By Dr. Colleen Silva, Springfield Clinic
As summer reaches its peak, it’s time to relish the sunny days and balmy evenings. But with increased exposure to the sun and changes in our daily routines, summer can pose challenges to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. To ensure your skin remains that way during these sunny months, let’s delve into essential summer skincare tips.
Sun Protection
Perhaps the most significant summer skin concern is sun damage. The summer sun may feel wonderful, but prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Protecting your skin is crucial! Ensure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and reapply every two hours when outdoors. If you can’t stand the feel of sunscreen or don’t like reapplying, look for broad-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing with a UPF of 50. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still reach your skin, so make sun protection part of your daily routine.
Hydration and Moisturization
Hydration is the key to maintaining a healthy summer glow. Increase your water intake to offset the dehydrating effects of summer heat and air conditioning. Keep your skin moisturized too, as external hydration is equally important. Choose lightweight, water-based moisturizers that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy in the summer heat.
Preventing Heat Rash and Excessive Sweat
With higher temperatures comes increased sweating, which can lead to clogged pores and heat rashes. Showering after excessive sweating, wearing breathable fabrics, and choosing non-comedogenic skincare products can help prevent these issues. If you’re prone to heat rash, try to spend the hottest parts of the day in cool, shaded areas. Skin folds can become irritated if they remain wet, so consider using absorbing powders in these areas during the summer.
Healthy Summer Habits
Diet and exercise play a substantial role in skin health. Regular exercise promotes circulation, aiding skin health, while a diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats supports skin resilience. Enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies and try to incorporate omega-3-rich foods like fish and walnuts into your summer meals.
Adjusting Your Skincare Routine
Lastly, remember that your skincare routine may need a summer shake-up. You might find that lighter moisturizers or increased use of antioxidants like vitamin C can help your skin thrive in summer conditions.
Taking care of your skin is a year-round commitment, but each season brings its own set of challenges and solutions. By being proactive about sun protection, hydration, sweat management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and adjusting your skincare routine, you can enjoy the summer months with healthy, glowing skin.
If you notice any significant changes to your skin or have any concerns, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Here’s to a summer of skin health and happiness!
Dr. Colleen Silva is a board-certified dermatologist with Springfield Clinic Peoria at our Springfield Clinic Peoria Allen location at 9010 North Allen Road. Call 309.232.8535 to schedule an appointment.