Summer is just around the corner, and it’s the season when a lot of us plan beach holidays, picnics, or just one-day trips with our friends or family and have fun under the sun. It’s also when we pack our long-sleeved tops, coats, and heavy jackets inside and replace them with vibrantly coloured dresses, cotton tops/t-shirts, skirts, and shorts. And just like how you switch up your wardrobe to match the weather, it’s essential to make some changes to your skincare routine.
Summer can be cause for concern
The scorching heat can be unforgiving on your skin. With temperatures soaring to more than 30°C and even reaching the searing point of 40°C+, the summer season can be brutal on your skin and overall well-being. Sunburns, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and red, itchy, irritated skin are some of the most common skin issues during summer. And in places where humidity is high, oily skin can become oilier while dry skin becomes drier.
Besides, our skin is exposed to pollution, dust, and dirt on a daily basis, which can contribute to bacterial infections. This means that to survive the sweltering heat and ensure your skin is glowing, you need a curated summer skincare routine.
Use products with cooling/soothing ingredients
Summers are a time when heat rashes and acne are common, so including products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, cucumber, seaweed, and rose water can be incredibly beneficial. These ingredients soothe irritated skin, provide hydration, and have a cooling effect on your skin. They even reduce inflammation and can be beneficial in controlling acne. So, look for products infused with these ingredients to calm your skin and breeze through the searing heat.
Exfoliate, but don’t overdo it
Your skin cells work hard to ensure your skin is healthy and supple. As mentioned earlier, dust and pollution often result in dirt being accumulated on your skin, which can make it look dull and lifeless. So, exfoliation is crucial, as it buffs away the dead cells, leaving your skin radiant. However, it’s essential to avoid over-exfoliating since it can strip away your skin’s natural oils, drying it out, which will make it feel taut and wrinkled.
Dust and pollution often result in dirt and grime being accumulated on your skin resulting in making it look dull and lifeless. Thus, exfoliation is crucial as it buffs away the dead cell leaving your skin healthy, supple and radiant. However, it’s essential to avoid over-exfoliating since it can strip away your skin’s natural oils, drying it out, which will make it feel taut and wrinkled.
Change your cleanser and moisturiser
During winter, most of us tend to use cleansers that provide heavy moisturisation to prevent our skin from becoming dry. The same goes for moisturisers. However, in the summer, it’s best to switch to a lightweight skincare routine, i.e., a light, non-greasy cleanser and moisturiser, to ensure your skin isn’t stripped of essential oils. Water-based hydrating gel cleansers and moisturisers often do the trick.
Vitamin C works wonders
Vitamin C is a skincare essential. While it can be incorporated into your skincare routine all year long, it can be immensely beneficial in evening out your skin tone, giving you dewy, glowing skin during the summer. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles and protects your skin from photodamage when you’re out in the sun. It’s recommended that you apply a potent Vitamin C serum after cleansing and before your moisturiser.
SPF is the holy grail of skincare
There is absolutely no excuse to skip using sunscreen at any time of the year, and it’s a must-have in your beauty bag during the summer. The sun’s rays are the harshest at this time of the year, so it’s all the more reason to invest in quality SPF that provides broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin efficiently. Remember, your sunscreen must cover all exposed areas, including your ears. For your lips, you can opt for a lip balm with SPF that will keep them protected while you enjoy the sunshine.
Bottomline
Following a summer skincare routine suited for your skin type will ensure your skin is hydrated, nourished, and glowing. And if you are someone who loves to put on some makeup, you can opt for products like foundations that contain SPF to ensure maximum protection for your skin. But apart from your skincare, it’s essential to ensure you drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibres to stay healthy. So, switch up your skincare routine, focus on your diet and exercise, and enjoy the sunshine!