Are you as excited as I am that summertime is almost here? The summer sun, BBQ’s and lounging by the pool or the river, are a welcomed change from cold winter months! However, with the summer sun, comes skin care tips that need to be implemented for maintaining optimal skin health. Let’s explore seven summertime tips for your skin below!
Summertime Tip #1- Apply Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen of course! Many people confuse sunscreen as only being part of their summertime skin care routine, rather than a daily precautionary element of it annually. However, summer is a very crucial season for application. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and apply after your daily moisturizer.
Unfortunately, many people are sensitive, or allergic to ingredients found in sunscreen. Some of these ingredients, include: 4-isopropyl-dibenzoylmethane, esthers, cinnamates, oxybenzone, avobenzone and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). If you experience an allergic reaction, consult with a dermatologist right away. It is important to find your best defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Summertime Tip #2- Don’t Overheat
With the summer sun comes heat. However, overheating can cause a worsening of dry skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis flares. Keep the indoor temperature of your home between 68 and 74 degrees.
Summertime Tip #3- Moisturize Your Home
Desert or dry climates, can also aggravate dry skin. Invest in a humidifier and keep the moisture levels of your home between 40 and 50%.
Summertime Tip #4- Dress the Part
When you are outside in the sun, it is imperative that you dress to protect your skin from sun damage. Hats are fun, flirtatious and more importantly, help you to keep the sun’s UV rays off your face! In addition, when temperatures are tolerable enough for them, wear long sleeves or a windbreaker. Cotton and silk are your best friends!
Summertime Tip #5- Remove Excess Sweat
Sweating is a side effect of overheating and exercise. Remove excess sweat by patting it from your skin. When possible, rinse off in a cool shower. Avoid hot water, as it will further dry out skin and cause irritation and itchiness. Don’t skip your daily workout. Exercise is important for your overall health. Always take a cool shower after your exercise routine.
Summertime Tip #6- Mind Your Allergies
Seasonal allergies can exacerbate conditions such as eczema. Be mindful of pollen counts, as they too, can trigger eczema, asthma and hay fever. Speak with your physician about adding an antihistamine to your daily regimen. Antihistamines often cause drowsiness. It is best to take 24 hour relief prior to bedtime to avoid a groggy feeling throughout your day.
Summertime Tip #7- Quench Your Skin’s Thirst
Moisturize and moisturize again! Apply a heavy cream or ointment to areas of the skin that are dry, itching or cracked. These moisturizers provide a more sufficient moisture lock than your standard lotions. Utilize products that contain ceramides for optimizing your skin’s barrier. Ceramide 3 is an important ingredient for helping your skin to repair itself. You lose ceramides with exposure to the sun. They make up roughly, 47% of your epidermis (top layer of skin). It is imperative that you replace them.
Featured images:
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting has developed a sensitive skin care product line which she blogs about regularly at cherylleemd.com
