10 Essential Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

I don't know about you, but summer means spending more time outside for us at Organic Bath Co. And whether you're going to the beach, dining alfresco with friends, or outdoors on summer adventures, summer also changes your skincare needs. In this article, we'll cover some common challenges with summer skincare and how to adjust our routine for beautiful glowing skin all summer.

Why You Need to Adjust Your Skincare Routine in the Summer

Weather changes can affect your skin. Whether it's an increase in the UV index (which we'll cover later in this article) or changes in humidity, summer brings different skin needs. Here are some of the main challenges with caring for your skin in the summer:

1. Sun Exposure: During the summer, the UV index is higher, and exposure to stronger UV rays for a short time can cause significant damage to your skin. 
2. Dehydration: Hot weather can cause increased water loss through sweat, leading to dehydration. Without proper hydration, your skin may appear dull, flaky, and feel tight. Adapting your skincare routine to include more hydrating products can help maintain your skin's moisture balance.
3. Extra Heat and Humidity: Summer brings higher temperatures and humidity in many areas. This combination can cause you to sweat more, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts. Adjusting your skincare routine can help you manage excess oil and prevent acne flare-ups.
4. Outdoor Activities: Summer often means participating in outdoor activities, swimming, and spending more time in chlorinated pools or salty seawater. These activities can impact the skin's pH balance and moisture levels, necessitating adjustments in your skincare routine to counteract potential damage.
5. Travel: If you're traveling to different climates during the summer, your skin may experience changes due to environmental variations. Adapting your skincare routine based on your destination's weather and conditions can help your skin cope better.

Heat and humidity may increase sebum (your skin's oil) production and clogged pores for oily or acne-prone skin, potentially resulting in breakouts. Dry skin types may experience dehydration due to excessive sweating, leading to flakiness and discomfort. Individuals with sensitive skin may be more prone to irritation and redness in hot and humid conditions. 

During the summer, common skin issues include:

• Sunburn.
• Heat rash.
• Acne breakouts.
• Dry and flaky skin.
• Dark spots from the sun.
• Increased sensitivity and irritation for those with sensitive skin. 

So how do we maintain a healthy glow all summer? 

Here are ten summer skincare tips for glowing skin this season.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is essential for healthy summer skin. To keep your skin well-hydrated, follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain internal hydration.
• Opt for lightweight, water-based moisturizers that won't feel heavy on your skin in hot weather. OBC body lotions are perfect for this as they are super light and formulated for warmer weather. 
• We love a good face mist or spray. Treat your skin to hydrating face masks and refreshing mists to replenish moisture levels. 

Staying hydrated internally and externally will help you achieve a radiant and supple complexion during summer.

Sunscreen, Apply, then Reapply

Sunscreen is your ultimate ally in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Follow these essential tips:

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above sunscreen to shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. 
• Understand the differences between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens to find the one that suits your skin type and preferences best.

Don't Forget Your Lips

It's easy to remember to apply sunscreen to your face but forget your lips. Lip care and sun protection are essential aspects of your summer skincare routine. SPF lip balms protect your lips from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn and potential long-term damage. Exfoliating and moisturizing chapped lips help maintain their softness and suppleness while improving lip product effectiveness. Nobody wants sunburned lips, so grab a lip balm with SPF. Your lips will thank you!

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Gentle cleansing in the summer helps to maintain a balanced and healthy complexion. Our organic body wash and bar soaps are excellent options for summer skincare due to their mild formulations and natural ingredients. These gentle cleansers effectively remove sweat, excess oil, and impurities without stripping the skin of its essential moisture, making them ideal for combating the effects of heat and humidity. Moreover, their organic composition minimizes the risk of skin irritation, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Exfoliate Wisely

We recommend exfoliating year-round, but exfoliating is equally vital in the summer. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells to achieve a healthy, radiant glow. However, it's essential to avoid over-exfoliating, as excessive scrubbing can harm the skin's protective barrier. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants like our Java Jolt or Sublime Scrubs and limit exfoliation to 2-3 times per week to maintain balanced and smooth skin without causing irritation or sensitivity.

Understand the UV Index and Avoid Peak Hours

If you want to know the safest hours to enjoy the sunshine, check out the UV index. You can google it or find the UV index when you scroll down on Apple Weather. According to Wikipedia, the UV index is "an international standard measurement of the strength of the sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a particular place and time." It's numbered between 0 (no risk of sunburn and 12 (extreme risk of sunburn). If you're prone to sunburns, try to avoid sun exposure during peak hours for UV radiation, when the sun is highest in the sky.

Protect Your Eyes

Beyond looking cool, wearing sunglasses with proper UVA and UVB protection can protect your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them from the harmful effects of the sun. UV rays can lead to various eye issues, including cataracts and macular degeneration. By wearing proper sunglasses, you'll also protect the skin around your eyes from wrinkles and sun-induced damage. Additionally, wearing sunglasses can prevent squinting, contributing to the formation of crow's feet and fine lines. 

Wear UPF Clothing

We are huge fans of UPF clothing. Your favorite outdoor retailer has a wide variety of UPF clothing in stock. We're big fans of REI brand and Vissla makes a great sunshirt! Sun hats and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing protect your skin during outdoor activities. These accessories provide an extra layer of defense against UV radiation. By shielding your face, neck, and body from direct sun exposure, sun hats and UPF clothing help prevent sunburn and premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Incorporate UPF into your outdoor routine for healthy, radiant skin and keep your skin safe from sun-related damage while enjoying the great outdoors.

Keep it Lukewarm

It's easy to overheat in the summer. To keep your skin happy:

• Instead of hot showers, opt for lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin.
• After bathing, apply moisturizer immediately to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
• Choose gentle and hydrating body washes to maintain your skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and irritation during the warmer months. 

After Sun Care and Repair

After-sun care products often harness the nourishing properties of natural ingredients to provide relief and promote skin healing after sun exposure. Here are the benefits of some common after-sun ingredients:

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a go-to ingredient for after-sun care. It helps alleviate sunburn, reduces inflammation, and provides a cooling sensation, making it ideal for calming and hydrating sun-damaged skin.
2. Shea Butter: Its rich texture moisturizes and nourishes the skin after sun exposure. It contains vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids, which assist in repairing and replenishing the skin's moisture barrier.
3. Coconut Oil: This natural emollient is deeply hydrating and helps lock in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple after sun exposure. Coconut oil's anti-inflammatory properties also aid in soothing redness and irritation caused by sunburn.
4. Raspberry Seed Oil: Raspberry seed oil is a potent antioxidant, exceptionally high in vitamin E. It combats free radicals, which helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage, while its essential fatty acids support skin repair and reduce inflammation.
5. Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip Oil contains vitamins A, C, and E and essential fatty acids. Rosehip seed oil supports skin regeneration and reduces the appearance of sun-induced damage like hyperpigmentation. Its nourishing properties promote smoother, more even-toned skin.

Naked Skin Cream for the body and Enhance Face Oil for the face are fantastic products for after-sun care. They contain ingredients that work to soothe, hydrate, and revitalize the skin, mitigating the effects of sun exposure and restoring natural radiance.  

By following these tips, you'll have a headstart keeping your skin healthy all summer. Here's a quick recap:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink water and use lightweight, water-based moisturizers and hydrating face masks and mists to keep your skin radiant and supple during summer.
2. Sunscreen, Apply, then Reapply: Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and reapply often for adequate sun protection.
3. Don't Forget Your Lips: Protect your lips with SPF lip balms and exfoliate and moisturize them for softness and prevention of sunburn.
4. Use a Gentle Cleanser: Opt for organic liquid or bar soaps with mild formulations to cleanse your skin gently and avoid stripping it of essential moisture.
5. Exfoliate Wisely: Incorporate gentle exfoliants like Java Jolt or Sublime Scrubs 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and achieve a healthy glow without harming the skin's protective barrier.
6. Understand the UV Index and Avoid Peak Hours: Check the UV index to plan outdoor activities during safer hours when the sun is less intense.
7. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection to safeguard your eyes and the skin around them from sun damage and premature aging.
8. Wear UPF Clothing: Sun hats and UPF clothing provide an extra layer of defense against UV radiation during outdoor activities, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
9. Keep it Lukewarm: Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot showers to avoid drying out your skin, and moisturize immediately after bathing to keep it hydrated.
10. After-Sun Care and Repair: After-sun products with ingredients like Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Rosehip Seed Oil relieve, soothe, and promote skin healing after sun exposure.

Bonus tip:

Chill Mist: Pop your face mist or toner in the fridge for a few hours. Next time you're feeling hot and bothered, treat yourself to an icy spritz that'll make you go "Ahhh!" It's like a mini vacation for your face! 

With these summer skincare tips, you can confidently embrace the season while maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Remember to hydrate, protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, and indulge in soothing after-sun care to ensure your skin remains nourished and rejuvenated throughout the sunny months. Enjoy the summer with radiance and confidence!