Here Comes the Sun

As the intense summer sun appears once again, our skin experiences challenges to its very health. Exposure to excessive heat and humidity throughout the day can cause your skin to develop rashes, inflammation, itchy burns, and even acne conditions can flair up. Therefore, it is essential that you prepare your summer sun care strategy wisely in order to avoid unwanted summer skin issues. 

When the weather gets warmer and humidity increases in the environment, your skin’s sebaceous glands start producing natural oils. These oils remain on the surface of the skin, leading to stickiness, grease and blocked pores.

Acne breakouts are a common problem that occurs in summer. People with oily skin are more prone to it as the bacteria and oils in the skin mix with the sweat causing clogged pores and acne. When your skin is exposed to the powerful UV rays, melanin production increases in order to protect your skin from sun damage. Melanin has photoprotective qualities, and excess melanin results in darker, tanned skin. In addition, uncomfortable conditions including itchy skin, prickly heat, sunburn and rash due to sensitivity to the sun can occur.

So, how do you best care for your skin during the summer? Well, let’s see. Here is a basic list of things to be aware of at all times, but especially during the summer months.

1. Be sure to cleanse your face regularly. In summer, oily skin usually becomes even oilier. Therefore there is a greater need to gently wash your face with a cleanser that is designed for your skin type. You want to be able to cleanse and remove all the dirt and grime. I suggest using a mild, alcohol-free pH balanced cleanser.
2. Maintain a consistent daily skincare routine and stick with it . Choosing products that are created to balance the skin microbiome such as Columbia’s Probiotic Concentrate and Probiotic Complex and used as recommended will deliver help restore, protect, and beautify your skin. Adding moisturizer as often as needed throughout the day will help to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh. Columbia’s Restorative Hydrating Cream is made for this purpose.
3. Don’t leave home without your sunscreen. The sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays can be very harsh. Besides giving you a stubborn tan, they can cause premature aging, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. A good sunscreen with SPF 40-50 is vital for the summer months for all skin types, even if you stay indoors most of the time. If you go swimming, I urge you to re-apply sunscreen after exiting the water.
4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. In case you missed the second part of #2 on the list. A moisturizer is vital to protect your skin in summer. You should choose a non-greasy formula. Keep an eye out for ingredients that include antioxidants like vitamins A and C, along with botanicals. It is a good idea to apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing.
5. Don’t forget to protect your eyes, lips and feet! Always wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a moisturizer such as Columbia’s Restorative Hydrating Cream under your eye, and lip balm under your lipstick. Scrub your feet to exfoliate. Apply sunscreen and moisturizer on your feet too, especially if you are wearing open-toed sandals.
6. Drink plenty of water and low sugar fruit juices throughout the day. Your water intake in summer should exceed what you would consume during the other times of the year. Coconut water, watermelons, and fresh juices are a good way to stay hydrated. Drinking water also helps to flush the toxins from the body. Include yogurt in your diet.
7. Wear breathable and sun treated clothing. Linen and cotton are the best fabrics to wear during summer. Wear light and loose clothing. Avoid tight fitting garments in synthetic fabrics. These can increase your discomfort and make you sweat more, which in turn makes the skin itchy and can lead to infections.

In conclusion, entering into the heat from air-conditioned surroundings and vice versa, excessive exposure to the sunlight, swimming to stay cool and the humidity can adversely affect your skin. The good news is you can restore your skin’s natural balance, elasticity, and brilliancy, by using Columbia Skincare’s microbiome friendly skincare products. Taking good care of your skin has more benefits than you can ever imagine. So, follow a regular skincare routine, eat healthy, and resort to simple yet effective suggestions to achieve glowing skin.

Have a beautifully healthy summer.