Most people can’t wait for the sunshine to arrive and bronze themselves for that perfect glow. Although you may enjoy reaping the benefits to your mind and body during the warmer months, your skin might be crying out for help at the thought of getting scorched by the sun’s rays. It’s natural for your skin tone to fluctuate during the seasons, and in the summer, you may find that your skin has more break-outs and dry spells due to the increase of heat and the sweat you are producing. No one wants their skin to look unhappy during the time when you want to get bikini ready so adjusting your beauty regime, and healthy habits could help give your that glow ready for summer.
If you’re looking to give your skin a head-start for the summer months, take a look at the top ways to take care of it for an all round glow.
Keep hydrated
It may seem like an obvious one but by staying hydrated during the summer months will help with your overall health and in turn your skin. Sometimes fluid intake during the colder months is more difficult as we turn to hotter beverages such as coffee or hot chocolate but getting back on track as you head into spring and summer will keep you hydrated for a natural glow. Many people often underestimate water intake, and although you may think you’re getting enough, it is probably under the recommended 2 litres a day. If you struggle drinking enough water during the day, there is a vast range of bottles that have increments noted on the side can show you how much you need to drink a day and little and often usually makes it more manageable. This is one of the most effective methods of getting a natural summer glow and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks will help to elevate breakouts, dull skin, and dehydration in the long-term.
Change your moisturiser
As the seasons change so do our skincare needs. You may find during the spring and summer months that your moisturiser needs to be light to handle excess sweat and hot conditions. Take a look at water-based moisturisers as these create a protective layer on your skin, but don’t it make it feel sticky when you are hot and bothered. Sometimes during the summer, your skin may become dry due to sitting out in the sun for too long so make sure you soothe it with moisturiser is essential. Why not opt for a product with Aloe Vera ingredient in it, as this will also help with redness from sunburn. For a deep moisturising at night, use balms on very dry areas such as feet, elbows, and knees to give them an intensive hydrating treat.
Keeping cold sores at bay
Warm weather can trigger skin conditions such as cold sores. Dry, flaky skin and lips can make outbreaks very sore and uncomfortable, but there are a few ways to help you steer clear of them during the summer. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fluids, not only does this aid skin conditions; it helps control other triggers such as fatigue and stress. Protecting your lips with UV lip balm is an excellent way to keep them hydrated, plus this stops the sun’s rays from harming them. If you do get a cold sore at this time of the year, using ointment can help soothe the area and form a protective barrier over it.
Wear sunscreen
Sunscreen is a vital face and body care essential during the summer. In the UK, it is sometimes taken for granted how hot the sun is the peak summer months and just like you would if you were going abroad, you should apply sunscreen. A high factor should be used to block out the harmful rays that can cause aging, dry skin and in more severe cases skin cancer. Staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm is also ideal for keeping sun exposure to a minimum. Don’t forget to wear a hat to avoid sunstroke. Further, applying a layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas such as your hands and face will help keep you protected from harmful rays throughout the year.
Look after your hands and feet
Our hands are often neglected, but due to them having thinner skin than the rest of your body, you may start to notice dry patches and cracking more prominently. Sore and cracked hands are uncomfortable, so keeping them moisturised and protected with sunscreen is vital when caring for them. Try to wash your hands in lukewarm water too, as the extremes in freezing cold or boiling hot temperatures will cause further dehydration. Feet are also important too, as heels can become cracked and painful so making sure they are protected will help them look great in your flip-flops.
Use light makeup
The beauty of the summer is that it’s the perfect excuse to not wear any makeup and get the full effects of that summer glow on your body and face. For those times that you want to wear makeup, why not opt for a powder or BB cream to provide a lightweight look on your skin. If the weather is hot, it’s best to avoid heavy makeup as this can block pores and become shiny in the summer sun. If you’re heading for a night out after a day at the beach, get ready with a fantastic beauty essential from Quality Hollywood Mirrors and get the perfect lighting to apply your makeup beautifully.
Remember to exfoliate
Cleansing and moisturising are a regular part of a skincare routine, but exfoliating can sometimes be missed altogether. Gently removing dead skin cells gives your skin the best chance to soak up as many nutrients as possible, leaving you with a smoother complexion. For people looking for an easy skincare solution, try using exfoliating body wash to combine both cleansing and exfoliating in one. Exfoliating is also essential if you’ve been sweating it out on the beach all day and can help unblock pores for better skin tone. If you’re a fan of fake tan too, this a great for removing build-up and helps to prepare your skin for reapplication.
Be gentle to sensitive skin
Skin can become more sensitive to everyday things such as certain fabrics or washing detergents. Chemical-laden washing powders and irritating fabrics such as wool might seem cosy but can cause discomfort and itchy skin. To avoid any irritation, try using washing powders and softeners designed for sensitive skin. Also, if you know you are prone to sensitivity with certain fabrics, do a touch test first before putting your skin through any discomfort.
Exercise more and eat healthily
One of the best ways to get that summer glow is by eating right and exercising more. The heat might not make you want to get out and go for a run, but that’s no excuse just to slack off. Simple exercises such as yoga and just going for a walk can help boost your health and in turn promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails. Eating right is another important factor to ensure you get all the nutrients you need from your diet and can give you a glow from the inside out. Healthy eating and exercise help to promote blood circulation, which replenishes the body; it also aids digestion, which assists in flushing out toxins from your body.
Supplements
Sometimes you might struggle to get enough vitamins and nutrients into your diet, and this could affect your skin tone and general health. A great way to help with this includes taking supplements alongside your diet. Some essentials vitamins that help with your skin include:
• Vitamin B – this promotes skin generation and slows the signs of aging
• Vitamin C – this is the key to promoting a bright complexion
• Vitamin D – this prevents breakouts and dull skin
Trying to get all these into your food is the best way to absorb the goodness into your body, but if you need a little helping hand, supplements can help boost these essentials nutrients for healthier skin this summer.
Sweet dreams
Last but not least, getting plenty of sleep is the perfect way to replenish your body and mind for optimum health benefits. On average you should be aiming for between seven to eight hours a night to help re-energise you and give your body enough time to rejuvenate the body. Not only does this benefit you internally, but your skin will also look better in no time. With lighter evenings and more social occasions, it can be challenging to get to bed at a decent hour but trying to get into a routine will help to ensure your body is well-rested and looking great for those summer adventures.
Switching up your beauty regime is essential to get healthy looking skin for the new season. Trying some or all of these tips will help you achieve and maintain beautiful skin tone and vibrancy to complement your seasonal looks.
Thanks for reminding us how important it is to use sunscreen. But I’d like to add that you should use it not only in summer. But In any season. In any weather. Every day. It should be a part of your skincare routine.