Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some sun, and spend quality time with friends and family. However, the hot and sunny weather can take a toll on your skin if you don’t take the proper precautions. At LaVida Massage, we believe in the importance of maintaining healthy skin all year round. Here are our top skincare tips to keep your skin glowing and protected this summer.
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to keeping your skin fresh and healthy. The heat can cause you to lose more water through sweat, leading to dehydrated skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Incorporating hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges into your diet can also help. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining skin health, helping to transport nutrients to skin cells (BMC Public Health).
Additional Tips for Hydration:
Monitor your intake: Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, more if you’re active. There are many apps that can also help you do this.
Hydrating foods: Along with watermelon and cucumbers, consider including strawberries and tomatoes. They are high in water content and packed with vitamins beneficial for skin health.
Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol: Both can dehydrate your body. If you consume them, balance them with extra water.
2. Sunscreen is a Must
Never leave the house without applying sunscreen. UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. According to experts, sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation, significantly reducing the risk of skin cancer and other skin damage (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
Additional Tips for Sunscreen:
Types of sunscreen: Consider mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you have sensitive skin. They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays.
Daily habit: Even on cloudy days or when indoors, UV rays can still have a negative effect on your skin. Make sunscreen application part of your daily routine.
3. Opt for Lightweight Products
During the summer, your skin’s oil production can increase, making it feel heavier and more prone to breakouts. Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. Gel-based moisturizers and serums can provide the hydration you need without the heaviness. Studies have shown that using lightweight products can help manage oil production and prevent skin congestion.
Additional Tips for Product Selection:
Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for calming and anti-inflammatory benefits, and salicylic acid for keeping pores clear.
Blotting papers: Keep these handy to remove excess oil during hot sunny days without disturbing your makeup or skincare products.
4. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and more radiant. However, be gentle and don’t over-exfoliate, as this can irritate your skin. Aim to exfoliate one to two times a week with a gentle scrub or an enzyme-based exfoliant. We always recommend speaking to your Licensed Esthetician before adding a new exfoliant to your regimen.
Additional Tips for Exfoliation:
Types of exfoliants: Consider chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs for a more even and less abrasive exfoliation.
Follow-up: Always moisturize after exfoliating to restore hydration and soothe the skin.
Night routine: Exfoliating at night allows your skin to recover and regenerate while you sleep.
5. Protect Your Lips
Do you know that your lips can get sunburned too? To help prevent this, use a lip balm with SPF to keep your lips soft and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Use it like your sunscreen and reapply throughout the day to maintain protection and hydration. (American Academy of Dermatology Association)
Additional Tips for Lip Care:
Research ingredients: Look for lip balms with natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to nourish your lips.
6. Wear Protective Clothing
Besides sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can provide an extra layer of defense against the sun. Hats, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved clothing can help shield your skin from UV rays. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Additional Tips for Protective Clothing:
UPF-rated clothing: These garments are specifically designed to block UV rays. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection.
Don’t forget accessories: A wide-brimmed hat offers more protection than a baseball cap, and polarized sunglasses protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them.
7. Cool Showers
After spending time in the sun, take a cool shower to help lower your skin’s temperature and prevent further dehydration. Avoid hot showers as they can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness. Enhance your shower experience by adding an effervescent scent like peppermint essential oil to your body scrubs for an extra cooling boost.
Additional Tips for Showering:
Tighten pores: Use a gentle astringent toner after your cool shower to further tighten pores and remove any remaining impurities.
Moisturize post-shower: Apply a light, hydrating body lotion while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Follow up with a soothing lotion or serum containing ingredients like oat extract or aloe vera to calm and hydrate sensitive skin.
8. Healthy Diet
What you eat can have a significant impact on your skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help protect your skin from damage. Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are excellent choices for maintaining healthy skin.
Additional Tips for a Skin-Healthy Diet:
Antioxidants: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, strawberries, and dark chocolate to fight free radical damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these help keep your skin supple and hydrated.
Limit sugar: High sugar intake can lead to inflammation and breakouts. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
By following these tips, you can enjoy all the fun summer has to offer while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Remember, taking care of your skin is an ongoing process, and making these habits part of your routine can help you achieve and maintain your best skin ever.
For more skincare advice and to book a consultation, visit us at LaVida Massage. Let’s make this summer the best one for your skin!