Skincare in summer is paradoxical. Humidity, sweat, and increased oil production might lead you to skip moisturizers and look for ultra-clarifying products. But while summer skin may tend to get oilier, other factors like chlorine, sun, and water loss from sweat can make it drier and irritated. So how can you keep skin shine-free and hydrated all summer long?
What makes skin dry during summer months?
Dry Air
If you live in a hot, dry climate, the lack of humidity will pull moisture from your skin, leaving it dehydrated. Similarly, indoor air-conditioned environments can drain water from your skin.
Swimming
Whether saltwater or chlorinated pool water, the alkaline content of the water strips natural oils from the skin, leaving it feeling parched and flaky.
Sweat
Sweat may be initially hydrating to the skin, but it contains ammonia and sodium that can irritate and dehydrate skin as the moisture evaporates and leaves these minerals behind.
Sun Exposure
UV radiation is damaging to the skin in so many ways. It causes damage to skin structure, induces premature aging, and can lead to skin cancer. And it zaps the moisture responsible for elasticity and suppleness straight out of your skin.
How to keep summer skin healthy and hydrated
Don’t Stop Moisturizing
The environmental elements of summer impact the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, irritation, and breakouts. So even if your skin is a little oilier than usual, don’t ignore the need to replenish lost moisture. To bring resilience and improved texture back to the skin, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic, nourishing formulas that won’t weigh skin down or block pores.
Prioritize SPF
UV protection is essential all year-round, but even more crucial during summer months when sun is at its most intense and you’re spending more time outdoors.
Exfoliation Equals Optimization
Hydration isn’t just about applying moisturizers. Exfoliation is essential to healthy, hydrated skin.
When skin is dry, there is a buildup of dead skin cells, which block moisture and other skin-enhancing ingredients from penetrating the skin and reaching their cellular targets. Exfoliation clears dead skin cells to optimize product performance and allow moisture to enter the skin.
Pump Up Hyaluronic Acid with Peptides
Peptides are best known as collagen and elastin boosters. But in addition to enhancing skin structure, these important messenger molecules play a critical role in skin hydration by activating hyaluronic acid production, the key molecule involved in skin hydration.
Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to bind and retain an astonishing amount of water, which keeps skin looking supple, elastic and plump.
Everyone Needs Eye Cream
Crow’s feet may be the kiss of many summers under the sun, but if you’d rather keep just the memories of those beautiful days, an eye cream is your best friend. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face and, therefore, more vulnerable to the effects of the harsh summer environment.