knows what you need and when you need it!
Exfoliating your skin. As you start to pull out your swimsuits and shorts for summer, you'll want to prepare your skin to look its best. Sloughing off dead skin cells is part of looking glow-y from head to toe. If you're not already doing so, introducing exfoliation into your skincare once a week will help keep remove dead skin cells and build up to reveal the healthy, brighter layers of the skin. This will also help prevent against blemishes, which are more likely in the summer months, and keep your complexion clear and vibrant. Experts recommend exfoliating two to three times a week during the summer with a scrub or a mechanical tool with skin-safe bristles, or using an exfoliating treatment at night. Be gentle, though. Try one that contains glycolic acid, a natural ingredient derived from sugar that safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on the surface of skin. And always remember to put on sunscreen after exfoliating, this helps protect your new skin.