In this article we'll explore some steps we often forget when it comes to protecting our skin in the summer. And, one skincare step that can lead to more vulnerable skin - and how to adjust it.
Reapply Your Sunscreen
Don't forget to reapply your sunscreen! Even the best water-resistant sunscreen will need reapplied if we're sweating a lot (salty) or getting in salt water or chlorinated water. Make sure to reapply under these conditions every couple of hours of summertime fun.
Protect HERE Too!
I'm talking about the ears, eye lids, lips, top of your feet - and your scalp. Even if you have hair on your head, the scalp can still get burnt. Pick out a fun summer hat to protect your scalp.
I'm not advocating putting sunscreen on your eyelids. Ouch! That would sting. Sunglasses are the best way to protect those beautiful eyes. It also keeps you from squinting causing stuck fascia which shows up as wrinkles!
You *can* put sunscreen on the lips just let it absorb before you start wetting them. Pat sunscreen on the ears and smooth onto the top of you feet because flaky ears and feet are not appealing - and it's painful when they burn!
Rethink WHEN You Exfoliate
We all love to exfoliate but if you're planning on being in the sun, you might want to hold off on this skincare step. Removing all those dead skin cells will mean your skin is more vulnerable to the sun which means you might burn even faster. Save exfoliating for the days you're going to stay in. And, if you've been following me, you know I recommend exfoliating a little less often in the summer. I like to use Revive Exfoliating Serum for a quick, light exfoliation during the summer.
The AC is a Leach!
Gone is the dry heat from the Winter furnace but it's just been replaced by moisture-leaching air conditioner! And if you live in a home where you're using a dehumidifier, that can dry out your skin fast! When the dry air pulls moisture from your skin, look out! Wrinkles will get worse and skin will look lackluster.
Don't Be Deceived by the Clouds
If rainy days and Mondays get you down (thank you Carpenters for that lovely tune), a sunburn on a cloudy day will for sure! Don't be deceived by the clouds! Remember, you can burn with an overcast sky so don't be tempted to omit sunscreen on cloudy days outside.
Yikes! What can we do?
Moisturize and hydrate! Grab a light weight moisturizer made for the face so your skin won't feel greasy or weighed down with gunk. Don't forget to keep drinking water! When skin gets a lot of sun, the body loses moisture so hydration becomes even more important.
So there you have it.
Keep reapplying sunscreen and don't skip any spot that is exposed. What you can't cover in sunscreen, cover it with clothing, a hat, or sunglasses. Exfoliate on the days you're *not* going out. Moisturize and keep drinking water to stay hydrated from the inside out! Then... have fun!