Summer is great for impromptu picnics, endless pool time, and good old fun in the sun…but it’s not so great for your skin. Rather than spending the summer months indoors, enjoy the warm temps and cool vibes while also protecting your skin. We’ll provide a summer skin care routine that’s easy to incorporate into daily life, along with summer skin care tips from Massage Envy franchising employee and skin care specialist, Adrianne Lackey.
Understanding summer skin challenges
Before we dive into a skin care routine for summer, it’s good to know what your skin is up against during the warmest season of the year.
Environmental factors
While the heat may feel like a nice change from the long winter months, it comes with its own set of challenges. In the winter your skin may become dry and flaky. In the summer, you may notice the opposite: oily skin and clogged pores. But don’t let oily skin fool you into thinking your skin is hydrated. The summer comes with dehydration risks[1], so you want to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and maintain your skin’s elasticity. Both your body and your skin will thank you!
"Staying hydrated is important year-round, especially in the summer, but you don’t have to be limited to just drinking water! Consider adding foods to your diet that are also high in water content. This includes fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, and strawberries, plus many more!" recommends Adrianne.
Of course, the other risk factor in the summer is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. UVA, with its longer wavelength, is linked to skin aging while UVB, with its shorter wavelength, is associated with skin burning. Although they affect the skin in different ways, unprotected exposure to either UVA or UVB rays permanently damages the DNA in skin cells over time, causing genetic defects or mutations that can lead to skin cancer[2].
Common summer skin problems
Hotter temps and long sunny days are great for our mood, but not so much for our skin[3]. Here are some of the most common skin problems that may spoil your fun in the sun:
- Sunburn – Painful and damaging, it results from overexposure to UV rays and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Heat rash – Also known as prickly heat, this is caused by blocked sweat ducts and can lead to uncomfortable, itchy red bumps in areas with skin folds or where clothes fit too snugly.
- Dry, irritated skin – From summer sunshine to the air conditioning and pools keeping you cool in the scorching heat, several factors can steal the moisture from your skin in the summer months.
- Acne breakouts – Heightened humidity levels and prolonged persistence of sweat can clog your pores and lead to acne, especially if you wear makeup or heavy sunscreens.
Tailor your skin care to the climate you live in
It’s not just your hair that humidity can mess with. Your skin takes notice, too. Lackey recommends products that don’t feel as heavy or greasy in humid climates. “Use lightweight serums and lotions, or gel moisturizers.”
On the flip side, dryer climates may increase water loss from the skin. In these drying conditions, focus on products that seal in moisture and add some extra nourishment. “Opt for the texture of products you prefer, but for some extra nourishment include oils like sunflower or jojoba oil.”
Building your summer skin care routine
Now that you know what your skin is up against, it’s time to prepare for a summer of sun-kissed fun. Skin care routines for summer should focus on two stages: preparing your skin for prolonged outdoor time and sun exposure as well as skin repair and recovery afterwards. It may sound complicated, but it’s easy enough once you break things down.
Protect and prevent: shield against sun damage and help control breakouts
Clear, glowy skin is everyone’s summer skin care goal. And yet, hot weather, humidity, and extra sunshine can result in sweat-induced breakouts, sunburns, and skin irritation. But by following the right daily skin care regimen, you can address common summer skin concerns and even help prevent them in the first place. Skin care specialist Adrianne offers a great base routine.
A routine to start with:
- Gentle cleanser (to remove dirt, makeup, extra oil, and sunscreen)
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Vitamin C serum (or serum with antioxidants)
- Sunscreen (skin protection)
Give your skin the daily protection and TLC it needs from the elements! More sunscreen diligence, lighter-weight products, and using the best ingredients to protect against potential sun damage and photoaging[4] while naturally revitalizing and hydrating your skin are key.
A routine to enhance with:
Following the routine above is a great start. But if you want to add extra skin-enhancing benefits, Lackey recommends more products and ingredients to incorporate into your summer skin routine:
"Enhance any routine by adding in more corrective serums like brightening serums, retinol, and eye cream. Some corrective serums could be used day and night, while others (containing ingredients like retinols and exfoliating acids) are more appropriate for night use only. An esthetician will be able to provide the right guidance on when to use each product."
Summer skin care is all about protecting, hydrating, and brightening. If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, wear sunscreen!
Repair and restore: recovering from a day in the sun
Whether or not you burned after a day outdoors, it’s important to take recovery steps in case damage has occurred. Soothe your skin with this after-sun recovery routine:
- Drink water! – It might sound basic, but a day in the sun will lower your hydration levels as you sweat. So be sure to replenish what your body and skin crave: H20.
- Cleanse gently – Cleansing is doubly important after a day in the sun. Sweat, dead skin, and sunscreen can build up, blocking products from penetrating your skin and doing their job.
- Exfoliate – If you’ve burned, skip this step, as exfoliating may be harsh on sunburned skin. But exfoliating a few times per week can help slough off dead skin cells caused by sun damage and promote cell turnover.
- Soothe with a face mask – There’s nothing better than a cooling face mask to soothe irritated skin. Choose a mask with ingredients your skin craves, like aloe vera, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Moisturize – As you already know, a day in the sun can dehydrate your skin. Opt for a water-based moisturizer to lock in hydration. Anything formulated with aloe vera will help soothe burned skin.
Achieving that summer glow
How do you get perfect skin in the summer? Strike the right balance between professional treatments and embracing a diligent at-home summer skin care routine. Get the healthy, glowing skin you’re after with these summer skin care tips:
Essential ingredients for a healthy and radiant summer glow
Zinc oxide + titanium dioxide = your sunscreen superheroes
When it comes to protection, nothing is more important than sunscreen. Bid adieu to sun damage and photo-aging from UV rays with the two most powerful sunscreen ingredients on the market: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Unlike chemical-based sunscreen ingredients that absorb into the skin, mineral-based sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens[5]) stay surface level to physically block and reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays away like a mirror. Pretty neat, huh?
Hyaluronic acid: hydration in a bottle
If sweltering heat and intense sunshine are leaving your skin dry and desperate for relief, hyaluronic acid is your summer skin routine hydration hero. Look for a serum or lightweight moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and keep your skin looking dewy and fresh as the temperature rises.
Breakouts with salicylic acid
Now that it’s warmer, you may be noticing that little blemishes dot your nose, chin, and forehead. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the skin, offering gentle exfoliation, removing pore clogging impurities that can help prevent pesky breakouts, and keeping your skin fresh and vibrant.
See results with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important part of your diet, but did you know that this powerhouse ingredient can also do wonders for your complexion? Vitamin C is touted as one of the best ingredients available for its ability to reduce the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and give your skin a radiant summer glow. "Other beneficial ingredients include niacinamide, amino acids such as glutamic acid or arginine, or natural humectants like aloe vera or glycerin,”"recommends Adrianne.
Summertime superfoods for gorgeous, glowing skin
Snack on summer barbecue staples
Summertime classics like watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, and cantaloupe are packed with Vitamin C and nourish the skin with their high water content.
Treat your tastebuds and your skin to berry bliss
Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants that have been shown to improve your skin’s appearance, structure, and texture[6].
Leafy greens for glowing skin
More than just summer salad fillers, leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with ingredients that combat UV damage and environmental aggressors to help keep your skin looking radiant.
Skip the guacamole and head straight for the source
Packed with healthy fats and oils, an avocado a day can help keep your skin moisturized from the inside out while soothing and protecting the skin from sun damage[7].
Professional treatments take your summer skin care to another level
Sun, sweat, and other warm-weather factors can change the needs of your skin quickly. Routine professional treatments are a great way to stay ahead of issues and complement your daily summer skin care routine. According to Adrianne:
"Regular facials are a great way to help your skin stay smooth and hydrated, and can begin to address some of the concerns around sun damage. You can also incorporate more advanced services like Chemical Peels or Microderm Infusion to help address skin care concerns from previous sun exposure."
No matter your skin type or concerns, your local Massage Envy franchised location has a service to help your skin stay fresh all summer long.
Expert summer skin care tips for not-so-common skin issues
Keeping your skin happy can be a challenge thanks to varying degrees of heat, humidity, and sun exposure. Lackey shares her expert advice on how to look radiant no matter the skin you’re in or where you spend your summer months.
Keep sensitive skin radiant
For those with sensitive skin, summer isn’t all about barbecues and vacations. More time in the sun may lead to redness, itchiness, and irritated skin.
When it comes to summertime skin care, Lackey recommends making room for some extra TLC, and limiting exposure to excessive sunlight and heat. And of course, if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, taking precautionary measures like wearing a hat or protective clothing, reapplying sunscreen every two hours, and bringing along a fan to keep cool are key.
And for those beach days when you overdo it, treating the area as gently as possible is the best way to soothe your skin. “Keep some cooling globes or an ice roller in the fridge for emergencies like this! They will help cool down your skin, which will feel amazing after being in the sun all day,” says Adrianne.
Managing hyperpigmentation and melasma
Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin from hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups. This means being disciplined about applying and reapplying sunscreen anytime you’re outdoors.
But sunscreen isn’t your only solution to battle patchy brown pigmentation this summer season. “Regular professional treatments can also help address those skin concerns,” Lackey explains.
It’s important to remember that treating melasma and hyperpigmentation is a long-term commitment, and there’s no magic bullet for everyone. According to Adrianne, “There are several things that can cause melasma, such as pregnancy, certain medications, genetics, etc. In order to help prevent and eventually address melasma, it’s important to uncover the root cause first.”[8]
Embrace your summer glow
As much as we look forward to sunny days and sandy beaches, the harsh reality is that the summer season presents us with a unique set of skin care woes. The scorching sun, endless heat, persistent sweat, and increased humidity can strip our skin of its natural radiance, leaving pesky breakouts, blemishes, and heat rashes in their wake.
Regular scheduled facial treatments can help address many of these concerns by thoroughly cleansing the skin and getting rid of impurities, excess oil, and debris. Chemical Peels and Nourishing Light Treatments can address specific summer skin care concerns to help lock in your radiant summer glow.
Book a facial with an esthetician at a Massage Envy franchised location to set you on the path to looking and feeling your best, all season long.
