9 Skin Care Tips for Summertime Skincare

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June 26, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Have you started taking out your shorts, swim suits and tank tops? Just as your wardrobe requires a Summertime makeover so does your skin care routine. Here are nine ways to rejuvenate your face and body and revamp your regimen.

1. Review your routine and switch as needed
Is your skin care routine appropriate for springtime? As temperatures rise, everyone’s complexion tends to get oilier, so even if you have dry or combination skin, you might need a lighter moisturizer.

If your skin is really oily, you might want to switch to a serum. These products are very lightweight and deliver a powerful dose of nourishing ingredients, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., writes on her Yahoo! Health blog.

Also, oily types should consider applying a mattifying gel. Dr. Baumann suggests using OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel, which controls oil for up to eight hours. Apply the gel before your makeup. For dry or combination complexions, mattifying gels are likely too drying. Instead, shrink any excess shine by keeping a stash of blotting papers in your purse or applying primer before your makeup.

Also, don’t forget to evaluate your beauty products. If you used hydrating makeup—such as moisturizing foundation, concealer or blush—during the colder weather, set it aside. Instead, sweep on a light dusting of powder, bronzer or blush and apply a light lip gloss. For the spring and summer, it’s best to keep it simple.

2. Try a treatment
After a harsh winter, your skin is begging for some relief and rejuvenation. Consider a deeply hydrating mask or a deep cleansing treatment. If you prefer a DIY treatment, try this recipe to boost and brighten your complexion from body and soul:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Apply the mask to your face for eight to 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water. Apply a gentle moisturizer while skin is still damp.

3. Be diligent about sun protection
As the weather gets warmer, make sure you’re applying sunscreen to all exposed areas 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapplying every two hours. If you don’t own a double-duty product already, consider using a facial moisturizer with SPF. This way you aren’t applying several layers of lotion on your face.

4. Invest in a cute hat
In addition to applying sunscreen, it’s wise to invest in a wide-brimmed hat (at least a 3-inch brim) to shield your face, hair and scalp.

Just like the sun can dry out your face, it can also dehydrate your hair, leaving your tresses dull and brittle. Even worse, exposing your scalp to the sun can result in a painful sunburn. Hats also provide defense against overheating.

5. Address body acne
With increased heat and sweat, your pores can get clogged and acne can sprout in the most unlikely places, including your back. To treat the problem, try using a medicated cleanser, cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. Using a scrub on a regular basis (about two to three times a week) can help to prevent body acne. However, keep in mind that you can’t scrub away your acne. Exfoliating too often and too vigorously can aggravate the skin, especially on more sensitive areas like the chest. If you’re experiencing severe body acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist.

6. Start screening your skin
Make sure you’re regularly and thoroughly checking your skin for any moles that might have changed in color, size or shape.

7. Use self-tanner
Before bathing suit season officially begins, many people start working on their “base tans” in hopes of warding off any real damage once they start spending more time outside. However, there’s no such thing as a safe tan—even your base tan causes damage to the skin.

8. Get a mani and pedi stat!
After a frosty, windy winter, your hands and heels are probably cracked, chapped and dry—not the best look for your open-toe shoes. Revive them for springtime with an at-home manicure and pedicure.

9. Exfoliate the entire body
Now that you’ll be exposing more than your neck and hands, make sure to exfoliate your entire body. Get rid of rough, scaly skin by using a light lotion with glycolic acid, lactic acid or urea.

excerpts via Skincare-news.com

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