Summer is a great time to show off your skin, but the warmer weather can damage it if you’re not prepared. Factors such as dehydration, excessive sun exposure, and even warmer temperatures can adversely impact your appearance, so you should be proactively taking steps to handle them.
If you’re not sure where to begin, the four following summer beauty secrets from the experts at South Beach Skin Lab can get you going in the right direction.
1. Try A Cold Shower
Many people take hot showers without really thinking about it, but they can actually damage your skin. It’s counter-intuitive to think that standing in a steady stream of water can dry out your skin, but the heat can cost your body more moisture than it gets.
A cold shower is less taxing on your body’s moisture reserves, helping to ensure that your skin remains moist and supple. It can also feel good on a hot day, especially after strenuous physical activity.
Experts recommend the regular application of a gentle moisturizer after every shower, just to make sure that your skin has everything it needs to look its best. Try to get in the habit of doing so this summer!
2. Don’t Forget Your Eyes and Lips
Sensitive areas of your face such as your lips and eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from summer-related environmental factors, so make sure they’re both adequately protected before you go outside. Lip balm does an excellent job protecting your lips as long as you apply it regularly, so make sure to keep some with you at all times.
Likewise, sunglasses are a great way to shield your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Depending on your skin tone, you may need them even on days that aren’t obviously sunny. UV light can penetrate clouds easily, and sunlight can reflect off of many common surfaces to assault your eyes from multiple angles.
When in doubt, grab the shades. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Water Is Your Friend
While many people use the terms “dry skin” and “dehydrated skin” interchangeably, they actually signify two different things. Dry skin lacks natural oils that help to keep it looking fresh, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Both have similar symptoms (inflammation, flakiness), but the fixes are different.
Many people don’t drink the two liters of water daily required to maintain optimal hydration, and that number goes up as the temperature does. Dehydration can cause a variety of serious health maladies besides skin defects, including improper blood circulation and kidney stones, so this is one area you cannot compromise on.
Eight glasses of water per day are the best way to ensure optimal hydration.
You can get water from sources such as fruits, vegetables, and 100-percent fruit juices in addition to drinking pure water, but other sources pack sugars and calories that you may want to limit. Try to concentrate on drinking more water this summer.
Your skin (and health) will thank you!
4. A Good Scrub Is Key: Exfoliate & Cleanse
Many women view exfoliation as a luxury reserved for spa days, but it’s actually a vital process to keep your skin looking radiant and glowing.
The process cycles dead and dying skin cells away, allowing younger cells to take their place and give you a younger look when performed with a deep cleanse using our Day & Night Olive Oil Cleanser.
Most women benefit from exfoliation once or twice a week, but your needs could vary depending on your specific skin type. It’s important to avoid over-exfoliation though, as the frequent stress can actually bring the flakiness you’re trying to get rid of back with a vengeance. There is also no need to torture yourself with harsh chemicals, as all-natural options are gentler and work just as well.
Your skin is also especially vulnerable to the sun right after an exfoliation session, so don’t skimp on sunscreen! If you exfoliate when your face tells you that it’s needed (and not more or less), you’re set up for success!
The tips above can help you look your best all summer long!
