8 Natural Ways to Keep your Skin Healthy this Summer (Guest Post)

Summers are arguably the toughest seasons for skin health care. Every year, summers are associated with high temperatures, air pollution and high humidity. These factors lower the natural skin glow and increase vulnerability to skin infections. Extended exposure in the sun can cause sunburns, suntans, uncomfortable chafing or worsen existing skin flaws. This article seeks to outline eight natural ways to keep your skin healthy this summer.

1. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Sunlight

Research indicates that prolonged exposure to sun rays increases vulnerability to skin cancer like melanoma. Other risks include skin ageing, uneven texture, discolourations, and skin wrinkling. Avoid prolonged exposure by wearing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, using an umbrella or wearing a sun protective hat.

2. Clean and Moisturize

Bathe or shower frequently in warm water to remove dirt and to moisturize the surface of the skin. Harsh soaps and irritating chemicals should be avoided during the summer. Instead, use gentle cleansers to avoid dryness and sensitivity. Avoid using soap for areas that dry out easily; use soap only in underarms when necessary.

3. Exfoliate your Skin

One of the principal rules in skin care is to get rid of dead skin cells as frequently as possible. Summers encourage the body to shed dead skin. The skin becomes dull and dry if the dead skin is not removed. The key to having a glowing skin is to exfoliate frequently. Other measures like application of lotion follow after. To exfoliate, gently rub the skin with a body scrub in circular movements.

4. Apply sunscreen

Apply a full teaspoon fresh sunscreen on your face and a shot glass for your body. This should be repeated every two hours when exposed to the sun. Sunscreen not only improves the appearance of the skin but is also a measure for sustaining skin health during the summer.

Sunscreen should be applied daily on the face, neck and any other areas that are at risk of skin cancer. Application of sunscreen should be as often as possible because most wear off in less than three hours. Apply titanium and zinc based sunscreen; avoid irritating chemical based sunscreen for eyes or sensitive skin.

5. Maintain Minimum Makeup

Reduce the amount of makeup during the summer. Natural looks work best in summers or hot weather. Face powder should be applied together with a foundation to avoid patchy skin. Use lip balm to protect your lips. Avoid eye make-up as much as possible in hot weather.

6. Keep the Body Hydrated with Water

Although water ingested through the mouth does not go straight to the skin, body hydration is key to skin health. As a rule of thumb, drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Remember to carry a bottle of water. Water maintains general body freshness, gets rid of toxins and prevents dehydration.

7. Use Lotion to Hydrate your Skin

Use light summer lotions that are absorbed faster by the body. Purees and gels are known to be fast absorbing. Apply the lotion after the shower to retain the moisture absorbed by the skin.

Variety of choices are available to add some summer tint to the skin. For instance, sunless tanner is best applied on the face to make the skin more beautiful. Facial moisturizers are meant to give a healthy glow on your face.

8. Use Frequent Feet Scrub and Avoid Chafing

Avoid winter boots during the summer; instead, opt for sandals. Carry out regular pedicures to scrub off the dead skin. Removing the dead dry skin can be as simple as filing and scrubbing your feet at home a few times a week.

Chafing mainly occurs during summer due to continuous rubbing of the skin surface against clothing. The result is a sore, red skin or red spots on the legs, underarms, around the crotch and on the nipples. Preventive measures for chafing include the application of ointment or petroleum jelly. Other measures include wearing loose clothing, proper fitting shoes and keeping the body moisturized all the time.

Conclusion

This summer, it’s important to be as proactive as possible in general skin care. When selecting skincare products, ensure that the products support the natural functions of the skin. Additionally, ensure all the skin protection measures that you adopt help you to protect the natural beauty of the skin. With these useful tips, it’s possible to enjoy the summer without negative impacts on your skin.