Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to take walks on the beach, lounge about by the pool, have picnics in the park, and show off all of the summer clothes you’ve been dying to take out of the closet since last year. It’s a time to have fun, but throughout all of this excitement and relaxation, you can afford to neglect your skin. The warm and humid weather means that your skin doesn’t feel itchy or dry like in winter, but that doesn’t mean that you can be lazy about your skin care. In fact, you have to be even more careful. Here are seven tips to help you take care of your skin this summer.

Exfoliate Twice A Week

Your body sheds skin cells every minute of every day, and, if you don’t do something to get rid of them, they’ll simply sit on the surface of your skin, making it appear dry, rough, and dull. Because of this, it’s important that you exfoliate your entire body twice a week. This will remove these dead cells, allowing the healthy skin underneath to shine through. Make sure that you use gentle and natural exfoliators, as harsh acidic ones can cause a lot of irritation.

• Moisturizer Is A Must

  Your skin might not feel so dry throughout the summer, but it’s still important that you moisturize every single day. After all, moisturizers work with constant use, just like exercise and a healthy diet does. If needed, however, you can find yourself one that is more lightweight. Moisturiser is even more important if you happen to get a sunburn. Applying lotion to burned areas will help to keep it hydrated and soothe any discomfort or irritation you may be feeling.

  Wear Sunscreen Every Day

  However hot or sunny it may be, it’s vital that you wear sunscreen every time you leave the house, even on cloudy days. This will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn and crepey skin. If you’re wondering what is crepey skin, it’s skin with a rough and crepe-like texture, like on your elbow. Ensure you choose a sunscreen with high protection, and make sure you reapply every ninety minutes and always after you have been swimming.

Limit Your Sun Exposure

While sunscreen does offer some protection, it can only do so much. Because of this, you should try to limit your sun exposure, especially between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon, as this is when the sun is at its peak. If and when you do go out, you should wear clothes that cover up your skin, like long skirts, pants, and sleeves. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and ears.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking water is crucial no matter the time of year, but throughout summer it’s even more important. After all, it keeps your body hydrated and prevents the nasty effects of dehydration. It also helps to keep your skin hydrated and flushes out any toxins that could make you sick or damage your skin. Because of this, you need to make sure that you always have water with you and that you drink it whenever you’re thirsty. You should also avoid any caffeinated drinks.

Don’t Skimp On Sleep

With the warm weather and long days, it’s often difficult to get enough sleep throughout the summer. However, lack of sleep can lead to stress and increased levels of stress hormones, which can slow down the production of collagen in your skin. This means you need to do what you can to ensure you sleep well each night. Of course, heat and light are going to be two of your biggest problems, so consider investing in blackout blinds and a quiet fan for your room.

Opt For Minimal Makeup

With the heat and humidity, it’s usually best to avoid heavy makeup throughout the summer. After all, the combination of sweat, oil, and creamy products is a lot for your skin to handle, and will likely result in clogged pores and breakouts. Instead, you should stick to light creams and powders, as these will feel less smothering. Remember that, if you plan to use foundation, your skin may have tanned, so you might need to grab a different shade or use a color corrector.

The summer months are filled with lazy days, but you can’t afford to be lazy with your skin care. If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long, remember the tips above.  

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