Everywhere you look, you see short shorts, swimwear, and sunshine, which must mean that summer is finally here! Summer should be a time of carefree spontaneity, so don’t let any skin issues get in your way. From sun damage to razor burn, we are going to combat common summer skin issues for your best summer yet.
Sun
There is something alluring about the summer sun: long days, warm nights, and the feeling of those hot rays on your skin. Unfortunately, the comfort of being out in the warm sun comes with a hefty price: UV damage. UVA and UVB rays damage your skin in multiple ways: immediate tanning and burning, long-term aging, and increasing your chances for skin cancer. Avoid short- and long-term damage by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (remember, higher SPFs aren’t necessarily better!) to guard against both types of rays. Give your SPF a supercharged boost with a high quality vitamin C serum. At a concentration of 20% ascorbic acid (the body’s natural form of vitamin C), the product will actually absorb some of the damaging UV radiation, giving you an extra boost to your protection. Vitamin C will also aid in lightening, brightening, and tightening the skin to help reverse previous sun damage and aging.
Breakouts
Perpetually oily skin during the summer can lead to breakouts. The first tip to control breakouts may seem counterintuitive, but you must moisturize! You dry out your skin while trying to eliminate that excess oil, which can cause your skin to overcompensate and produce even more oil. Another key to controlling breakouts and excessive oil production: consistency. Maintaining a consistent, healthy skin care routine will help your skin reach balance instead of sending it on a rollercoaster between overly oily and overly dry. Look for a gel cleanser that has antibacterial properties to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a treatment containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid to kill bacteria, resurface, balance oil production, and calm inflammation and redness caused by breakouts. In the mornings, finish your routine with a broad spectrum sunscreen, as it is key to minimizing marks left behind by acne. In the evenings, finish with a lightweight moisturizer that is water-based and contains hydrating and healing ingredients like vitamin E.
Bug Bites
Bug bites are a huge skin inconvenience for the entire family. When those itchy, red bumps arise, our first reaction is usually to reach for a Hydrocortisone cream. Most people do not realize that Hydrocortisone is actually a drug and can lead to skin issues of its own. In fact, it is not suitable for children on a consistent basis, thins the skin with consistent use, and is not recommended for use on the face. Go the all-natural route and use an alternative that is safe head-to-toe for the entire family. Ingredients like aloe, mango, cranberry, and safflower oil will help calm and soothe the irritation, without worrisome side effects.
Razor Burns
Warmer weather means more exposed skin, which means more hair removal. But don’t let shaving or waxing leave irritation behind. Razor burns are caused by irritated, ingrown follicles after hair removal. To avoid this, shave in the direction of the hair growth with warm water and a clean, good-quality razor. A razor that has been used more than five times may be dull and cause you to press harder, making it more likely you will irritate your skin. To minimize any irritation, follow hair removal by using a toner with a low percentage of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to kill the bacteria and remove dead surface skin cells. Finish by moisturizing the affected areas with a cream with anti-inflammatory and calming ingredients such as aloe, Shea Butter, and grape seed.
Let us know about your biggest summer skin issues in the comments below and we will tell you the best way to fight them!