Who doesn't like having soft, smooth, and radiant skin? Then comes summer, the sun and the heat start taking a toll on your skin. Yes, the same skin you worked so hard to keep beautiful and lustrous all throughout the dry cool months.
Therefore, when summer strikes, you not only need to carry on with your regular skincare routine (cleanse-moisturize-sunscreen, tone and exfoliate, etc., you know the drill), you need to ramp up your effort to counter the extra guns that summer is armed with.
Here are 5 steps to keep in mind to get the perfect, luminous skin this summer:
- HYDRATE
The brilliant sun in the summer months can suck all the moisture from your skin and can leave it dry and flaky. Needless to say, keeping yourself and your skin hydrated is priority no.
- Drink lots of water
Well-hydrated skin cells appear smooth, supple, and shiny. So don't forget to restock your skin with all the water it needs.
- Moisturize
Not only does a moisturizer hydrate your skin, it even forms a protective barrier over it, preventing loss of moisture and protecting the skin from external elements like dirt and pollution. Choose a light moisturizer that is easily absorbed by your skin, and makes it appear fresh instead of greasy.
- Sleeping Masks
Sleeping masks are the perfect way to seal in the moisture, while the active ingredients and/or nutrients get absorbed and help in healing and rejuvenating your skin through the night.
2. NOURISH
The second important step is to nourish your skin so that it stays healthy and blooming. Here's how:
- Healthy and Balanced Diet
Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts to stock up on all the vitamins and healthy fats that your skin needs to stay smooth and supple. Don't forget to add proteins to your diet, since your skin is primarily made of proteins.
- Serums
Serums are lightweight preparations rich in active ingredients that are easily absorbed by the skin. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C like our Anti-Tech Serum.
3. PROTECT
Sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging, and the sun is especially unrelenting in summers. Needless to say, Sunscreen should be an integral part of your skincare regime (irrespective of weather). Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before heading out into the sun - even if it is cloudy outside. Do ensure that you give the sunscreen enough time to get absorbed before you head out.
Additionally, wear full sleeve clothes, sunglasses, and hat to provide further protection from the sun. Protecting yourself from the sun will go a long way in preserving the sheen and youthful charm of your skin.
4. EXFOLIATE
The outer layer of dead skin cells can leave your skin looking rough, dull, and dreary. To get back the spark in your skin, exfoliate twice a week. But remember - don't overdo it. Exfoliating frequently can not only irritate your skin, it can also cause dryness.
5. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PRACTICES
You can't expect your skin to glow if on the inside you are feeling down and stressed out. Relaxation is as important as any skincare step in maintaining the sheen of your skin.
- Healthy Dose of Sleep
Throughout the day, your skin is bombarded with damage from dirt, pollutants, UV rays, and other external factors. It is at night, as you sleep, that your skin rebuilds and regenerates all the damage it has endured through the day. So don't forget to catch up on a solid 8 hours of sleep each night, because beauty sleep is a very real concept!
- Avoid Stress
Stressing out prompts the release of cortisol - the 'stress hormone' - in our body. It causes delayed healing, increased inflammation, and decreased immunity. So stressing can not only increase your chances of getting infections, it is also known to flare up skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. So long, impeccable and iridescent skin!
So, while stress in our day-to-day life is unavoidable, try to maintain a positive perspective over life and keep yourself calm and relaxed. Meditation and yoga can help you relax your mind and body.
- Exercise
Exercising increases the blood circulation to your skin, thus ensuring a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin tissue. The ample supply of nutrients will help the skin rebuild and heal any damage that it may have taken during the day. Try it! You just can't miss the afterglow on your visage after a good round of cardio or gym.
The summer months are some of the toughest when it comes to managing your skin. All the heat, the dust, and the grime can leave your skin dry, damaged, and greasy with sweat. But that doesn’t mean you should lose hope! Just ensuring a few basics can get you back on track towards having an insta-perfect glow that shimmers like a pearl.