After the cold, dry winter months, your skin is in need of some serious hydration. Not only does your skin need to recover from winter’s harsh elements, but it’s also time to prepare for the summer sun. Wearing sunscreen (while absolutely essential) isn’t the only summer accessory to glowing, healthy skin. Give these steps a try for the most beautiful, hydrated skin all summer long.
Exfoliate for clearer, smoother skin
Exfoliation is more than just a step to prep your skin for a great self-tanner. A gentle scrub removes dead, flaky skin from your face and body to prevent blemishes and a dull appearance. A gentle exfoliant is great for your morning skincare routine. It’s perfect to clear the skin of dirt and debris before applying toner, moisturiser, SPF or makeup (which lasts longer with exfoliated skin).
Keep skin hydrated
After exfoliating your skin, it’s crucial to restore the nutrients lost. Use a natural body oil or moisturiser to feed your skin healthy nutrients rather than layering on perfumed lotions that won’t restore your skin’s natural oils. Use natural masks that help restore hydration, especially during the summer to ward off the drying effects of the heat, which deplete your skin’s moisture.
Drink plenty of H20
Sweat is your body’s way of cooling down naturally, so as the temperatures heat up, you’ll need more water to keep your body hydrated. Drinking plenty of water improves the elasticity of your skin and gives a youthful, hydrated appearance. Women should drink about 2.7 litres of water a day.
Sunscreen…and more sunscreen
To keep summer skin healthy, you need to apply a generous amount of SPF every day. From your head to your toes, sunscreen is a vital part of keeping skin healthy each day and long term. Getting sunburnt even once every other year more than triples your chance of getting skin cancer. Don’t just apply once in the morning, especially if you’re going to be outdoors. Carry a travel size sunscreen with you to reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Gentle, natural cleanser
After a day in the sun or even sitting in the office, your skin needs to be cleansed with a gentle solution. A natural oil cleanser will effectively remove dirt, oil and makeup, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for your night time skincare routine.
Skincare and travel ready
The days are long, the nights are hot and you’re full of spontaneity. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation out of the country, be prepared to take your skincare routine with you. Traveling is not the time to grab a random travel size product from the store shelf, because you’ll only need it for one night. Keep your skin regimen intact – no matter how far you are away from home – to prevent breakouts or throwing off your pH balance.
Summer is the perfect time to go makeup free, hydrate your skin, and take in the warm temperatures. Keep your skin moisturised and don’t let the travel season throw off your skincare routine. Here’s to longer days, fresh summer cocktails, and radiant skin!