How to Take Care of Your Skin During Summer

It’s summertime! The sun is out; the flowers are blooming – it’s a fantastic time of year. However, seasonal changes affect your skin, too. Summer is a time when people spend more time outdoors. This, coupled with the heat of summer, can cause sun-related skin damage. 

Sun Damage

When your skin is exposed to the sun, it causes a breakdown in your skin’s collagen and elastin. These elements are responsible for keeping your skin firm, and when they’re broken down, your skin sags.

Sun damage also causes hyperpigmentation and age spots, which can make your skin look older than it really is.

Tips to Keep Skin Healthy

Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and protected this summer.

Sun Protection

Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause a variety of skin problems, including sunburn, skin cancer, and wrinkles. You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes, too.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is the key to taking care of yourself during summer. Use a hydration face mask after cleansing your face at night to keep your skin hydrated as well. 

Sweating

Sweating can lead to clogged pores, which can result in acne breakouts. Sweat can also leave your skin feeling sticky, so be sure to wash your face and wash your clothing after exercising.

Bug Bites

Mosquitoes, flies, and fleas can be a nuisance on warm summer nights. These bugs also bite and suck your blood, which can cause itchy welts, swelling, and allergic reactions such as hives. You can protect yourself by wearing bug repellent.

Water Safety

Summer means swimming, boating, kayaking, and other water activities. Being in water increases your risk of getting an infection. Make sure to wash your hands before eating or drinking, and avoid swallowing pool water.

Food

With the heat and humidity of summer, you don’t want to spend much time in the sun or the water. But you still need to eat! A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains will help fuel your body for the activities you plan to do.

Don’t skip meals. You can eat small meals throughout the day or snacks to keep yourself full. If you’re going to be out on the water, pack some healthy, portable snacks, like almonds or fruit.

To learn more about skincare tips for summer, visit our office, Love Medical Spa, at 2250 NW Flanders St., Portland, OR 97210. You can also reach us at (971) 500-9009 and schedule an appointment.