Certainly, taking care of your skin during summer is extremely important, as strong sun and other environmental factors can affect the health and appearance of our skin. Here are some essential tips to protect and maintain healthy skin during the warm season:
Use Appropriate Sunscreen
The most important protection measure is regular use of sunscreen with adequate SPF. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum protection, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
Protect Your Skin with Proper Accessories
In addition to sunscreen, you can use wide-brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight. These accessories not only provide additional protection but also help keep your skin cooler and hydrated.
Proper Hydration
Skin needs intense hydration during summer when sun exposure and sweating can affect moisture levels. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer and apply it to clean, dry skin, preferably after showering or bathing. Additionally, drink enough water to maintain proper skin hydration.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure During Peak Hours
Try to avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when UVB rays are strongest. If you must be outside during these hours, ensure you use adequate protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and seek shade as much as possible.
Regularly Exfoliate Your Skin
Periodic exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and maintain smoother skin texture. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to prevent excessive sebum buildup and open pores.
Choose Summer-Appropriate Cosmetics
During summer, opt for lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic cosmetics. Foundations and other makeup products should be water-resistant and non-pore-clogging to allow your skin to breathe in the heat.
Protect Your Lips and the Rest of Your Body
Don’t forget to apply lip balm with SPF to protect your sensitive lips. Also, remember to apply sunscreen to the rest of your body exposed to the sun to prevent sunburn and other UV-related damage.
Monitor Your Skin Condition and Consult a Dermatologist if Needed
If you notice any changes in your skin or issues such as severe sunburn, rashes, or persistent irritation, it’s important to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain healthy and protected skin during summer, while enjoying the sun and beautiful weather of this season. Make sure to adjust your skincare routine according to your specific skin needs and local weather conditions for the best results.
Which Creams Should Not Be Missing from Your Summer Skincare Routine?
Choosing the right creams for skincare during summer is crucial to protect and maintain your skin’s health against sun exposure and other environmental aggressors. Here are several essential types of creams that should be part of your summer skincare routine:
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Undoubtedly, the most important cream during summer is sunscreen. It should provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays with a minimum SPF of 30. Effective sunscreen not only prevents sunburn and premature skin aging caused by the sun but also protects against the risk of skin cancer.
Lightweight and Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer
In the hot season, skin can become dehydrated due to sun exposure and high temperatures. A lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturizer is ideal for maintaining skin hydration balance without clogging pores or leaving a heavy feeling. Choose formulas that contain moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or plant extracts.
Aloe Vera Gel or After-Sun Lotion
If you do get too much sun exposure and tend to burn, aloe vera gel or a special after-sun lotion can be a lifesaver. Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that help reduce redness and irritation caused by sunburn.
Antioxidant Cream or Serum
Antioxidant products are excellent for protecting the skin against oxidative stress induced by UV rays and other environmental aggressors. Creams or serums containing vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, or other powerful antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and maintain skin health during summer.
Eye Cream with SPF
The delicate area around the eyes is often neglected in terms of sun protection. Using an eye cream with SPF is important to protect the thin and sensitive skin around the eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays and to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
Lip Sunscreen
Lips are also vulnerable to sunburn. Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect them from dryness and damage caused by UV rays.
Hydrating and Regenerating Night Cream
During summer, skin may need special care at night. A hydrating and regenerating night cream can help restore and moisturize the skin after sun exposure and other external aggressions.
Choosing the right creams for summer depends on your skin type and specific skin needs. Make sure to select products that are compatible with your skin type and provide adequate protection against solar radiation and other aggressive environmental factors.
Common Skin Conditions During Summer
During summer, our skin is exposed to various factors that can lead to different conditions. Here are some of the most common skin issues we may face during the warm season:
Sunburn
Sunburns are one of the most common skin conditions during summer. Excessive and unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. In more severe cases, blisters or peeling may occur. Sunburns are not only painful but can also contribute to premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Hyperpigmentation and Sun Spots
Repeated sun exposure can lead to the appearance of sun spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin. These are darker areas than the surrounding skin and can be quite noticeable, especially on the face, chest, and hands. Sun spots result from excessive melanin production in certain areas in response to UV exposure.
Dehydration and Dryness
High temperatures and sun exposure can lead to skin dehydration, manifested by dry, tight-feeling skin and sometimes flaking. Low humidity and excessive sweating can exacerbate this problem, especially if adequate hydration is not applied.
Acne and Aggravation of Acne
For some people, heat and humidity during summer can worsen acne. Excessive sweating and clogged pores due to sebum and impurities can lead to pimples and pustules. Overuse of oily sunscreen products or inappropriate cosmetics for your skin type can also contribute to worsening acne.
Allergic Reactions and Irritations
Certain sunscreen products, insecticides, or plants can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. These can range from mild redness and itching to swelling and rashes. It’s important to be vigilant for signs of irritation and avoid substances that cause adverse reactions on your sensitive skin.
Fungal and Bacterial Infections
In the warm and humid conditions of summer, skin infections such as fungal infections (e.g., yeast infections) or bacterial infections (e.g., impetigo) can occur. These infections can appear in areas where the skin is moist and rubbed, such as skin folds or areas covered and sweating excessively.
Premature Skin Aging
Excessive sun exposure can lead to premature skin aging, also known as photoaging. This is manifested by the appearance of fine lines, loss of skin elasticity, and the development of pigmentation spots. UV rays contribute to the degradation of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to loss of firmness and tonicity.
Preventive Measures and Care
To prevent these skin conditions during summer, it is essential to follow these preventive measures and care:
Always apply sunscreen with adequate SPF before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and protect your skin with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Use lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic cosmetics suitable for your skin type.
Hydrate regularly and apply a lightweight moisturizer after showering or bathing to maintain skin hydration.
Monitor your skin condition and consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes or persistent problems.
By following these recommendations, you can maintain healthy and protected skin during summer while enjoying the sun and outdoor activities.
Source: Consumer Reports