Chicago summer is officially here – is this going to be the summer your skin makes it through without damage?
Of course, it’s near-impossible to keep sun exposure from affecting your skin at all – but you can always up your efforts. We’ve consolidated some of the experts’ top summer skin care tips so that it doesn’t get complicated. Just check out a few approaches below and find the category that you might have overlooked.
Remember, sun protection is about a lot more than just sunscreen… see which of the tips below end up surprising you the most!
Secret Summer Skin Protection Tips & Tricks
Moisturize Your Lips
Never neglect your lips – they’re especially delicate, and take a lot of damage during the summer. Be sure to use a textured lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply frequently when you’re out in the sun.
Keep Your Skin Cool
Cooling down your skin will help soothe and replenish it. For an extra boost, keep a face mist containing antioxidants in a cooler while you’re at the beach or the park. It’s also important to avoid hot showers right after sun exposure. This will actually dry out the skin further. Plus, a cool shower after you’ve been outside in the sun and sweating can actually help prevent breakouts.
Protect the Unexpected
There are areas of your body that you don’t necessarily pinpoint as the major areas of sun exposure. But these can actually need more protection than obvious spots like your neck or shoulders.
- Make sure to protect the part in your hair – the skin on your scalp and along your hairline is sensitive. Use a sunscreen spray to make application easier.
- While a baseball hat will protect your scalp, it won’t protect you from angled sunlight. Wear a hat with a wide brim to get more protection (and look cute, too).
- Don’t forget to protect your eyes, even if you’re going to be wearing sunglasses. The skin around the eyes is fragile and needs some extra help. Wear an eye cream that contains anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants.
- Your hands also benefit from sunblock. The thin skin on the backs of your hands is one of the first places where brown spots form and is especially thin, so be sure to get your hands!
Also, if you hate wearing sunscreen, you probably just haven’t found the right one. Keep testing different options and ask your skincare provider for a recommendation!
Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Exfoliation becomes even more crucial during the summertime to slough away dry skin. Make sure to get your knees and elbows, and moisturize afterwards – you should always be replenishing hydration.
You don’t have to use a fancy exfoliant or even one from the drugstore – it’s simple to make a nourishing alternative at home using standard ingredients. Try the one below to help firm, hydrate and purify your skin as you scrub away dead skin:
- ½ c sea salt
- ½ c ground coffee
- ¼ c sesame oil
- ½ tsp eucalyptus essential oil
Mix all ingredients together. Use while showering & stand out of the water while applying. Rub it into damp skin in long semicircles, and take your time so that the ingredients activate. Rinse off when done. Makes enough for 3 treatments.
Eat The Right Foods
Certain foods and drinks can actually heighten your sun protection. Try the below to boost your SPF:
- Red wine contains a phenol from red grapes that can reduce redness from sunburns, and is also anti-inflammatory. Swap out the rosé for a bottle of red if you’re working through a burn!
- There are a few types of fruit that are especially hydrating and antioxidant-rich. Canteloupe and watermelon help create a glowing complexion and actually heighten your SPF.
- Some studies have shown that taking vitamins C and E together can reduce the risk of sunburn. Try making a refreshing salad containing citrus, tomato and nuts to get these nutrients in combination.
Fade Dark Spots Right Away
Use a fade cream every night to stop spots on the forehead, cheeks and other areas that receive a great deal of sun exposure from darkening. If you’re interested in post-summer brown spot treatment,* schedule a free consultation with Laser Aesthetic Center to learn more about your treatment options.
Prevent Acne All Over
Acne can take hold anywhere – and this is more common during the humid, warm summer months. Use a cleansing bar on your whole body when showering in the morning. You can also improve humidity-borne bumps with a home glycolic mask. Try using a mask containing glycolic and salicylic acid once weekly to soothe irritation from sun, saltwater or chlorine.
Avoid Scratching Bug Bites
A tiny bug bite can become a big problem if it gets irritated by frequent scratching – hands off! Keep hydrocortisone in your cabinet so that you have it on hand when mosquitos strike.
Need some professional help getting your summer skin looking lovely? Schedule a consultation today so that we can hear more about your needs and make personalized recommendations.*
*Disclaimer: Please note that there is no guarantee of specific results. Results may vary.