There’s nothing like the feeling of warm summer sun on your body, but this time of year can play havoc with your skin. The sun drying it out isn’t the only thing you have to worry about over the hottest season of the year; indoor air conditioning can also have a drying effect on your skin, and then there’s the salt water and chlorine from swimming.
Here are some simple tips for smoother skin this summer.
1. Simplify your skincare
Cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliator, serums, makeup remover, sunblock… If you use a lot of skincare products, that’s a whole lot of ingredients soaking into your skin and potentially interacting with each other! Try to use as few products as possible and check the ingredients list for products with fewer ingredients. Doing so may help reduce skin irritation.
2. Up your SPF
Our New Zealand sun can be super harsh, so it’s important to ensure you’re wearing a sunscreen with an adequate SPF of at least 30. Even on a cloudy day your skin can feel the effects of the sun’s rays. If you’re not typically a sunscreen fan, try a different brand or type to the one you would normally go for – you may be pleasantly surprised at how light and easy to rub in some sunscreens can be. If you’re not keen on applying it to your face, some makeup products and moisturisers contain sunscreen so they could be a better option for you.
3. Avoid hot showers and baths
Washing in hot showers and baths can strip your skin of natural oils that help protect your skin and keep it feeling smooth. Take the temperature down a notch and opt for a cooler wash instead.
4. Combat the cold winds
If the cool blast of air conditioning is drying out your skin, drink plenty of water and either use a hydrating mist spray or apply moisturiser at least three times a day. Air conditioning can also antagonise skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, so if you normally have one of these conditions and it’s flaring up, air conditioning may be the culprit.
5. Resist the tan
Baking in the summer sun may give you a bronzed complexion, but the UV light you expose yourself to can have a lasting effect that can lead to wrinkles, sunspots or even skin cancer. Instead, stick to a safer fake tan and make sure you continue to use sunscreen when you’re out in the sun.
6. Eat your way to smoother skin
A diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables can do wonders for your complexion. The vitamins and minerals your body takes from these foods – particularly Vitamins A and C – will help to protect and restore your skin. For Vitamin A, eat more dark leafy greens, carrots and dried apricots. For Vitamin C, eat more berries, citrus fruit and kiwifruit.
Image / FreeDigitalPhotos.net – stockimages
What’s your top tip for keeping your skin smooth over the summer? Comment below and let us know!