4/Never Forget Your Eyes, Lips, and Feet.

 

Eyes, lips, and feet are not only greatly exposed but are neglected areas of the body when it comes to protecting from the sun's harmful rays. Remember, the sun's rays are the harshest between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months. Always wear sunglasses to protect the eyes. We often forget that the skin around the eyes is very delicate and needs extra TLC; therefore, it is important to use a moisturizing under-eye gel. Apply lip balm with SPF under your lipstick. Scrub your feet to exfoliate and then apply moisturiser and sunscreen, especially if you are wearing open-toed sandals. 

5/Skincare Routine.

As we change our outerwear to address a changing climate, the same holds true for our skincare. As we transition from winter to summer temperatures, a principal change to your skincare routine is adjusting the textures and formulations. As the climate heats up, our skin can be more prone to producing sebum.

Start with cleansing, toning, and moisturising twice a day to prevent sweat and sebum from clogging the pores. Replace your heavier cleanser (such as cream/oil cleanser) with a lighter foam cleanser.

The next absolute must is toning the face. When it comes to glowing, healthy-looking skin, toner is a key step in your summer skincare routine. The maximum number of sebaceous glands is found on the face's T-zone, and toner removes any last traces of dirt and impurities that linger in your pores after you wash your face. Toner restores your skin's pH level and improves skin tone, gently refreshing your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Additionally, toner prepares the skin to absorb moisturiser and sunscreen better. It is important to find the ideal formula, made especially for your skin type, to optimize results.

Excessive summer heat can dehydrate your skin, so it's important to keep it moisturized during the summer. This may seem counterintuitive, but if your skin becomes oily, it may be a sign that your skin could be dehydrated. Your body will step up the production of sebum, your natural skin oil, to protect itself from drying out. Moisturizers re-establish the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, protect from harmful pollutants and irritants, and prevent further dryness. Consider using a lightweight moisturizer, typically wa ter-based, low-oil hydrators, or perhaps a combination moisturizer that includes a lightweight moisturizer plus a sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. A lighter-weight moisturiser allows pores to breathe, preventing clogging or excessive sweating.

A quick note on makeup: Summer heat provides a not-so-gentle reminder to reduce the makeup you wear every day. Allow your skin to breathe more freely by wearing only minimal facial makeup when needed. Take a close look at your makeup product labels and only keep those that are non-comedogenic, a lighter and less oily alternative. 

 

6/Antioxidants Are Your Skin's Bestie.

As crucial as the four-step summer skin care regimen that includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sunscreen may be, there is more to consider to take your summer skincare up a notch or two. Antioxidants are a game changer, and although they are essential year-round, they are particularly important during the summer, when stronger UV rays can damage unprotected skin. To be clear, UV rays are the main creators of free radicals in your skin.

What are free radicals? Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that steal energy from healthy cells, causing oxidative stress and ultimately DNA damage resulting in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging. Antioxidant serums, such as L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), are applied in the morning. After cleansing and toning, apply an antioxidant serum before moisturiser and sunscreen. The benefits of this miracle formula help prevent the signs of aging by supporting collagen and elastin production, stimulating cellular regeneration and metabolism, improving hydration and discoloration, and increasing the overall integrity of the skin. 

 

7/ The Rewards of Retinol.

We all love retinol for its anti-aging benefits, but there's a common belief that you should only use this ingredient during the winter months because it increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

Contrary to popular belief, it's actually good for your skin to start using retinol in the summer, especially if you tend to be drier in the winter. The summer humidity leaves your skin naturally more moisturized during the warmer months. Often because of the additional hydration, you'll actually see less of the dryness and flaking that often accompanies retinol use. Well-known and common side effects are redness, flaking, and peeling; however, know that this is often not seasonally dependent. Having stated this, there are a few aspects that should call for heightened awareness during the summer or anytime you will face prolonged sun exposure. Here is a crash course on Vitamin A and its effects on your skin, discussing both retinoids and retinol.

Retinoids are the group of Vitamin A derivatives that have been proven, in study after study, to unclog pores, stimulate collagen production, and improve collagen density. The active ingredient that repairs photo aging  and alleviates acne is retinoic acid. Your skin is only able to use retinoids that are or can be converted to, retinoic acid because retinoic acid works by binding to retinoic acid receptors found on the outer membrane of cells. On the acne-fighting front, it penetrates sebaceous glands and reduces sebum production. 3

Retinol is a very popular version of Vitamin A found in over-the-counter products. Retinol is not retinoic acid; rather, it works because it converts to retinoic acid. It's important to remember that all Vitamin A derivatives must convert to retinoic acid. Their effectiveness depends on the number of conversion steps, stability, and concentration.

If either retinoid or retinol is chosen, the product is to be applied at night only. A caution of which to be aware: Retinoid and retinol thin the outer skin barrier and cause increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light, which leaves your skin more prone to sunburn. If sunburn occurs, be advised to pause on retinol use as you should not apply anything potentially irritating to your skin. Instead, use plenty of moisturiser and restart your routine once the skin improves and the sunburn completely resolves. It is imperative that you apply an SPF of 30 or higher, even if you remain indoors and use UPF clothing along with a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. 

8/ Hydration is Key.

To be properly hydrated is to be optimally healthy, plain and simple. Adequate hydration is important 365 days of the year; however, in the summer it should be your number one priority. Hydration keeps your skin radiant, soft, and supple; water is an essential ingredient in healthy skin tissue. Another key fact is that water flushes the toxins out from the skin through sweat and urine. Skin is not happy when it is burned or insulted by the sun's heat. Water is effective in healing the skin to recover after a sunburn.

So how much do you really need to drink in a day? There are several factors that determine how much water you should consume, including your size, activity, metabolism, location, diet, physical activity, and overall health. Generally, men should drink about 3.7 liters (about 125 ounces) a day, and women should drink 2.7 liters (about 91 ounces). Understand that these amounts also apply to the water content in food. The bottom line is to remain cognizant and replenish your body with adequate water intake throughout each day, especially in the warm summer months. 

 

9/ Your Skin is as Good as Your Diet.

Diet plays an essential role in your skin's overall health. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins E and C, zinc, selenium, protein, beta carotene, resveratrol, and carotenoids that act as an antioxidant, are all responsible for improving skin function, resilience, elasticity, and overall skin integrity.

Fatty types of fish like salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. They're also a good source of high-quality protein, Vitamin E, and zinc. Avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain Vitamins E and C, which are important for healthy skin. They also pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage. Walnuts and sunflower seeds are a good source of essential fats, zinc, Vitamin E, selenium, and protein, all of which are nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock and may protect your skin from sun damage. Bell peppers contain plenty of beta-carotene and Vitamin C, both of which are important antioxidants for your skin. Vitamin C is also necessary to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps your skin strong. Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids that are important for skin health. It also contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from sunburn. Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. These carotenoids protect your skin from sun damage and may help prevent wrinkling.

Cocoa contains antioxidants that may protect your skin against sunburn. These antioxidants may also improve wrinkles, skin thickness, hydration, blood flow, and skin texture. The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness, as well as improve its hydration, thickness, and elasticity.

Last, but certainly not least, resveratrol is an amazing antioxidant found in red grapes and may slow your skin's aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that damage your skin.

10/ Sleep Regenerates Your Skin

One of the underappreciated summer tips for skin is ensuring your body gets plenty of rest, preferably seven to nine hours of sleep. Adequate rest allows your skin to restore its essential functions, during which time it boosts melanin production, repairs damaged skin cells, and revitalizes your complexion. Collagen, the protein responsible for helping your skin keep its volume and elasticity, is produced as the skin cells regenerate. There is also more blood flow to the skin during sleep, which delivers the nutrients it needs to recover from a day of exposure to the elements.

Summer invites a unique opportunity to pay attention not only to your skin care regimen but also to your habits, your diet, and your hydration status. As you focus on prioritizing these essential tips in your daily routine, you will optimize your skin's function, appearance, health, and integrity.

Here's to a skin-sational summer!