During the hot summer months we really need to take extra special care of our skin to avoid some of the most common problems that affect women of all ages.
Here are 5 key issues to keep an eye out for:
1) Dry, Flaky Skin
Dry, flaky skin is the result of too much sun exposure, dehydration, and if you like to swim, chlorinated pools can also be a contributor. Air conditioners at work, home, even in the car, coupled with the summer heat can cause your skin to lose moisture.
The key is to apply moisturizer day and night and to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. Remember, the best time to apply moisturizer is right after a bath or shower when the skin is slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. You may also want to exfoliate more regularly to help remove dead and dying skin cells from both the face and the body. Proper exfoliation will remove the dry, rough patches and reveal smoother, softer skin. It’s also helpful to have a facial quencher on hand to provide your skin with an instant burst of hydration throughout the day.
2) Facial Breakouts
Even those of us who usually don’t suffer from Acne may experience random breakouts during the summertime. Heat and humidity can kick our oil glands into working over time resulting in excess sebum production. We are also prone to using more sunscreen then normal and these products tend to clog our pores.
It’s helpful to give the skin a good cleansing twice a day and, if oil buildup is a concern, an afternoon cleansing may prove beneficial. Look for oil free make up and moisturizers and consider using an oil absorbing clarifying mask a few times a week to help control the oil. It’s also a good time to clean your makeup brushes and cell phones to remove any oil and bacteria that can be transferred to the skin resulting in irritation.
3) Oily T-Zone
The T-Zone is the area of the face that has the most oil glands. It includes the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and if you already suffer from oily skin the summer months can seem unbearable.
Be sure to use “oil free” products during the summer including your moisturizers and make up. Carry oil absorbing sheets or blotting papers with you to quickly absorb the excess oil on the spot. Avoid over cleansing or any facial products containing alcohol as they will strip your skin of its natural oils and encourage your oil glands to produce more. And if you aren’t using one already, introduce a facial toner for oily skin into your daily regimen. The astringent properties of a toner help remove excess sebum and calm the skin.
4) Body Acne
“Backne” is the term for breakouts that occur on our back and shoulders. Summertime brings out the tank tops and halter dresses and unfortunately the breakouts too. This part of our body tends to be a bit more sensitive then the rest because it isn’t regularly exposed except for the warmer months.
It’s the hot, humid weather that causes us to sweat more and our oil glands to produce excess oil. Unfortunately, body acne can take longer to heal then facial breakouts so it’s important to wear loose, cotton clothing that won’t trap moisture and to shower quickly after working out or playing in the sun. Use a hydrating body wash and a back brush to cleanse and exfoliate the affected area to prevent pores from clogging.
And, apply a light weight body lotion to create a protective barrier after showering. If you have long hair, you may wish to put it in a high pony tail while sleeping to prevent any transfer of oil from the hair to the skin.
5) Peeling/Uneven skin after tanning
Everyone loves that sun kissed glow we get from being outdoors but unfortunately that glow can turn ugly real quick. When we tan our skin begins to dehydrate. It starts to look uneven in color, our fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable and we begin to flake and peel. Peeling is the body’s answer to getting rid of damaged skin. To help prevent the muddled aftermath be sure to exfoliate your skin prior to any sun exposure.
Use a sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection to protect the skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Moisturising lotions are key especially those containing Aloe Vera. Apply throughout the day to keep skin hydrated and fend off peeling. Drink plenty of water. And, when bathing, use cool water not hot to prevent the skin from drying out even further.