We tend to spend more time outdoors during the summers, which leads to increased exposure to sunlight, pollution, insects and so on. While sunlight is essential for the body, pollution, sweat, extra oil and other outdoor elements sometimes lead to painful rashes and breakouts. That doesn’t mean we will stop going out, isn’t it? So, here are some of the best skin care tips you can use to control those summertime breakouts.
Use a mild cleanser
Humidity, heat, and pollution can result in oil glands working overtime. While it is not possible for us to stop these glands from producing oil, we can certainly do something to prevent the overproduction of this oil. The most basic thing is to cleanse the skin properly with a mild cleanser – you can try clean skincare from Comfort Zone for washing your face twice daily. However, do not wash your face too often as over-cleansing too can break down the skin’s protective layer, causing dryness, rashes, and worsening of acne.
Drink more water
It may sound counterintuitive but oily skin needs to be hydrated from time to time. Dehydration can lead to increased oil production, eventually resulting in more breakouts. Not just face, lack of water intake shows up on different parts of the body – flaky knees and dry scalp are some of the examples. Ensure you stay dehydrated, particularly during the summer season as increased heat makes compliance even more crucial.
Go for a good sunscreen
If you are using acne medication, it becomes even more important to apply good quality sunscreen when stepping out in the sun. this is because medications make our skin more sensitive to the sun. Also, tanning isn’t considered healthy for acne-prone skin. It causes damage and premature aging, but not just your face but the entire body at risk. So, choose a sunscreen, even tinted sunscreens give us nice coverage without the need for any foundation.
Shower after sweating
Sweat is not good for acne-prone skin as it leads to enhanced irritation. So, you might want to hit the shower right after you sweat. While showering, use a body wash that can fight your breakouts. Anything with salicylic acid is considered good if you are facing summertime acne. For inflamed ones, benzoyl peroxide works wonders. Some people even face acne mechanica, which gets developed when skin is subjected to friction due to clothes or heat. Wearing breathable cotton can help get relief from acne mechanica.
Update your skincare
Just the way you update your wardrobe during the summertime, it is important that you change your skincare with the weather. You must use lighter, water-based lotions during the summertime and not oil-based creams that work well during the dry winters. Gentle exfoliating products are also quite helpful during the summers as they contain beta hydroxy acids and retinoids. Retinoids increase cell turnover, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. If your work demands applying a skincare routine both in the mornings and evenings, layer your makeup by starting with the lightest – serums, toners, etc. to the heaviest – sunscreens, lotions.