We wait all year for summer to appear and when it does, sometimes the excitement of the season takes over and we forget the importance of summer skin care. This season, let’s vow to make some changes to our routine so that the best time of year doesn’t last forever (in the form of skin damage).
Rinse off the chlorine | Don’t let sweat and dirt linger | Exfoliate your face and body | Reapply a high SPF sunscreen | Avoid using expired sunscreen | Establish a nightly skin care routine | Prioritize sleep
Summer vow #1: Rinse off the chlorine
Are you planning to spend a lot of time in the pool this summer? If your skin sits on the more sensitive side of the scale, a chlorine rash could be a very real problem. According Health.com, this type of rash is more likely to occur in a pool with a higher level of chlorine – such as a hotel pool or public pool. These chemicals serve a good purpose, but they are no joke. The risk of developing a rash seems to increase the longer you spend in the pool and can leave the skin dry, red and itchy. Fortunately, these types of rashes are not contagious. They are thought to occur because chlorine can irritate the skin and “strip away the surface layer of oil” that normally locks in moisture.
One way to minimize the effects of a chlorine rash or dry, irritated skin after swimming is to take off your wet swimsuit once you’re back on land. Shower well with soap to help remove chlorine and apply a moisturizer to restore the hydrated feeling. If the rash worsens, see your doctor to rule out anything more serious.
Summer vow #2: Don’t let sweat and grime linger
Heat, sweat and bacteria are the unwelcome trinity of summer skin nightmares. All three factors trapped together create the perfect environment for another unwanted trio: clogged pores, problematic skin and summer body acne. If past summers were marred by unpleasant skin problems, now is the time to reduce those occurrences by reviewing your clothing choices.
On hot days, change your clothes frequently to reduce the amount of sweat, oil and dirt that hangs on the skin. Try to wear flowy clothes or natural fibers (think linen and light cotton) instead of tighter, polymer ones. If you work out, invest in sweat-wicking activewear that keeps you cool and doesn’t trap sweat on your skin. Also, avoid spending too much time in your workout clothes once you’re done exercising. Take a shower and change into something fresh and light.
Summer vow #3: Face and body exfoliation
Your face is also a magnet for the gross stuff, but you can achieve that fresh-faced glow by washing your day with Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser. It is a gentle multi-action exfoliating cleanser that cleanses impurities, removes surface debris and smoothes the appearance of skin. You can also target your breakouts with Clear Skin Willow Bark Firming Serum and Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser to clear up the look of your skin and leave your summer woes behind.
When it comes to the rest of your body, small actions can have a big impact on any “acne” (body acne, of course), keratosis pilaris, dry spots and red patches that are much easier to ignore in the winter when you’re a little more covered up. .
Want to show off those shoulders and back this summer? Consider getting them in top shape by booking a facial at your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to exfoliate and treat hard-to-reach areas that can easily collect sweat and bacteria, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Goodbye summer acne!
If your skin is dull and scaly after a long winter, remove this weak layer of dead skin cells to reveal soft and glowing summer skin. According to Cleveland Clinic, dry brushing your back, thighs, buttocks, arms and legs before showering is a great way to exfoliate, stimulate circulation and unclog pores to protect against sweat build-up and dirt. It also encourages lymphatic drainagea gentle massage technique that stimulates the movement of lymphatic fluids to remove waste and toxins from the body.
Alternatively, a scrub specially designed to exfoliate the whole body is a great way to refresh the skin. Our antioxidant-rich Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub and Hydrating Coconut Sugar Scrub are both great ways to reveal beautifully polished skin.
Summer vow #4: Reapply a high SPF sunscreen
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sunscreen is one of the most (if not the most) important steps in your skin care routine. But applying any old product is not always effective. Set yourself up for success with a product with a high sun protection factor – a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential to protect skin from the sun. The Daily Defense Tinted SPF provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection while hydrating and nourishing skin’s appearance. Or, if you’re also aiming to target signs of aging, you can try Radiant Protection SPF Fluid, a lightweight liquid sunscreen that provides SPF 30 protection while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Any sunscreen on your makeup is a bonus, but it’s not enough on its own. If you want to avoid sun-damaged skin on the face and body, apply (and reapply) sunscreen regularly. SkinCancer.org suggests using 1 ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen on exposed body parts and reapplying every two hours depending on your activity. For the face and neck, a 1/2 tsp it is enough for your first application. If you are diving in and out of the pool or lake with waterproof sunscreen, you should note the reapplication times in the instructions.
Keep in mind that there is still a chance of sun damage when sitting indoors. UV rays can penetrate windows even when you’re relaxing inside with the air conditioner or driving on a sunny day – which is why it’s so important to keep your promise to yourself to make SPF a daily habit.
Summer Oath #5: Avoid using expired sunscreen
We know your intentions were good when you bought that giant tube of sunscreen five years ago, but it’s time to let it go. According to Mayo Clinic, sunscreens sold in the US must remain at their original strength for three years. Anything close to the expiration date should be replaced. If the product’s timeline is less than this three-year window, an expiration date should be printed on the product. However, if the consistency is off, the smell is weird, or the color has shifted, there’s a good chance your SPF product isn’t as effective as it should be, even before its expiration date. When in doubt, throw it away. It’s not worth the risk.
Summer vow #6: Establish a nightly skin care routine
Sun exposure, extreme heat, smog and salt water are just some of the environmental factors that wreak havoc on our skin in summer. A good cleaning at the end of the day is always necessary. Us Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser is perfect for smoothing texture without overpowering the skin’s natural oils. Follow with a swipe of Pineapple Refining Tonique, then apply Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream (bonus points if you add Superfood Booster-Powder). This combination will defeat dullness and dehydration with two illuminating formulas.
And for an extra boost of vitamins on those rare summer nights at home, spend 5-10 minutes on the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Mask before applying your overnight moisturizer and wake up to skin that looks radiant, firm and toned.
Summer vow #7: Prioritize sleep
Summer days can be exhausting – in the best possible way. Early morning hikes, long road trips and late summer nights take their toll in the form of dark circles and shorter sleep cycles.
Sleep is important for your overall skin health – the meaning of it “Beauty sleep” is a real thing. According Healthline.com, poor sleep can result in skin aging faster and having less time to repair itself from environmental stressors. Getting at least eight hours a night will go a long way in eliminating those squinty eyes that may have plagued you in the past, not to mention preserving your great solar energy for all your future summer activities.
Need help committing to your new summer skincare vows? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa partner to prepare for a summer full of (safe) fun in the sun.
