We can probably all agree that one of the best things about summer is getting that golden glow. We’ve heard our moms, grandmas and TV commercials loud and clear: “Wear your sunscreen!” Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ll continuously step outside with no SPF, knowing one day you’ll look back and regret it. Even though applying SPF is the best method for preventing skin damage, there are other things you can do to treat your skin after spending hours in the sun.
We’ll start with the face. The summer heat can cause an excessive amount of oil, sweat and grime to build up on your face. After using a gentle facial wash, apply either a moisturizer or facial oils all over your face (squalane oil is one that’s great for all skin types). While it is not as apparent as in the winter, your skin is still drying out and needs to be replenished.
Don’t place moisturizer or facial oil only where you might have a dry patch. Moisturizing one area will cause the rest of your face to produce excess oil to try and catch up with that one spot. Witch hazel is an astringent, which causes pores and skin tissue to contract. It can be used as a natural toner, especially for those with very oily skin, or can also treat acne.
Exfoliate or use facial masks as much as necessary depending on your skin type and situation. Look for products that consist of ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and retinol, to name a few.
Image courtesy of Christin Hume
While the face is most noticed for skin damage and wrinkles, the rest of your body is suffering as well. You can be more generous with replenishing the skin on your arms and legs than you can with your face. Exfoliant works here as well, but a better product to use is body polish.
Body polish is similar to body scrub by buffing off dead cells and moisturizing the skin at the same time. Polishes, however, are not typically designed to clean like scrubs are. Polishes can be more beneficial with treating your skin, and they are usually used in spas before mud or seaweed wraps.
After polishing, apply a body oil, such as almond or jojoba oil, to really refresh and nourish the skin. Once your skin has thoroughly absorbed the oil, you can apply a strengthening lotion to lock in all that moisture to keep your skin hydrated for hours. A few drops of your chosen oil can also be mixed in with your lotion or moisturizer to kill two birds with one stone.
Knowing your skin type is key to all these procedures. You don’t want to over-exfoliate or excessively apply oil if you don’t need to, but no matter your skin type, you should take care of it daily. The summer takes a toll on our skin year-to-year. Taking a few extra steps can really benefit you down the road, and not make you wish you had listened to grandma’s advice.