Tips to Maintain Healthy Skin Throughout the Summer

Memorial Day and the Summer Solstice have come and gone, leaving with us the much-anticipated summer season! And while many of us have long awaited tanning on the beach, swimming in the pool and backyard bar-be-ques with family and friends, there is one pesky summer problem that likes to rear its ugly head just as the shorts and tank tops are unpacked for the summer: skin problems. The sweat caused by heat and humidity, the drying effects of the sun, and even the products we use to protect ourselves from burns and bites can leave our skin feeling as though there is a lot to be desired. Plus, with the glow of a tan and the business of the season, it is very easy to neglect skin care routines during the summer. However, it can be very quick and simple to guarantee that your skin looks, feels and is healthy all summer long.

First and foremost, wear broad-spectrum, non-toxic sunscreen daily. We are all guilty at least at times of skimping on the sunblock, either intentionally with the hopes of creating a more bronzed look or unintentionally because we are just too busy. Plus, many people believe that if they are not going out with the purpose of being in the sun (to the beach or pool), but rather are going out for a quick run, errands or something else, sunscreen is not needed. This is not the case! With the heat of a Long Island summer and the strength of the sun, sunscreen should be used daily, even when it is overcast. Ideally, choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, especially with fair skin; also look for non-toxic or organic sunscreens, as those lack chemicals that are potentially hazardous to the skin. In addition to sunscreen, it is important to take additional preventative measures from the sun: wear a hat, wear sunglasses (your eyes can get burnt too!) and a Chapstick with SPF in it. If you are to burn, soothe your skin with pure aloe vera.

It is extremely important for overall health, including skin health, to drink a lot of water in the summer. Heat and humidity causes dehydration, which in turn prevents your organs from functionally properly creating a negative impact on your bodies biggest organ: the skin! For the human body to functionally optimally, it needs water. Without it, organs work less efficiently, making the look and feel of your skin less than ideal. Water can help prevent drying, wrinkles, acne, redness, eczema and other common skin ailments. Try to make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water per day, especially in the summer. (An added bonus of water: taking a cold bath, relief from the heat, combined with lavender essential oil or lavender bath salts, can reduce stress which also promotes healthy skin!)

Be mindful of your diet. Most people dream of a summer body, typically putting the plan of action to reach that end goal in place sometime between the New Year's resolution and the last minute “oh no summer is almost here” stretch. However, once summer parties and bar-be-ques are in full swing, it is easy to ditch the healthy ways for hot dogs, wine coolers and ice cream. And while we are certainly advocates for living it up in the summer, enjoying life and eating what you love, it is important to remember that what you eat can have an effect on your skin. A healthy well-rounded diet, helps brighten, purify and detox your skin. Eating a diet full of heaping portions of fruits and vegetables, with portions of proteins and carbs as well, can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy all summer.

Cleanse your skin morning and night and moisturize daily. The humidity in the summer air can cause a buildup of sweat and dirt on your skin and in your pores. This build up, if not washed away, will clog pores and potentially cause unwanted breakouts. It is more important than ever in the summer to make sure you cleanse your skin morning and night, to refresh the skin and remove impurities (including the necessary sunscreen). To prevent added buildup, try to work out without makeup on; if you prefer to have makeup on during exercise, carry makeup removing towelettes or oil absorbing sheets to prevent added buildup in the pores. Once or twice per week, you can also add in a skin mask to remove excess oil from your skin and an exfoliation routine to remove dead skin cells that leave skin looking rough and dull. Always try to use natural cleansers and skin products, ones provided by reputable aromatherapy companies, to ensure that your skin is not being treated with harmful chemicals or ingredients.

Summer is a fun time to let loose and enjoy quality time with family and friends. While you are soaking up the sun, surfing the waves, and laughing along with loved ones, remember these simple steps to keep your skin glowing all summer long.