“I want dull, flaky skin this summer,” said no one ever, which is why we are here to share some tips on how to get your skin ready for the summer. These tips are all fairly easy and accessible. They don’t require you to spend a lot of time primping. They also don’t require you to have expensive procedures done by people who have a bunch of letters denoting impressive degrees after their name. They are all about giving you the power to look and feel your best in your own skin this summer.
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And, here’s the most important part: Your skin is already beautiful. Know that, believe that, and never let anyone convince you otherwise. We are not here to make you feel less than. We are here to celebrate the skin you are in and encourage you to do the same by taking care of it. Don’t ever feel like you have to hide any part of yourself because of your perceived flaws, OK? With that said, here are some tips on how to get your skin prepped for summer so that you radiate confidence.
Wear less makeup.
It just makes sense to wear less makeup in the summer. If you are hot, sweating, and wearing tons of makeup, your skin is going to suffer. Use a lightweight tinted moisturizer instead of thick foundation whenever possible.
Moisturize correctly during the summer.
You should always moisturize your skin regardless of the season, but you might have to modify how you moisturize according to the season. In the summer, heavy moisturizers that feel dreamy in winter can feel icky. That doesn’t mean you should skip moisturizing, though. Instead switch to light moisturizers and serums.
Get a pedicure.
Saying hello to summer means saying hello to sandal season. You can definitely spend some time giving yourself a pedicure, but if you have the time and funds, let a professional do it for you. You are worth it and it’s a great way to relax and pamper yourself.
Cleanse your face in the morning and at night.
Your beautiful face needs your help getting rid of oils and dirt that buildup overnight and during the day, so make sure to cleanse your face in the morning and at night. Pick a cleanser that is gentle and does not dry out your skin.
Prevent razor burn by shaving correctly.
To prevent razor burn, you should make sure to swap your blades out regularly, use a shaving cream or gel, and start by shaving in the direction that your hair grows to avoid ingrown hairs. After you shave in the direction your hair grows, you can go back and shave in a different direction for a closer shave.
Dry brush before you hop in the shower.
Using a skin brush, spend about two minutes dry-brushing your body before taking a shower. It’s a great way to exfoliate and then cleanse your skin and it really doesn’t add much time to your shower routine if you keep the skin brush handy and ready to go.
Exfoliate, but don’t go crazy.
Exfoliating is great for your skin and can give you a beautiful glow, but don’t go overboard. Remember that skin isn’t meant to be sanded down like wood. If you are using a scrub, make sure you are being gentle. Also, most scrubs are meant to be used weekly, not daily.
Take cooler and shorter showers.
While it is tempting to start the day or end it with a long, hot shower, during the summer keep your hot showers short and switch to cooler water if you can. Long, hot showers can really dry out your skin in the long run and dry skin isn’t what you are going for at all.
Consider using a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
It’s not uncommon to experience breakouts on different areas of your body during the summer. It happens because sweat and oil get trapped under clothing or bra straps. That buildup can clog pores and cause breakouts. Using a body wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, can help reduce and prevent breakouts.
Use a body oil right after you shower.
A body oil can help seal in moisture after you take a shower, helping it to stay comfortable in the summer heat. Also, it gives your skin a pretty, dewy sheen that can be especially lovely on your legs. And don’t forget to use the oil on your hands and feet.
Get rid of those chicken skin bumps on your arms and thighs.
Some of us get keratosis pilaris. It’s that chicken skin look that comes from the buildup of dead skin and too much keratin protein that ends up clogging pores. To get rid of it, use a body wash or lotion that contains glycolic or lactic acid, which help exfoliate all that gunk off your skin.
If you are going to self-tan, do it gradually.
If you are a fan of using self-tanners, by all means, use them. Just keep in mind that the best way to avoid turning an unnaturally orange color is to self-tan gradually. For a light color, use your self-tanner once or twice a week. If you want something darker, try using it every other day.
Swap out your products in the summer.
The same products that work for you during the winter may not work for you during the summer. Swap out creamy cleansers for something light. Also, as we mentioned before, don't forget to continue moisturizing from head to toe, but don’t be afraid to try a water-based moisturizer in the summer instead of a thick cream.
Drink plenty of water.
Water is great for you in general, and making sure that you are hydrated is great for your skin because skin is made up of about 64% water. Also, drinking enough water will help your body rid the skin of toxins to help keep it clear and bright.
Always, always, protect your skin from the sun.
Seriously, this cannot be said enough. The sun can really damage your skin and even lead to skin cancer, so pretty please always wear sunscreen when you are going to be out in the sun. Also, wear hats that provide sun protection, sunglasses to protect your peepers, and don’t let yourself roast in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
*Descargo de responsabilidad: Los consejos sobre MamásLatinas.com no sustituyen la consulta con un profesional médico o el tratamiento para una condición específica. No debes usar esta información para diagnosticar o tratar un problema de salud sin consultar a un profesional calificado. Por favor contacta a tu médico si tienes preguntas o alguna preocupación.
