Skin Solutions
10 Summer Skincare Tips for a Glowing Complexion
I love summer and in this post I’m going to share with you my top 10 summer skincare tips for glowing skin.
Summer is the time to enjoy the great outdoors and soak up the sun. But along with the warm weather and sunny days come a few skincare challenges. Heat, humidity, and sun exposure can take a toll on your skin, leaving it dry. Too much sun increases pre-mature aging, dark spots, and possibly even skin cancer. At the same time outdoor, sun and light are vital energy for the body (mood, vitamin D, stress).
So here are 10 scientist approved tips to take care of the skin during summer without giving up on sunny days outside.
SPF
To protect your skin from the sun’s rays, it’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen needs to be applied and then reapplied every 2 or 3 hours.
Mineral vs “chemical”
Opt for a mineral sunscreen if your skin is oily. The high concentration of powders in the formula will help you absorb the oiliness.
Keep in mind that mineral sunscreens leave a white cast on the skin making you look like a ghost. This can be prevented by choosing tinted mineral sunscreen.
Conversely if you have dry skin, opt for a chemical sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be applied AFTER the moisturizer. and before a primer (if using).
If you have fair skin increase protection to spf 50+.
Here are some Luisa’s approved sunscreens:
2. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for healthy skin, and they are especially important during the summer months when your skin is exposed to more environmental stressors.
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells and lead to premature aging.
Topical antioxidants are not enough, especially in summer. You should increase antioxidants intake through food (read this article to find out what foods contain antioxidants) and eventually take supplements. Look for vitamin C, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta- carotene, Vitamin E, Selenium, Q10, and curcumin. These chemicals neutralize the toxic free radicals and keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. More on free radicals later on in the exfoliation part.
Here are the antioxidants I recommend:
3. Soothing Ingredients
Summer can be tough on your skin, causing dryness, redness, and irritation. To soothe and hydrate your skin, look for skincare products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Niacinamide, in particular, is a great ingredient for sun-damaged skin. It helps to reduce inflammation, repair damaged skin cells, and improve the redness of your skin.
An aftersun cream that doesn’t contain any of these ingredients won’t help as much as a rich moisturizer that does. So as usual be aware of marketing traps 😉 and focus on ingredients instead.
The niacinamide & hyaluronic acid serum from Luisa True Skincare is the best option for anyone looking to soothe and curb redness in summer.
4. Hydration
Heat forces the body to produce more sweat to “cool down. The consequence is that we lose more water than usual. Therefore it is essential to replenish skin water content.
I’ve already talked about the fact that drinking water alone is not a solution (see this post) as the body needs electrolytes to stay hydrated. Don’t worry the solution is easy: add a pinch of salt to the water.
As far as the skin using a hyaluronic acid serum is essential to maintain proper skin hydration.
Additionally this type of serum is helps reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as promote an overall more youthful look. Due to its protective and regenerative properties, it also helps repair sun damaged skin.
Heat forces the body to produce more sweat to “cool down. The consequence is that we lose more water than usual. Therefore it is essential to replenish skin water content.
I’ve already talked about the fact that drinking water alone is not a solution (see this post) as the body needs electrolytes to stay hydrated. Don’t worry the solution is easy: add a pinch of salt to the water.
As far as the skin using a hyaluronic acid serum is essential to maintain proper skin hydration.
Additionally this type of serum is helps reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as promote an overall more youthful look. Due to its protective and regenerative properties, it also helps repair sun damaged skin. Read more on hyaluronic acid here
5. Lightweight Formulas
In summer, you want to avoid heavy or greasy skincare products that can clog your pores or melt on your skin.
Opt for lightweight formulas like gels, serums, or water-based moisturizers. These products are more easily absorbed by your skin and won’t leave a residue or , worse, a shiny finish.
6. Exfoliation
Exfoliating your skin regularly in summer helps to remove dead skin cells, and improves the texture and tone of your skin. This is especially important if you’re trying to achieve a very nice and even tan.
However, be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can cause your skin to become irritated or sensitive (remember, your skin is already more vulnerable because of sun).
Use a gentle exfoliant once a week.
If you’re using a chemical exfoliant like our glycolic acid exfoliant only apply it at night before going to sleep as with the sunlight it may cause more sun spots.
7.Cleansing
Cleansing your skin is crucial during the summer months, especially if you wear makeup or spend time outside. Sweat, oil, and dirt can clog your pores and cause breakouts, so it’s essential to keep your skin clean and clear.
In particular sweat needs to be wiped off because it can make your skin more dry. When you do so it’s not necessary to use a cleanser, water will do. But when you need to remove other impurities and sunscreen you will need a gentle cleanser like our micellar water.
Resist the temptation to wash your face more than once or twice a day. If you need to rinse, use plain water. If you feel fancy you can also use a refreshing spring water like this from Avéne
8. Take care of your lips
Your lips are just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of your skin, so it’s important to take care of them during the summer months.
Use a lip balm with SPF protection to keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun. Avoid licking your lips, as this can cause dryness and chapping.
Additionally rinse your lips (and body) after swimming in the ocean as the salt causes dehydration.
9. Store some of your products in the refrigerator
This is one of my favorite tips.Who doesn’t enjoy the cooling sensation on the skin when outside it’s 100 degrees? Plus low temperatures improve stability of some skincare ingredients (like vitamin C) so it’s a win win.
Products you can store in the refrigerator are serums , sunscreen, and gels. I don’t recommend you store moisturizers in the fridge as that might alter the texture too much.
10. Take a cold shower.
Cold means cold, not warm 😉
While warm showers can feel relaxing, they don’t have any other benefit. Instead, try taking a cold shower during the summer months!
No, I am not a masochist. There’s actually a reason for that. Cold water can help to tighten your pores and cold showers reduce overall body inflammation.
It’s also a great way to cool down on a hot day so take advantage of the high temperatures to introduce this practice in your wellness routine. And know that I’m suffering too!
Start with 30 seconds at the end of your warm shower.
Conclusions
In conclusion, taking care of your skin during the summer months is essential for maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion. Incorporating sunscreen, antioxidants, soothing ingredients, hydration, lightweight formulas, and exfoliation into your skincare routine can help to protect and nourish your skin.
Additionally, trying out some unusual tips such as taking a cold shower can further enhance your summer skincare routine.
Remember to stay hydrated, protect your lips and you’ll be on your way to a happy and healthy summer for you and your skin.
Questions? Leave them below!
Great article. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Susan! Enjoy the sun!
Excellent article Luisa! Thanks a lot! Most times one gets lazy including but with reminders like this….gives me the push to be conscious of what I need to do!
Thank you for reading Violet!