How to Tweak Your Skincare Routine for Summer
Changes in the weather can cause your skin to change also. Some people find that their skin gets oilier during summer, while others find that theirs gets dry and flaky. It’s a good idea to adjust your skincare routine when seasons change, to keep your skin balanced and healthy despite the change in environment. Read on to learn how to tweak your skincare routine for summer:
Invest in a Lightweight Moisturizer
Warm, humid weather can make it uncomfortable to pile on layers and layers of skin care. Strip your skincare routine down to the basics to avoid feeling smothered or suffocated. If you have relatively normal skin with few problems, you can get away with just a cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen. Invest in high quality organic beauty products like those by Well Within Beauty, so you can get all the benefits from skincare without piling on tons of products.
If you have oily skin, you might be tempted to skip putting on moisturizer for fear of feeling greasy or sticky. The truth is that keeping your skin well-hydrated can help to balance it and regulate your sebum production, so your skin produces less oil. Choose a lightweight, comfortable antioxidant moisturizer that quickly sinks into your skin without leaving any greasy residue. Moisturize right after cleansing, while your skin is still damp, to lock moisture in and keep it from evaporating.
Cleanse Gently
People tend to sweat more during summer, so you might be showering and cleansing more often. Be careful not to wash your face too often, as doing this can be too stripping for your skin and disrupt its natural barrier. You should not cleanse your face more often than twice a day, and avoid overly harsh or abrasive cleansers. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that is free of sulfates and alcohol, to avoid drying out your skin. Don’t rub or scrub your skin aggressively; use a gentle touch lest you damage or irritate it.
If you wear makeup, make sure to double cleanse at the end of the day. Use an oil-based makeup remover or first cleanser to gently yet effectively melt away makeup and sunscreen. Follow up with a water-based second cleanser to remove any leftover residue, oil and dirt. Whatever you do, never go to bed without removing your makeup, no matter how tired you might be. Sleeping with makeup on can lead to breakouts, irritation and inflamed skin, which can be difficult to treat.
Never Skip Sunscreen
The sun’s powerful rays can be especially harsh during summer, and excessive sun exposure can cause all sorts of skin issues like sunburn, dark spots and wrinkles. Protect your skin and prevent early signs of skin aging by wearing sunscreen every single day. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and broad spectrum protection to keep your skin shielded from UVA and UVB rays. Many people dislike wearing sunscreen because it feels heavy and sticky, but fortunately there are many newer formulations that are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but don’t get lazy and negligent about your skincare routine if you want to maintain clear, healthy skin. Continue doing your skincare routine regularly, but switch to lighter, less rich products to keep your skin feeling comfortably nourished.