Summer has been coming earlier, lasting longer, and packing more heat and humidity than ever before.
As much as summer brings us joy, it can also be a taxing season for our skin. Eye-popping temperatures, increased humidity, and longer days can leave your skin feeling dry, oily, and irritated.
But summertime is no excuse to neglect your skin. In fact, it is the perfect time of year to give your skin a little extra TLC.
Here are some must-know skincare tips to make sure your skin looks and feels its best all season long!
Lather on some sunscreen
No matter what your complexion or skin type is, sunscreen is your first line of defence against the sun’s harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that offers UVA and UVB protection.
Even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours outdoors or after swimming or sweating heavily.
Don’t forget your lips, neck, and feet
Sunscreen isn’t just for your face. Other exposed areas of the skin that your clothes don’t cover, such as the neck, ears, chest, and tops of feet, are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your face.
Make sure to apply sunscreen generously to these areas that are often overlooked. Don’t forget about your lips either! Put on lip balm or lipstick with at least an SPF of 30 for your lips to get the protection they need.
Moisturize daily
The summer months can leave your skin feeling dry and thirsty. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, not moisturize it.
Moisturizing daily can help keep your skin nourished by locking in moisture, providing a barrier against environmental aggressors, and calming any inflammation and dryness from sun exposure.
Pick a lightweight moisturizer that’s right for your skin type—whether oily, dry, or a combination of both. Apply it after cleansing your skin in the morning and at night before bed.
Stay in the shade
We all love spending time outdoors during summer but still try to limit time in direct sunlight as much as possible.
Take breaks in the shade or indoors, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Bring an umbrella or wear protective accessories such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect your face if you must go out.
And if you’ll be out in the sun for a long time, covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing with a UPF rating is also highly recommended.
Wash up after a day in the sun
Summer days can be long, and you may spend hours in the heat. Sweat, dirt, and oil can build up on your skin, clog pores, and cause breakouts.
As soon as you can, take a shower, cleanse your skin, and change into fresh clothes to prevent bacteria from sticking around on your skin. Paired with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen, keeping your skin clean can maintain a healthy glow all summer.
Soak up antioxidants
More than just an ingredient in your morning smoothie, antioxidants are also key for fighting off the signs of aging.
Harsh summer heat and humidity can lead to increased free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help fight off these free radicals, keeping your skin youthful and radiant. You can get your daily dose of antioxidants by eating antioxidant-rich foods or incorporating topical antioxidant serums into your skincare routine.
For an extra boost of protection, getting mega doses of high-quality vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with IV Vitamin Therapy is a sure way to not only nourish your skin but also boost energy levels, flush out toxins, and strengthen your immune system.
Get some relief with Calgary Integrative Medicine today!
