How to Revive and Rejuvenate Your Skin After Summer
Summer; the season of sun, sand, salt, and celebrations. However, having too much fun in the sun can have some serious consequences in the beauty and skincare department. Sunburn, dryness, and breakouts can be a real storm cloud over our summer plans, so whilst we might be pushing our skin to its limits this season, it’s important to give your skin that extra TLC it needs following the summer seasons and the party antics that accompany it. We’ve compiled a few pointers today to help you rejuvenate your skin and get it back on its ‘A game’ after a full-on beach season...
A GUIDE TO SUMMER SKIN REJUVENATION
1. Cleansing: Summer weather means heat, and a not so nice side effect of this is sweat. Excess sweat coupled with oil, dirt and other pollutants on the skin can clog pores and create and environment in which bacteria can thrive. As such, cleansing is a vital step to mitigating breakouts in the summertime, as this builds up can lead to acne and blemishes. Opt for a gentle non-foaming cleanser to prevent dryness during the summer months.
2. Extreme hydration: After spending time in the sun and maybe even swimming in chlorine or saltwater, your skin will likely be feeling more dry and dehydrated than usual. It’s important to load your skin with moisture to help it regain its natural moisture balance. Look for a moisturizer that is formulated for your skin type and is preferably ceramide-rich, to give your skin all the good stuff it needs. Even better, opting for an additional hyaluronic acid serum can really help to keep your skin plump and hydrated. Ensure you are also drinking enough water, as this plays a role in keeping your skin smooth, moisturised, and clear.
3. Soothe sunburns: If you got a little too much sun this summer, it's important to soothe your sunburned skin as soon as possible. Take a cool bath or shower and gently pat your skin dry. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin, as this can cause further irritation. You can also apply aloe vera gel or over-the- counter hydrocortisone cream to help reduce any redness or inflammation.
4. Exfoliate: After soaking up the sun, your skin may be feeling rough, flaky, or peeling due to sunburn. To help remove dead skin cells and reveal fresher, smoother skin, it's important to exfoliate regularly. If your skin is burnt or feeling sensitive, it may be best to stick with gently exfoliating using a loofah and warm water, to avoid any chemicals that may be too harsh for the condition your skin is in.
5. Give your skin a break: Summer is party season, and with party season comes beautiful, bold makeup looks. However, sometimes our skin needs a breather from heavy makeup, especially during summer. It is a good idea to go makeup free or for simply more minimal makeup to give your skin the time off that it needs.
6. Protect your skin: Just because summer is over doesn't mean you should stop protecting your skin from the sun. It's important to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days, to help prevent skin cancer and premature ageing.
So yes, towards the end of the summer season, your skin will be needing a bit of extra care and attention, but following the basics of cleansing, gentle exfoliation, rich hydration, and sun protection is certainly worth it; your skin will thank you!
