The summer season is traditionally characterized by increased sun exposure, higher temperatures, increased smog levels in the cities, as well as dry and hot air. It is these factors that determine the peculiarities of summer care, the main task of which is to protect the skin from the aggressive external factors and repair the damage that will inevitably occur. The Summerset of cosmetic products should be minimal, but at the same time, it should satisfy key skin needs in this season.
The 4 Key Stages Of Summer Skincare
The key stages of summer skin care are cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, and repairing.
Cleansing
Because sebaceous glands become more active under the influence of high temperatures, summer skin tends to be more prone to pollution, especially if it is an oily or combination type. This is exacerbated by higher levels of smog, which contains dust and toxic components, including heavy metal ions. That’s why skin cleansing during the summer season should be thorough. At the same time, it is worth bearing in mind that it is important not to traumatize the skin with aggressive cleansing, because it is summer that is most important to preserve its natural UV protection. Following the recommendations below will allow you to achieve a balance of thorough and gentle skin cleansing:
- Wash twice a day (morning and evening) using gentle cleanser formulas that do not contain harsh surfactants (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Myreth Sulfate (SMS)).
- In order to remove thoroughly the layer of persistent external impurities, including the remnants of makeup, use hydrophilic oils or micellar water, and then, in a second step, the skin type cleanser. If you often experience nausea and other unpleasant effects, I recommend using only natural products like reglan. Under no circumstances use semi-synthetic preparations, as they have a bad effect on the skin.
- A superficial exfoliation will complement the action of the cleansers, providing a deep cleansing of pores and the removal of dead cells from the surface of the skin. In summer, choose mild exfoliants based on enzymes or low concentrated fruit acid cocktails. An added bonus is the presence of vitamins and antioxidants as well as activated charcoal which helps detoxify your skin from smog particles.
- Reduce exfoliation to once or twice a week. Perform this treatment in the evening to allow your skin to recover from the renewal overnight. If you plan to tan, use an exfoliant no later than 72 hours before tanning and no sooner than seven days after.
- Clay-based and/or activated charcoal masks will complete the cleansing program. If you have an oily/combination skin type, perform cleansing masks 2-3 times a week.
Recommended: Do You Have Oily Skin? Follow These Skin Care Tips
Moisturize
Skin loses more moisture in the summer due to the dry and hot air, so it’s important to emphasize extra hydration. Moisturized skin will be less prone to pollution. This is because when skin is dehydrated, the sebaceous glands begin to produce more secretions to protect against moisture loss; conversely, when skin is well moisturized, sebocyte activity decreases. In addition, the pigment produced by melanocytes is distributed more evenly in moisturized skin, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation. Your main moisturizer for summer is your base cream.
- For oily and combination skin, choose a cream/fluid that combines moisturizing and sebum-regulating functions.
- For normal to dry skin, choose a cream that’s a little lighter in texture than the one you use during the cold season.
Recommended: How To Remove Dark Inner Thighs With Colgate
Complete your summer routine with extra moisturizing products such as serums/concentrates, masks, and a toner that’s handy to keep on hand and spray on your face throughout the day. Such active moisturizing therapy will improve the condition and appearance of your skin and give a feeling of comfort.
Protection
Sunlight causes premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin diseases. That’s why sunscreen is a must-have for the summer season.
If you are in the city, it is enough to use a day cream with a medium level of protection: SPF 15-20-30. For city care, you may prefer products with SPF based on chemical filters, which are lighter and more comfortable to use. Remember that the filters are oxidized by the sun’s rays, so you should wash them off thoroughly in the evening, using a double-cleaning technique (hydrophilic oil + skin-type cleanser).
If you go to the beach or to the mountains, be sure to use sunscreen products with a high SPF 50+ protection. I would recommend choosing formulas based on physical filters to protect your skin in the active sun, as they are less likely to oxidize. It’s very important to renew your sun protection every 2 hours, as well as after bathing and not sunbathing between 10 am and 5 pm. When you return home from the sun, you should thoroughly wash off the sunscreen using a double cleanser, make a soothing moisturizing mask, and apply a revitalizing cream.
Recommended: Collagen Supplements For Your Skin: Does It Work?
The detoxifying formulas based on activated charcoal (masks, exfoliants) mentioned above are products to protect the skin from impurities. Do not neglect such products in a hot metropolis, they can really reduce skin intoxication and prevent related processes of aging, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and sensitivity. You should take advantage of the latest inventions in health care because technology in medicine has done a lot for the development of health care (more info).