Summer brings many things. The possibility for summer romance, part-time jobs, the opportunity to reconnect with friends from home, music festivals, popsicles and for some, unfortunately, the battle for clear skin. Summer means heat and humidity, which means sweating, which can clog pores and cause skin to break out. Lots of sunscreen use can do the same and lots of sun exposure can add to the possible damage skin is exposed to this time of the year. So what can you do to combat all that? Well, with some research and tips borrowed from an article in Vogue coupled with some tips of my own, you’re on your way to having a better idea of how to properly tackle summer skincare.
Just like the choice to throw on your white tee instead of the black one and wear cotton instead of wool, you should be switching your heavier winter moisturizer for something a little less weighty for your summer skincare. The dermatologist Vogue spoke to recommended SkinCeutical’s B5 gel, but if you’re not looking to spend upwards of $80 then I recommend trying Aveeno’s Positively Radiant daily moisturizer that has the added benefit of a little SPF.
Speaking of SPF, sun protection is super, super important. I know we’re all out here trying to be our best, tanned selves but you can still be that and wear your sunscreen too. The best way to do this is to find a sunscreen you really like, one you don’t mind putting on everyday.
Whether it’s the feel (greasy/non-greasy), the application (spray/lotion), or the promise it won’t make you breakout, researching different types of sunscreen is the best way to find the right one for you for your summer skincare. Consumer Reports just released their sunscreen test report in May, but if you aren’t a member, Cosmopolitan put together a list of 25 good ones too.
After you’re done washing off the sunscreen you’ve had on all day, pay extra attention to clearing out the pores on your face. As mentioned before, sweat and sunscreen are some of the two biggest offenders when it comes to clogging pores so try out an Aztec Clay Mask, a popular Amazon skin product that’ll vacuum the gunk right out of your pores, or a gentle acid exfoliant like this $9 Glycolic Acid toner by The Ordinary that’s also pretty affordable for your summer skincare.
Even with all the water in the air, the alcohol in sunscreen and the wear and tear of salty water and wind can really do a number on your skin’s hydration. If your skin is feeling tight and dry, try a cream or face mask with Hyaluronic acid to give your skin the boost it may need. This cream by Neutrogena is oil-free, fast-absorbing and made for all skin types and this sheet mask by Dr. Jart offers similar benefits. I also find that the Walgreens or CVS skincare lines carry Hyaluronic acid sheet masks that work pretty great as well.
While we applaud you for lathering on the SPF, it isn’t completely protective. As stressed by Vogue writer, Chloe Atkins, and her derma expert, Vitamin C can serve as an extra layer of protection for those sneaky rays your sunscreen doesn’t catch. One way to get some is by applying it topically like with this serum from Mario Badescu. Another is by eating fruits and veggies that are heavy on vitamin c, like red and green bell pepper, guava, oranges, kale and kiwi.
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