While you might think that the cold and windy winter months are worse for your skin than sunny summer days, think again. Protecting your largest organ = skin during summer is as important if not more important than doing it during winter months. Here are
8 skin care tips for summer, many of them are complied from the tips by Dr. David Bank, the Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery via
The Luxury Spot and some of my favorite skin care products for the summer.
1. Remember to use Sunscreen
Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of at least 30 and use it regularly, even on cloudy days because ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin. Although many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15 SPF.
Get it: I’ll write more about sunscreens later, but one of the brands I like is
Jason.
2. Use Lip Balm
Remember to protect your lips as well, and use a lip balm with SPF even if you are using lipstick.
Get it: I like the
Burt’s Bees Res-Q Lip Balm with SPF 15.
3. Fill Up with Antioxidants
Make sure you are getting enough antioxidants in your
lavender shaving gel like beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A. Foods rich in antioxidants are berries, pomegranate, kale, artichoke, soybeans and nuts.
Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage that free radicals might otherwise cause.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin
Getting rid of dead skin cells is always good, but during summer & the “high shave season” it’s extra important. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, because it can help prevent ingrown hairs. Try luxurious scrubs and salts for pampering, but an exfoliation mitt or glove with your regular body wash does the job as well.
Get it: My favorite inexpensive skin scrub is
St Ives Swiss Formula Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control, and I love the
Vintage Body Spa Body Polish for pampering. Also, check out
Muhamors shop at Etsy for bath mittens.
5. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils
Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also has nourishing properties and it has the highest contents of vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to be a powerful antioxidant, it gets rid of the free radicals, and it slows down the signs of aging.
Get it: Try
Sponge Skin Care Ladi Avokanto Avocado Oil for ultimate moisture.
6. Remember to Wash Your Skin Well
It’s always important to wash your face, but during summer heat and humidity can cause oil glands to work overtime. Control oiliness by washing your face with a foaming cleanser twice daily, three at most. Don’t get into the habit of cleansing too often because cleansing too often can break down the skin’s protective barrier, causing excessive dryness and irritation, and ultimately worsen breakouts.
Get it: We recommend the
Marie Louise Cosmetics Cleansing Gel for effective cleaning without irritation.
7. Drink Plenty of Water
Sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.
8. Fake the Tan
Skin cancer and melanoma is your biggest reason not to tan under sun, but exposure to sun makes your skin age faster, it increases wrinkles in your face and while the healthy glow or even a nice tan will give you the nice vacationer’s look, there is no question about it, sun tanning is bad for you. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) from the sun is the main reason of development of melanoma and preventing sun exposure is the easiest way to prevent skin cancer. If you want to be tan this summer; fake it. You can easily do that at home and learn to apply the self-tanner at home, and you can get the look without the side effects.
Get it: I am probably one of the palest persons you’ve ever met, and over the years I have tested several different brands of self-tanning lotions, and hands down I’ve had the best results with products from Clarins, for example try the
Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning.
