The dog days of summer are upon us: between barbecues, vacations, and frolicking at the beach, there are so many opportunities to cherish the warm weather and make priceless memories with those you love the most.
When you’re on the go all the time, you might not be thinking much about your skin other than worrying about an uneven tan; however, high heat and lots of UV exposure can spell trouble for your body’s largest organ. It’s important to think carefully about your skin’s needs during the summer and ensure that it’s getting everything necessary to thrive.
Today, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to ensure that you keep that beautiful, well-hydrated glow all throughout the summer sunshine, so that you look your best at every family picnic and shopping trip.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is absolutely essential for health, and it becomes even more critical during the hot summer months. Your body loses up to 12 liters of water through sweat when you’re out and about in the sunshine, which can contribute to a variety of health issues like constipation and fatigue.
Your skin is a thirsty organ that needs to stay well-hydrated in order to look its best. When your skin dries out, it’s also more vulnerable to visibly noticeable wrinkles and fine lines.
The most obvious way to stay hydrated during summer is to drink plenty of water, but you can also eat water-rich vegetables and fruits as well. Some great options include cucumbers, celery, lettuce, radishes – and everyone’s summer favorite, watermelon! Make a big salad with plenty of vegetables, and get comfortable carrying a large bottle of water with you wherever you go.
Use a Facial Cleanser
Sweat, campfire smoke, and salty ocean spray: summer comes with a variety of perils to your skin. Spending time outside exposes you to invisible particles in the air, which settle on your skin and lead to an overall gunky, icky feeling.
This is why a good face cleanser should be the first thing you pack in your bag for vacation. By removing all the impurities which build up from your time outdoors, you keep your skin fresh and clean so that you look your absolute best. Cleansers gently lift dirt and oils from your skin, and they help to wash away dead skin for a gorgeous glow.
Use a cleanser in the morning and evening, then follow it up with some moisturizer to nourish and hydrate the skin. Always look for products that are dermatologically tested and paraben-free to give you the absolute best experience.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential that you should never skip. It protects your skin from the harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. While a suntan may look beautiful in the short term, it can lead to major issues down the line, so consider foregoing the tanning session and protecting your skin.
Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, as well as one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. For the best protection, choose a sunscreen that has zinc oxide in it, which is one of the best ways to reflect sunlight. You should reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.
Use hats and clothing to block more of the sun
When you think about summer, you’re probably planning to wear less, not more! However, this leaves your skin exposed to harsh sunlight and can contribute to sun damage over time. Thankfully, you can now get cooling clothing that helps keep you comfortable while still providing great protection from the sun.
Cooling athletic gear is a great way to avoid overheating while outdoors, but you can also opt for loose, flowing fabrics like palazzo pants. Gauzy shawls are also a good choice, though they will not afford your skin the same protection as thicker fabrics would.
At the very least, aim to always wear a hat outside to shade your face. A fun wide-brimmed straw hat is a great accessory for a beach vacation, but even a plain ball cap can do wonders in shielding your eyes and face from the sunshine.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a sun worshiper or tend to spend most of the summer indoors, you still need to consider what your skin needs to look and feel its best. Hydration is your best friend, not just in boosting your skin’s beauty, but also in maintaining your overall health. You should also clean your face regularly, wear sunscreen, and cover up as much as is comfortable during the summer months.
By following these tips, you can ensure that the sun isn’t the only thing glowing as you frolic outdoors: your skin will shine just as bright!
