Achieving a healthy summer glow is not that hard! Everyone is usually outside more in the summer, and this can create different approaches to skin care than in the cooler months. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips to maintain summer skin.
1. Moisturize!
Always wear moisturizer, even if you have the oiliest of skin like I do. After a shower or bath, apply a lighter version moisturizer than you would in the winter. One with an SPF of 30 or higher is ideal.
2. Hydrate!
Make sure you drink plenty of water. You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces anyway, so make sure you consume at least that much or more if you are outside or more active than usual. Water, as we all know, helps eliminate toxins from the body via the kidneys. When we do not get enough water, it affects our skin tremendously. Our skin dries out, and we show the signs of aging much more quickly. The toxins do not get flushed out of the body and become trapped in the skin. This is the best holistic method of keeping your skin looking and feeling plumper. I had a client just the other day explain to me that her acne gets worse when she doesn’t get enough water to drink! Water will also help reduce oil production by sebaceous glands. Oil is produced when the skin is dry, so since water is a natural moisturizer, it hydrates the skin cells therefore limiting oil production.
3. Exfoliate!
Exfoliating the skin at least twice a week, but no more, will keep the dead skin cells from building up on your skin. Over exfoliating may harm the skin cells, so keep it to twice a week. Some people believe that exfoliating daily is good for the skin during the summer months and that it will stop excess oil production and acne. This is just not the case. It can be drying, and if you don’t get enough water to drink then skin will be excessively dry. By exfoliating only twice a week your skin will have time to regenerate more skin cells and will help keep that youthful glow. The main reason to exfoliate is to get better product penetration with the serums and moisturizers that you are using.
There are several methods of exfoliation one can use. First, is a physical exfoliation like what we have here at CentreSpring Spa using our Supracor Facial Mitt that is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It has a rougher and a smoother side depending on your exfoliation needs. You can use it with your own cleanser, or try one from Eminence skin care which we carry here at our spa. A third exfoliation process is through chemical exfoliation. Some chemical exfoliators are glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids. These acids come in different percentages and all help with reducing signs of aging. Salicylic acid also helps with acne and oil production, as well as older acne scarring by reducing the signs of appearance.
4. Wear sunscreen!
Probably the most important part of achieving and maintaining a healthy summer glow is by always wearing sunscreen, even if you are sitting inside at a desk all day. We get sun through car windows and office windows, walking the dog, or just walking in the park. Most sunscreen will wear off within two hours so it is important to reapply throughout the day, especially if you are outside. Eminence has an awesome way to do this with their Sun Defense Mineral SPF 30 powder sunscreen that fits nicely in a purse, diaper bag, or just in your pocket. They come in six different shades for all skin tones!
5. Rest!
Lastly, make sure you get enough sleep at night. Lack of sleep can lead to increase in stress hormones, which in turn can lead to slowing down in the production of collagen in the skin. When the skin stops producing collagen, it begins to lose elasticity and starts looking tired and worn.
By following these easy to do tips, you can and will have better looking skin all summer long. Also, don’t forget regular HydraFacials are a must here at CentreSpring Spa!
