When it’s hot outside during summer, your skin goes through a lot of changes. Heat and humidity can cause your skin to lose moisture and become dull; heat and humidity combined with sun damage can irritate your skin, and the air conditioning that so many people depend on can further cause skin to dry out. Hydration is not only about drinking water; it’s also about being smart with your skincare, making healthy lifestyle choices, and using protective products. Below are five ways to keep your skin hydrated and protected all season long.
1. Switch to Lightweight, Hydrating Products
Heavy creams can feel like an added layer of discomfort when it’s hot outside. They can also block pores if you have oily or combination skin. Use lightweight products such as gel creams or hydrating serums that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera to draw moisture to the surface of your skin and hold it there without adding a greasy feeling.
It is also important to use a gentle cleanser on your face. A harsh cleanser will strip away your skin’s natural oils and increase your chances of developing dehydrated skin. Choose a sulfate-free cleanser that will cleanse your skin without removing all of the moisture it has. Following the cleanser with a hydrating toner or essence adds another layer of moisture to your face before applying a lightweight cream or lotion to keep moisture from escaping.
2. Stay Consistently Hydrated from Within
It may seem obvious but drinking enough water is crucial to healthy, hydrated skin. You lose more fluid via sweating in summer than in other seasons so it really is important to increase your daily water intake significantly during the warmer months. It is better to drink small amounts of water through the day rather than chugging down large amounts at one time.
You can help hydrate your skin through your diet as well by including foods in your diet that are HIGH in water content like watermelon; cucumbers; oranges; and strawberries! Not only do these fruits and vegetables help you stay hydrated, but they also give you vitamins and antioxidants that help keep your skin youthful. Also, drink coconut water and fresh-squeezed fruit juices (without added sugar) to help replace electrolytes lost from sweating.
3. Use Sunscreen Every Day
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of dehydrated and damaged skin. UV rays destroy your skin’s natural barrier and cause moisture loss and premature aging. Applying sunscreen everyday is a must; even on overcast days.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30! If you plan to be outside for long periods of time, reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours! Look for moisturising ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid in your sunscreen to help your skin stay hydrated. Gel-based and fluid sunscreens work best in hot/humid weather and dry quickly without feeling heavy on your skin.
4. Use Face Mists and Hydrating Masks
In terms of summer essentials, face mists are commonly overlooked. Spritzing your face with a hydrating mist every few hours will give you an instant boost of refreshment and hydration during hot summer days or if you’ve been exposed to the sun or air conditioning in a long period of time. Choose a face mist that has calming ingredients such as rose water, chamomile and/or green tea.
Sheet masks and overnight masks can help to keep your skin hydrated. They can be used once or twice a week to replenish lost hydration and bring back a natural glow. These treatments of hydration assist greatly when your skin feels stressed out or has been exposed to sunlight.
Be cautious about relying only on mists for hydration because they will only give you a temporary fix. Always add a moisturizer to your face after using mists to ensure that all of the extra hydration is locked in.
5. Have Fewer Hot Showers and Exfoliate Less
After a day of sweating, it feels nice to take a long hot shower, but in reality, hot water will draw out all of essential oils from your skin and leave it dry. Using warm water and taking short showers can help you maintain your skin’s hydration.
While exfoliating is very important to the process of ridding your skin of dead skin cells, if you overdo it especially during summertime months, you could actually cause damage to the barrier of your skin and make it more difficult for your skin to retain moisture. Exfoliate only once or twice per week, and use gentle chemical exfoliating products as opposed to scrubs that can be very abrasive.
Moisturizing after a shower or exfoliation should be done as soon as you can. Moisturizing on damp skin will keep your skin hydrated longer than if you wait until later.
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Conclusion
Hydrating your summer skin does not require complicated steps, just a commitment to use the right products, drink water, protect yourself from sun damage and avoid activities that dehydrate your skin so that you can keep your skin feeling and looking great all summer long. Small changes to your daily habits can have a great impact on how good your skin looks and feels, even in hot weather.
