According to the old song by Leslie Gore (I’m talking 1965 here), summer is all “Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows”. Enjoy the sunshine without regrets by following these summer skin care tips.
Delicate Skin
- Lips – The sun is harsh on delicate lip tissue. To keep your lips from drying out, use rich lip balms rated as SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
- Eyes – Summer heat can be extremely harsh on the delicate skin around the eyes. Use an eye cream with a light texture that will be absorbed quickly containing antioxidants to help prevent and reverse wrinkles.
- Hairline – Your hair protects your scalp from the sun, but dangerous rays will still find the sensitive skin along your hairline and where your hair parts. It’s difficult for creams to be absorbed in those places so the best way to avoid sunburn is to use a sunscreen spray.
- Neck, Ears, Hands, and Tops of Feet – These areas are often neglected, so don’t forget to cover them well with sunscreen.
- Face – Even though you wear a hat and never forget to apply sunscreen, remember that a baseball cap won’t protect your face from the sun shining in at an angle. Use a hat with a brim all the way around for full protection.
- Find out more about protecting your skin from the sun at The American Cancer Society.
Showers and General Hydration
- Did you know that taking a hot shower after being out in the sun can dry out the skin? Instead, a cool shower after excess sweating will keep the skin clean and clear without the drying effect.
- To exfoliate during the summer use a scrub on dry skin before you shower, paying special attention to knees and elbows. After the shower, pat the skin dry and finish by rubbing on a rich cream or oil while the skin is still damp.
- Rather than washing your face and redoing your makeup every time you reapply sunscreen, touch up with mineral makeup that contains SPF factors so you are provided with convenient sheer coverage as well as protection.
- Keeping a face mist in your snack cooler will allow you a cool and refreshing way to mist your face and body while out on the beach or at poolside.
- Water will not only quench your thirst, but it will hydrate your skin and keep it supple. Skip the sugary drinks and drink water instead; flavour it with lemon, cucumber or any other fruit or vegetable to suit your taste. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so make a routine of sipping water throughout the day.
Sun Damage and Sunburn
- An interesting suggestion is that the lactic acid contained in plain yoghurt can impart soothing benefits to the skin. Apply and let it dry on the skin for about 30 minutes as a mask and then take a cool shower and pat dry. There is an alternative gel on the market if the thought of using real yoghurt is unappealing. Find out more about the benefits of a yoghurt face mask at the Organic Authority.
- The use of Aloe Vera several times a day will help the burn heal much quicker. Avoid gel formulations or those containing alcohol as they will sting and dry out the skin.
- A serum containing antioxidants can be instrumental if you do get a burn. It will help to reduce the appearance of sun spots and minimize the effects.
- Small dark areas of skin known as melasma which appear on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead may have their appearance reduced by the application of a fade cream nightly.
Blemishes
- During the summer acne can be seen in areas of skin that are usually covered. Use an acne preventative wash all over in the morning. Find out more about the care of acne prone skin at Facing Acne.
- Bug bites and stings can itch and look red and inflamed for weeks. Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone anti-Itch cream according to directions until the itching stops.
- To reduce bumps on the skin that are caused by heat and humidity, apply an at-home glycolic mask weekly. The mask can also soothe skin that’s been irritated by saltwater or pool chlorine.
So, these tips should help you avoid the “Summertime Blues” (sung by the Beach Boys in 1962), and enjoy all of the lollipops and rainbows you like.
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