Taking care of our skin is a top priority for most of us – but as parents, sometimes life can get in the way and make the task of doing our nighttime routine something we put on the backburner. It’s essential to take time for yourself, no matter how busy you are, especially when it’s taking time to do things that boost your confidence. And, nothing gives you confidence like having a clear and healthy complexion. Did you know that your skins need to change year-round, though? You should be switching gears on your skin routines in preparation for snow and summertime. Let’s look at ways to upgrade your skincare routines for summer to keep you looking – and, more importantly – feeling your best.
Up Your SPF
While most people know that you need to wear SPF on your delicate facial skin year-round, you may not know that you need to kick it into high gear during the summer. In contrast, SPF in moisturizer or makeup can get you through overcast days and winter; you want to put SPF solely on your face in the summer. Make sure you buy an SPF explicitly formulated for facial skin and apply it after your moisturizer and any makeup you may wear that day. You want one with an SPF factor of 30 at minimum.
Exfoliating Your Skin
During the summer, we’re more physical and spend more time outside slathered in sunscreen, sun tanning oil, and more. Exfoliation is essential to do every few weeks year-round, but you want to exfoliate your body’s skin at least once a week in the summertime. To exfoliate like the pros, do it before you plan on shaving your legs to reduce bumps or razor burn. When it comes to facial exfoliating, you want to use a different product than you would on your body, as body exfoliants are rougher on your skin. You can use an exfoliating scrub or a serum that contains products like Retinol. If you’re not used to exfoliating your face, start with once a week and build up to every other day. Exfoliating your face keeps it squeaky clean and can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – not to mention it keeps blemishes at bay.
Keep Patches On Hand
There’s no time like the present if you haven’t yet jumped on the pimple patch wagon. Several brands make these patches, and they are a serious gamechanger. If you have a pimple forming, place one on before bedtime, and when you wake up, your zit is gone! These magical little stickers work on active zits and pimples and not so much for blackheads, so keep that in mind. They also come in various skin tones, so if you wake up with an unsightly pimple, place one on the problem and wait a few hours before removing it.
Embrace Nature
Wouldn’t it be great to feel confident au naturel? You can, and it’s easier than you may think! Start by having “no makeup” days – if you’re used to wearing a full face. Get used to seeing yourself without makeup; you are beautiful without it, but it also does wonders for your complexion to be makeup-free. Start building your skincare arsenal and fill it with natural skin care products that nourish your skin while helping you feel beautiful. In addition to more natural products, embrace nature by spending more time outdoors! Sunshine is excellent for getting your body’s crucial Vitamin D levels up, and bonus – it helps heal acne!
Additionally, you can improve your skin by embracing nature through the foods you eat. Summer is when all the powerful antioxidant-filled berries are in season and most abundant. Eating healthy foods equals having a healthy complexion. Growing your fresh food is a great way to spend time in the Sun and eat a more nutritious diet if you’re looking for a new hobby. Gardening will benefit not just you but also your family!
Upgrading your skincare for the summer isn’t just about visiting a dermatologist, spending a fortune on products that may or may not work, or getting Botox – all of which you’re welcome to do and may make you look and feel great. But, if you apply the ways mentioned earlier to upgrade your skincare routine this summer, you’ll be radiating just like the Sun. Invest in your health, including your skin health – and enjoy the summertime!