4 Skincare Musts for this Summer

Our skin is our largest organ, and acts as our first line of defense against dirt, germs, and everything else life can [literally] throw at us. It doesn’t only need our care and attention, it deserves it. Summer weather means sunny skies, and while vitamin D is needed, we must protect our skin from the sometimes harmful rays of the sun. Here are 4 skincare musts to ensure happy skin throughout the summer season.

Must #1: Sunscreen, All the Time

Now this skincare must is a no-brainer. Sunscreen is for more than the times you throw your swimsuit on. Even when the sun doesn’t feel strong, it can be damaging to our skin over time. Additionally, even if you’re inside, you’re not exactly safe from the sun’s rays. Windows may be able to block out most of the heat from the sun, but it can’t block out skin damage! This means that sunscreen is a daily must. 

For sunscreen to be effective you need two things. First, make sure you’re using a daily facial formula that has at least SPF 30. If you want to read more about why that is, check out our post here. The next thing you need is to reapply. You can find more information about that in this post, but basically, sunscreen effects wear off after time. Like makeup, it can move around and wear off throughout the day. So, it’s recommended that you reapply every 2-4 hours. An easy way to do this is to reapply during a break or when you refresh your makeup outside.

Our more delicate skin is found on our face, and it needs more coverage than anything. Your skin will thank you later.

Must #2: Hyal-who? Hyal-uronic!

…Now say it 5 times fast. This must-have treat for our skin is actually a substance that we already produce naturally. Including it in our daily face wash routine only helps lock in the much-needed moisture even more. Not only does it relieve dry skin, it reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time. This is the stuff your face craves twice a day. Listen to it!

The good thing about hyaluronic acid? You can find it in most face washes or skincare items today. Just be careful about where you fit it into your routine—this is powerful stuff. Be mindful of not adding too much so you can keep your skin pH and moisture barrier in tact. But, use enough to lock in moisture for the summer. If you’re using hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, make sure to have an alternate, gentler version of the product (let’s say it’s in a serum) so you can make sure your skin doesn’t suffer.

Must #3: Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

Exfoliating your skin erases buildup of dirt and dead skin cells. It wipes your face clean down to the pores and prepares it for anything. Going to bed? Make sure the gunk is all gone from the day’s activities. About to apply foundation for the day? It’ll go on smoother than ever post-exfoliating. Exfoliate right after you wash your face, and vouch for even softer skin by using a loofah.

Remember that when it comes to exfoliation, not to be rough. Any facial washes or scrubs that advertise using fruit, rocks, or beads are probably not going to be your best friend. These tough ingredients can scratch up and damage your face without you even knowing!

In fact, the best exfoliation route is to either use a gentle cleansing concentrate or solution. While these formulas will still lift away dead skin cells and bacteria, it’s way less likely you’ll damage your skin this way. Just be mindful of the ingredients you’re using. When it gets to exfoliants, solutions, and chemicals, be wary and use sparingly unless you really know your skin. Of course, if you’re unsure, check with an esthetician! You can find a licensed one using Booksy.

Must #4: Eat Your Veggies, Drink Your Water!

Your skin can be a product of what you put into your body. Fruits and veggies such as blueberries, avocados, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers contain nutrients that work wonders for your skin. The same with walnuts and sunflower seeds, which are easy to sprinkle over any meal. Most importantly, dark chocolate also has the power to feed your skin the ingredients it yearns for. There’s the excuse we’ve all been looking for!

Water-wise, think of your skin like a plant. The leaves on the outside need water just as much as the soil on the inside. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will help your skin stay hydrated from the inside out. Don’t let it go thirsty! So, even though it doesn’t seem like the most obvious skincare must, it’s one that’ll help you out in the long run. 

Let’s hear one of your skincare musts! What’s on the list for your summer? Have you picked up any new routines. Let us know, we can’t wait to hear from you.