As the temperatures increase and we spend more time outdoors, it can be easy to forget that the summer season can have a detrimental effect on our skin. Many people forget to apply sunscreen and are left with bad sunburns. However, the effects of sun exposure can be far more serious than irritated skin. So, what steps can we take to protect our skin during summer?
To keep skin healthy during hot and sunny weather, it is vital to do the following:
- Moisturise regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid using hot water for showers/baths
- Wear protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun
- Avoid peak sun hours
- Use high-quality skincare products
- Avoid using heavy makeup
Keep reading to learn more about the best practices to follow to keep your skin vibrant and health all summer long.
What Happens to Skin During Summer?
As the weather gets warmer and the sun stays out for longer, it is easy to forget that our skin is highly susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation. We tend to spend longer outdoors in the sun when summer comes around which, without a proper summer skincare routine, can lead to serious health consequences such as skin cancer. Over-exposure to the sun can also cause premature ageing and wrinkles.
Best Skincare for Summer
Whilst the sun can have a detrimental effect on our skin if allowed to, there are a number of steps that we can take to help protect our skin and still enjoy the sunny weather.
Moisturisation
There are multiple factors during the summer that can cause your skin to become dehydrated. For example, if you are on a beach or swimming in the sea, the hot sun, salty water and sand can have a serious drying effect on your skin. To combat this effect, moisturise your skin regularly with products that contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Hydration
Whilst skin hydration is vital to keeping skin healthy during the summer, it is of equal importance to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can affect your skin’s appearance, as well as making you unwell. By drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, you can help to maintain your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Avoiding Hot Water
Whilst this is a good rule of thumb all-year-round, avoiding overly hot water for showers or baths can be especially helpful at maintaining skin health during summer. Regularly using hot water strips skin of its natural oils that help to keep it healthy, which can cause skin to become dry and irritated. Furthermore, using cool water can provide sunburn relief and reduce inflammation.
Protective Clothing
It might be tempting to wear less clothing in summer with hot temperatures. However, wearing clothing that will cover your skin and protect it from the sun can make a huge difference for skin health. Using sun hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved tops and clothing with a UPF rating is the best defence for the skin. Clothing that is breathable and made from natural fibres like cotton will allow your skin to breathe and prevent overheating.
Avoiding Peak Sun Hours
Be sure to check the weather forecast before spending a day in the sun. This will give you an idea of when the sun will be at its most damaging. Plan accordingly; either aim to spend the early morning or evening in the sun to avoid the hottest part of the day. If you have to be outside during this time, seek shade and regularly apply sunscreen.
Using High-Quality Skincare Products
A vital aspect of a summer skincare routine is the type of skincare products you use. Using products that contain vitamins C and E can help to neutralise free radicals in the skin that cause premature ageing and skin damage. Similarly, using products that are rich in antioxidants will also give your skin a healthy boost and protect it from environmental damage.
Avoiding Heavy Makeup
During summer, hot temperatures and more sweat can cause pores to become clogged and lead to breakouts if you are using heavy makeup. Consider switching to lighter more breathable options such as tinted moisturisers or BB creams.
Sunblock vs Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?
Sunscreen is another vital part of keeping skin healthy during the summer. But should you use sunblock or sunscreen? Sunscreen and sunblock both protect skin from summer sun, but they go about it in different ways. Sunscreen absorbs UV radiation from the sun before it can be absorbed by your skin, whereas sunblock prevents the sun’s rays from ever reaching your skin in the first place. Either one is a suitable preventative measure to take for protecting your skin from UV radiation.
How can I Keep Skin Healthy all Year Round?
Of course, following our advice throughout the entire year can help to keep skin healthier and firmer for longer. As can:
- Maintaining a healthy diet – Sticking a healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains with few processed carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can help you to look and feel at your best.
- Avoiding strong soaps – Strong soaps, similar to using hot water, can strip the skin of its natural oils and result in dry and irritated skin, especially during summer.
- Quitting smoking – Smoking has numerous ill effects on the skin such as the narrowing of blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, causing reduced blood flow and making skin paler. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, and increases the risk of various cancers developing.
- Manage stress – Surprisingly, uncontrolled stress can cause acne breakouts (among other skin problems). It is important to keep on top of stress by maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and making time for self-care.
Book an Appointment with Infinity Aesthetics Today
Over time, exposure to the sun will result in wrinkles, fine lines and creases appearing in the skin. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to you that can help to successfully eliminate these signs of ageing with minimally-invasive procedures. Complete a free virtual consultation today with Dr Owen Thomas, our expert clinician, or book an appointment via our online scheduling system.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
