Summer is the season of beach parties, outdoor picnics, slaying in not-so-heavy dresses, and basically anything outdoorsy. In summer, it’s always the biggest concern how to protect our skin from this hot, humid & scorching environment. Are you also one of those people who wants to get glowing and healthy skin without compromising outdoor fun? Just hold on there. I have chalked out 10 best simple and convenient summer skincare tips that can be managed easily and offer you the maximum benefits.
But before proceeding to these summer skincare tips, first of all, we need to understand why our skin needs extra care in summer. Let’s begin.
Why Does Our Skin Need Extra Care in Summer?
Hot, humid weather stimulates the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is known as the skin’s natural oil. This excess oil gets stuck on the surface and makes the skin greasier. When sebum mixes with sweat, it causes clogged pores and acne breakouts & brings out the summer woes.
Besides, Exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun increases melanin production in the skin. Excessive melanin makes our skin darker, patched and tanned. Tanning may be desired by some, but whatever we name it, sun tanning is sunburn actually, which increases the risk of skin cancer.
To fight against these rashes, acne, tanning, or other skin issues, our skin screams for the nourishment it requires. And that’s why we need to take our skincare routine to the next level in summer.
Summer Skincare Tips: Make Your Skin Happy From Within
1. Drink, drink, and drink plenty of water
The easiest step you can follow to make your skin healthy from within is drinking plenty of water. In summer, our skin gets dried and dehydrated easily, which leads to excess oil production. You must drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. It will make your skin soft, plump, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking water also flushes out toxins from the body.
So what’s your excuse not to drink enough water? Isn’t it the easiest?
2. Apply ice on your skin
I personally love rolling ice cubes on my face. It’s super cool and one of the easy-peasy solutions to get fresh and hydrated skin in summer. Want to know the benefits of ice on the skin? It will reduce oiliness, and skin puffiness, especially around the eyes, reduce acne breakouts, reduce signs of ageing, tighten and shrink skin pores, offer you a healthy glow and whatnot!
If you are not comfortable using ice directly on the skin, wrap ice cubes in a towel or cloth and then apply them to your skin. You can also take ice cubes or cold water in a bowl and dive your face in this for seconds. Trust me, it will feel like heaven in this harsh weather.
3. Eat water-rich foods
Support your skin from within by incorporating skin-healthy foods into your diet. Load up on fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating properties, such as watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers, berries, and pineapples. You can also add coconut water or different smoothies to your diet to keep your skin hydrated from the inside.
4. Don’t skip your sunscreen
Okay, our summer skincare tips can’t be completed without this one! Skipping sunscreen is a big no-no! Sunscreen is a must-have product to be included in your skincare regime, especially in summer. We all know how harmful UV rays are to our internal and external skin health. They can cause darker skin, pigmentation, rashes, premature ageing, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
According to the FDA, a minimum SPF 15 is required to get the basic protection from harmful sun rays. You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that gives protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays) with SPF 50+. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to penetrate the skin and create the preventive shield.
You should remember that no sunscreen can give 100% protection against UV rays. So it would be wise if you avoid sun exposure at peak hours like from 10 am to 4 pm. Reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
5. Use a non-comedogenic cleanser
Face cleansing is the first skincare step you should practice, after getting out of bed in the morning. Due to excessive sebum production in summer, your skin becomes oily and greasy. So it’s mandatory to clean your face regularly with a gentle cleanser according to your skin type. Opt for a light, soothing, non-comedogenic cleanser (a product which contains ingredients that won’t clog or block the pores on your skin) and apply twice per day, especially in the morning and night.
6. Moisturize your skin
Some of us have the misconception that our skin doesn’t need moisturizer in summer. But let me tell you that moisturizing our skin is even more vital in summer. It makes our skin hydrated and minimizes the need for oil glands of the skin to produce more oil. Add a light, not-so-greasy moisturizer to your daily skincare routine.
7. Exfoliate your skin well
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your skincare routine to keep your complexion smooth and glowing. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, not more than 2-3 times a week, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils. Make sure you exfoliate your neck and lips too.
You can find different suitable face scrubs to exfoliate your skin in the aisle of your beauty products shop. But if you want to use something natural just straight out of your kitchen, check it out here.
8. Avoid heavy makeup
Normally, most people use light makeup during hot summer days. Avoiding heavy foundation, concealer, or other extra layers on the skin is not only a matter of comfort, but it’s also necessary to keep the skin surface clean, fresh, and healthy. You can go for a tinted moisturizer and a tinted lip balm for a minimal makeup look.
9. Invest in Sun protective accessories & clothing
Maybe this is so common to suggest wearing comfortable, lightweight clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, or sunglasses during summer, but this is something that can have a great impact on your overall skin health. Try to wear at least UPF 30+ clothes and UV 400 sunglasses.
The easiest way you can practice sun protection is by carrying an umbrella, every time you go outside.
10. Try DIY Summer face pack
To get glowing and radiant skin does not need to be costly all the time. You can make your own DIY face pack with natural ingredients from your kitchen. Aloe vera, Turmeric, Yogurt, Honey, Papaya, etc. can be your easy-to-use ingredients to make your summer-friendly face pack. All these ingredients have their unique properties to nourish your skin from the inside.
Wrapping Up
So are your summer skincare concerns still holding you back from enjoying summer fun? Clear your mind off all worries. Just follow these tips, slather on your sunscreen, put on your confidence, and go enjoy your day with glowing and radiant skin.