The Dos & Don’ts of Summer Skin Care

Just like our closet gets a refresh for every season, so should our skincare routine! This is especially true in the summer since our skin has to adjust to the drastic change in temperature and exposure to the sun. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it deserves special attention and care.

We’ve laid out all of the do’s and don’ts of summer skincare so you can be confident in your warm-weather routine. If you are in the Midlothian, VA area, contact us at Club West Med Spa today to learn more!

The Do’s

SPF, SPF, SPF

One more time for the people in the back–SPF!! But seriously, if you do one thing for your skin this summer, lather it up with sunscreen. Those UV rays are great in small doses but can be very damaging to your skin. They can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots, not to mention painful burns and an increased risk for skin cancer. The best thing you can do when you’re going out in the sun is to protect your skin with an SPF that works for you.

Not sure what type of SPF works best for your skin type? Read our blog about choosing the best skincare for your type to find out!

Find a Good Toner

Toner is a saving grace in the summertime–not only does it feel great on your face, but it also helps shrink your pores! This keeps oil, dirt, sweat, and bacteria out of your pores and keeps your skin healthy. There are tons of toner options on the market that come in scents like rosewater, cucumber, and coconut water. Spray a little on your face for an instant refreshing feeling that keeps your skin clean!

Stay Hydrated

Hydrated skin is happy skin–and soft, firm, and glowing skin. There are SO many reasons to stay hydrated in the summertime, but your skin is an essential one. Keeping yourself hydrated encourages elasticity in your skin, which reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging. It also reduces oil on the skin, which can get heavy when you already have sweat and products built up on your face.

Exfoliate!

Adding an exfoliator to your skincare routine is especially important in the summer. Think about it–after a day in the sun, your face is likely to have a buildup of sweat, sunscreen, makeup, and dirt and debris from being outside. Exfoliating will help get rid of that buildup and help your skin shed those dirty and dried-out layers.

The Don’ts

Limit Sun Exposure

Spending time in the sun is one of the best parts of the summer, we get it; but, too much sun exposure is quite dangerous for your skin. Do your best to stay out of direct sunlight during its peak hours, between 10 AM and 2 PM. You can also use the weather app on your phone to check the UV index (the higher the number, the harsher the UV exposure). The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends staying in the shade as much as possible, and when you are in the sun, be sure to wear sunglasses, light layers of clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat in addition to your SPF.

Avoid Heavy Makeup

Lots of heavy makeup can seriously clog your pores, and with sweat and sunscreen already built up on your face, it can get seriously uncomfortable. It’s essential to let your skin breathe in the summer, so it’s best to embrace your natural skin and lighten up on the makeup. Your skin will thank you!

Don’t Neglect the Forgotten Areas

The “forgotten areas” are just what they sound like–the parts of our bodies that most of us don’t think about including in our skincare routine. The biggest ones are lips, ears, neck, hands, and feet, and they need love too! When applying sunscreen, be sure not to forget about any of these areas. Try to find a lip balm with SPF in it and make sure your lips are nice and moisturized! Plus, staying hydrated will help keep your lips smooth as well.

Keep Shower Time Short

It might feel natural to bathe more often in the warmer months since we’re sweating and getting outside more, but this can actually be detrimental to your skin. Showering too much and for too long can be seriously drying to your skin, which is already fighting through sun exposure. If you can, cut your showers down to quick five-minute rinses as opposed to 20-minute soaks.

Additionally, if you have an oily skin type, excess washing can actually cause increased oil production to overcompensate. Extra oil on your skin is the last thing you want in the summer, so keep the rinsing to a minimum!

See How Club West Med Spa Can Help!

Show your skin some love this summer! At Club West Med Spa, our estheticians are experienced and dedicated to giving your skin the treatment it deserves. If you live in or around Midlothian, VA, contact Club West Med Spa today to learn about all that we can do for you!