Summer isn’t all fun and games. If you’re not careful, too much sun, sand and saltwater will wreak havoc on your skin and hair. To make sure that readers can enjoy some July shenanigans without paying the price in October, health website Treato has compiled a list of tips for updating your beauty regime for the summer.
Make sunscreen application a daily chore
Do you put on sunscreen before you go to the beach? Good for you. However, when the temperatures are consistently above 80 degrees, you should be wearing sunscreen everywhere you go. Next time you’re at the drugstore, pick up a daily moisturizer that’s SPF 30 or higher. It’s a surefire way to ward off the aging effects of UVA/UVB rays as well as skin cancer.
1. Easy on the eyeliner… and mascara… and foundation
Sadly, sweat doesn’t mix well with your favorite beauty products. Think of summer as an opportunity to take a break from heavy makeup. While you don’t have to go makeup-free, try opting for a lighter touch, especially when it comes to foundation, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If you’re going to be wearing less clothes, why not let your face breathe a bit too?
2. Practice vacation prep
Planning an island getaway? Be extra-vigilant about daily sunscreen application in the weeks leading up to your trip. This will help your skin prepare for long days at the beach and in the water. You should also exfoliate problem areas like your elbows, knees and feet that don’t get much love during the cold and dry winter months.
3. Engage in hair care warfare
Here’s the scenario: UV rays, saltwater and chlorine are all teaming up to do some serious damage to your precious locks. What do you do? Prepare for battle! First, before you even leave the house, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. After getting out of the shower, consider applying a UV-based hairspray that will protect your hair’s color and keep it looking shiny. Before going for a dip in the pool or ocean, spray your hair with water so that it won’t absorb too much chlorine or salt. Lastly, find a cute hat! A hat can’t be beat when it comes to hair care warfare.
4. Tan the safe way
You shouldn’t bake in the heat for hours to get that sun-kissed glow that everyone craves. Instead, try a gradual self-tanner. Choose one that contains a lower percentage of DHA so you don’t end up looking like an Oompa Loompa. Also, for an even color be sure to exfoliate before applying the self-tanner.
5. Treat sunburns ASAP
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there’s a good chance you’ll get a sunburn at some point during the summer. To reduce redness, soak a facecloth in skim milk and ice and apply it to the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Pop an aspirin or ibuprofen to lessen the sting.
6. Switch up your nighttime routine
If you normally use an exfoliator at night, try a gentler foaming cleanser to degrease your skin from the heat and humidity. A glycolic mask every 7-10 days will help prevent breakouts. Also, skip the nighttime moisturizer. Let your face breathe while you catch some Z’s.
7. Don’t forget about your lips!
Lip balm is always within arm’s reach in the wintertime, but during the summer you’re probably more worried about all the other areas that need TLC. Because the sun is just as unforgiving to your lips as it is to the rest of your skin, invest in a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.
