Beat the Heat with these Summer Beauty Tips

With summer just around the corner, it makes sense to adapt your skincare routine to changing conditions. As can be expected, it will be hot and humid. However, despite the sweltering heat, many will want to spend time having fun outdoors. Whether it is sunbathing at the beach or having a backyard barbecue, here are some tips on how to keep your skin cool, clear, and healthy.

1.Hydrate

The skin is the largest organ and its exposure to the elements means that it can easily become dehydrated. Between the actual heat and loss of water through sweating as the body attempts to keep cool, you will need to put in some extra effort to stay hydrated. 

Try to drink at least a couple of litres of water each day. Carry around a water bottle wherever you go so you have a chance to regularly sip at it. Drinking water in smaller amounts throughout the day is better than just a few glasses gulped down a few times. Keeping well-hydrated will not only help avoid heat exhaustion but will also aid in keeping your skin moisturised from within. 

You can also hydrate your skin from the outside by spritzing it with water from a spray bottle. Spray your face with a light mist every so often to help keep cool.

2.Sunscreen

The sun can cause your skin to age faster. To retain a more youthful look, you will want to protect it from UV exposure. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF for the best outcome. Try to get SPF 30, at minimum. Be sure to use actual sunscreen and not just moisturisers that have sunscreen.

Use it at the beginning of your day, before you apply makeup and reapply periodically to exposed areas. Every 2 hours if you are spending the day outdoors.

Be careful to reapply to exposed areas that may seem insignificant. There are a surprising number of skin cancer cases that occur around the back of the ears and back of hands.

Remember to also apply sunscreen on cloudy days. Though it may not seem like it, as much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate through cloud cover. Be as cautious about sunscreen and coverage even when it is cloudy.

3.Spray Tan

People love to achieve a golden tan during summer, but you do not have to sit in the sun for it. A safer option would be to simply visit a beauty clinic for a spray tan. These days you can get your tan done in just about any shade you feel appropriate to show off that perfect glow. 

Find a reputable clinic that has technicians that can consult with you on what shade of spray tan best suits your complexion. You can easily get natural-looking results, without the risk of skin cancer or ageing skin.

4.Shower

Throughout the day you will have a build-up of product and sweat to contend with. When you sweat a lot during summer and the product penetrate pores, it can lead to heat rash. Taking more showers can help to get rid of this build-up and reduce the risk of breakouts. Be sure to use a mild cleanser that will also reduce the risk of irritation and drying out your skin. 

If you go swimming, you will likely also have salt from saltwater, or chlorine from the pool lingering on the skin. As your skin dries, both can end up irritating. Be sure to take a shower whenever you leave the water to cleanse your skin of salts or chemicals.

5.Moisturise

After you have applied sunscreen as your first line of defence, be sure to make use of a moisturiser as well. Your skin will likely become drier and scaly, so moisturiser is still needed as part of your regular skincare routine. Use lightweight moisturisers. Avoid heavy oil or cream-based moisturisers and opt for thinner lotions, serums, and hydrating gels. 

You can use moisturisers with SPF protection. This will only add to your sunscreen protection but should not be the main protection. Still, ensure that you start with good sunscreen with a high SPF.

6.Makeup

Consider using less product than usual during the summer months. The less product you have on your face, the less slippage and smudging that is likely to occur. Also, be sure to include primer in your regimen. Primer not only helps moisturise but is also great for standing up to oily build-ups from sweating too much. It can also help in concealing the appearance of large pores. 

You can also switch out your foundation for a tinted sunscreen. With the right choice of shade, you will find this works just as well. Also, consider investing in long-wear products. Liquid sticks are a popular option that can be used as a substitute for blush or eyeshadow.

7.Exfoliate

Gently exfoliating your skin, a couple of times a week, is a good way to efficiently get rid of any build-up of sunscreen, makeup, oils or pollution on your skin.  It also helps remove dry skin that is common during the summer months. This action will help clear out your pores, reducing the risk of breakouts. 

This should be done on more than just the face. You will likely be wearing more short dresses, shorts and sandals. All this exposed skin is likely to result in dry skin. Exfoliating will help keep your skin smooth and improve circulation to the skin.

8.Antioxidants

Another way to protect your skin from within is through a diet rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants combat free radicals that can damage skin cells. They are another contributor to ageing skin and can lead to skin cancer. 

Consuming a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals copper, selenium, and zinc can be beneficial. Some great food sources to include in your diet include dark chocolate, green tea, probiotic yoghurts, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, kale, spinach, and beans.