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The warmth and sunshine of summer mean vacations, parties, and plenty of time spent outdoors, but it can also mean a new skin care routine is in order.
When it's hot outside and you're on the go, the last thing you want is a complicated beauty routine full of heavy products. With a few simple steps you can get fresh, glowing skin that looks great all summer long.
Wearing sunscreen is a must every day of the year to protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging, but it becomes even more important in the summer when UV rays are most intense and you spend more time outdoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 15, or higher if you burn easily.
For full protection, use half of a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover your face and neck, apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, and re-apply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. If you do accidentally get sunburned, soothe skin with a cool, wet cloth and some refrigerated lotion or aloe gel. Ibuprofen can also help ease swelling and pain.
You can easily create a believable golden tan with a self-tanner applied in the spots where skin tans naturally. For golden skin without the commitment use a bronzer on cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead; a powder version is best for oily skin while gel formulas add light moisture to dryer faces.
Exfoliation is essential for getting rid of dry, dead skin cells leftover from cold winter weather and giving your skin a natural glow. You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a gentle scrub or a damp washcloth, or a chemical exfoliant containing glycolic acid or lactic acid. Remember to start slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin, and to wear sunscreen every day as exfoliation may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
The heat and humidity of summer can increase skin's oil production so consider switching to a different cleanser and moisturizer.
Replace your creamy cleanser with a foaming or gel-based version and swipe your face with an alcohol-free toner if skin still feels oily. Choose a light moisturizer in lotion or gel form - or skip the moisturizer altogether if skin doesn't feel dry or tight.
Finally, carry a water mist spray such as Avene Thermal Water or Evian Mineral Water spray in your purse for a great pick-me-up during the day. A single spray soothes and hydrates skin, calms redness and irritation, and refreshes and sets makeup. |
