5 Best Summer Skincare Tips For Healthy Skin

Summer is a season of fun and excitement, but it can also be tough on your skin. With longer days, higher temperatures, and increased sun exposure, it's essential to take care of your skin during the summer months. Here are five summer skincare tips approved by dermatologists that will help you keep your skin healthy and radiant all summer long.

1. Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must during the summer months, and it's important to use the right type of sunscreen to protect your skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to block both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and don't forget to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the best protection. These ingredients work by reflecting the sun's rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb the sun's rays and can cause irritation in some people.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your skin hydrated and healthy during the summer months. Dehydration can cause dry, flaky skin, and even increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

Staying hydrated also helps your body regulate its temperature, which can prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you're spending time outdoors, bring a water bottle with you and take frequent breaks in the shade to stay cool and hydrated.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating can help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, to help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

When choosing an exfoliant, look for one with fine particles that won't damage your skin. Avoid using exfoliants with large, abrasive particles or microbeads, which can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to irritation and inflammation.

If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea, talk to your dermatologist before using an exfoliant. They may recommend a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which can help to exfoliate without the need for physical scrubbing.

4. Moisturize Appropriately

Moisturizing is still essential during the summer months, but you may need to switch to a lighter formula than what you use during the colder months. Look for a water-based or gel moisturizer that won't clog your pores or leave your skin feeling greasy.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a moisturizer labeled "non-comedogenic," which means it won't clog pores. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a moisturizer with ingredients such as ceramides or hyaluronic acid, which can help to hydrate and soothe the skin.

It's also important to moisturize after spending time in the sun or swimming, as these activities can dry out your skin. Look for a moisturizer with ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerin, which can help to soothe and hydrate sun-damaged skin.

5. Protect Your Lips

Lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage during the summer, and they don't produce their own natural oils like the rest of your skin. Use a lip balm with at least SPF 15 and reapply often to keep your lips hydrated. To protect your lips during summer, use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid licking your lips. Use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate away dry, flaky skin and apply a moisturizing lip mask or treatment at night to repair and nourish your lips. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your lips healthy and hydrated during the summer months.