For so many of us, summertime is the time of year for cook-outs, swimming parties, trips to the beach and fantastically long hikes through the woods. It’s a season for celebrating the awesomeness of nature while enjoying comfortable and warm weather with family and friends. This time of year is undoubtedly filled with fun and exciting activities, but many of these activities can place added stress on skin if we are not careful. Therefore, maintain the skin you want all summer by making a conscious effort to cleanse, hydrate and protect.
Cleanse
During the summer, we sweat: Muggy days compounded by heavy sports-playing or yard work can send your sweat and oil glands into frenzy. Keep skin you want for summertime by regularly cleansing to wash away dirt, grime, oil and sweat. In the morning and evening, use a soap- and oil-free cleanser that gently washes. Avoid over-washing your face because doing so can strip away your skin’s natural oils and lead to irritation. During the middle of the day, splash cool water on your face and pat dry with a towel. This helps you keep clean skin you want without over-drying.
Hydrate
Well-hydrated skin is the skin you want during the summer, especially if you participate in arduous sports, exercise classes or otheractivities such as house building or repair. Recharging with water is an excellent way to keep your entire body well-hydrated and balanced. It also promotes balanced skin you want that is soft to the touch, supple and healthy. You can substitute a glass of water for high-water foods such as watermelon, lettuce and oranges to maintain theskinyouwant. You can also reach for a sports drink that not only hydrates with water but also replenishes salt lost from sweating.
Protect
Protecting skin during the summer is so much more than wearing sunscreen. Of course, always apply at least SPF 15 to have the skin you want. But what we are talking about here are other ways to protect skin: namely, from infections and irritations. First consider yard work, gardening and housework. Doing these activities puts your skin at risk of infection if germs enter weakened skin through a cut or scrape. Therefore, wear protective gloves to keep dirt out. Always immediately wash out cuts, scrapes and other skin abrasions with mild soap. Follow by applying antibiotic cream to protect skin you want from developing an infection.
Camping, hiking and sitting in your back yard can threaten the skin you want: Think mosquitos and ticks. Yuck! Light citronella candles and spray insect repellent on your clothes and body to keep these pesky insects away. Mosquito bites can become itchy if you are allergic to the mosquito’s saliva. We know the rest: Crazy, itchy skin and a bump ensues on skin. Apply a topical antihistamine or an ice pack to alleviate irritation and swelling. Also, remove ticks immediately by plucking; then schedule an appointment with your physician to make sure you do not develop Lyme disease.
