Lifestyle
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
The good news about summertime skin is that it doesn’t have to be perfect; the bad news about summertime skin is that there are just more opportunities to expose it to the elements, which can cause damage and lead to skin care issues. To avoid this, follow these six tips for perfect skin this summer.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is crucial because it removes dead skin cells and opens up your pores to let in more hydration. Don’t overdo it though, or you risk opening up your pores too much and giving yourself a temporary breakout. You can also exfoliate with products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid—or chemical exfoliants—as well as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid. Exfoliate twice a week if you want smoother, brighter skin.
Moisturize
Your beauty routine doesn’t stop at skincare; what you put on your body is just as important as what you put on your face. Body moisturizers come in a variety of formulas, but they should all be lightweight enough to not clog pores or feel heavy. Many women apply body lotion after a shower while their skin is still damp, which helps seal in moisture even further. If your specific brand recommends that you don’t rinse off right away (like certain L’Oréal Paris formulas), wait until your skin is dry before applying it. That said, if it makes sense for how you wash and moisturize your body, go ahead and make a DIY exfoliating body scrub to give yourself an extra boost of glow.
Use toner
Toners (and astringents) are typically alcohol-based, which is great at killing germs. So if you want to keep your skin clean and healthy, be sure to use a toner right after you wash your face. However, if your face feels slightly dry after washing it with soap or water, it might not be a good idea to use toner because it will make your face even drier.
Drink water
Drinking water is always good for your health, but it’s especially important during periods of intense exercise. Staying hydrated helps you recover faster after an event or training session, so drinking enough water on a daily basis can also help improve your athletic performance. Staying well-hydrated will also help keep your skin looking and feeling great. The added bonus? Water flushes toxins from your body, which reduces bloating and maintains a healthy weight – both of which make you look younger than your years!
Check your skincare ingredients
You’re probably familiar with ingredients in foods (like sugar and gluten) but did you know that many of your skincare products contain ingredients that could be harmful to your health? Even if they’re considered natural, ingredients such as phthalates and parabens have been shown to have negative effects on your body. While you shouldn’t completely eliminate these types of chemicals from your routine, you should be aware of them and look out for when they appear on labels. By checking what’s in your skincare products, you can make sure you’re keeping both yourself and your family safe. For example, try using fragrance-free brands instead of scented ones so that you don’t expose yourself to phthalates.
Sleep right, look right
Good sleep helps to maintain healthy hormone levels, and it also gives your body time to repair itself after a long day. Sleep loss can cause reduced levels of human growth hormone, and that causes sluggishness and dullness. That’s why looking forward to bed is an important part of treating your skin right. You’ll wake up refreshed, with glowing, good-looking skin!
