High levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays, excessive heat, and immoderate humidity can be damaging to your skin. If you have increased acne during the summer months, a sun rash, or even sunburn resulting in itchy, flaky, dead skin – your body is trying to tell you something. It’s important to do more to protect your skin during this season. Keep your skin in tip-top shape this summer with these 10 skincare tips:

1. Be diligent with your skincare routine.

Maintain a good skincare routine and follow it regularly. Use a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer twice a day. For dry skin choose gel-based products, and for oily skin choose water-based. Both options are lighter and less greasy feeling compared to cream-based products.

Another helpful product is a face scrub – used 2-3 times a week to exfoliate the skin and remove excess dirt. Use a scrub suitable for your skin type and massage the scrub gently in a circular motion over your entire face and neck. This step creates a smooth, glowing surface. With continued use over time, pores are unclogged and become tighter and less visible.

Be sure to also include antioxidants in your routine. Antioxidant serums work wonders to hydrate your skin. They also protect the skin from environmental damage and help boost collagen, resulting in a brighter, younger-looking face. The Aesthetic Center carries the ZO® Skin Health product line that is a great option for an updated skincare routine. The Illuminating AOX Serum delivers all-day protection while enhancing skin glow.

2. Wash your face to remove excess oil and use toner morning and night.

As the temperature and humidity levels climb, your skin’s sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (natural oil). This oil gets stuck on the surface of the skin, leading to clogged pores and a greasy, sometimes sticky, feeling. Use a face wash suited to your skin type that can cleanse and remove deep dirt and grime. Those with dry skin should use a non-foaming cleanser. Opt for mild, alcohol-free and pH balanced cleansers such as ZO® Skin Health’s Gentle Cleanse, which is great for all skin types.

A toner can also be effective in closing open pores. The most numerous sebaceous glands are found on the T-zone of the face. To prevent sweat and oil from clogging these pores, use an aloe vera or cucumber-based toner, as they are lighter.

3. Don’t forget about hydration for your skin, including moisturizer.

Everyone needs to be hydrating their skin in the summer months! For many, updating your skincare products this season is a good idea, particularly moisturizer. Try a lightweight lotion that contains antioxidants like vitamins A and C. If it has SPF, even better. It is best to apply a moisturizer immediately after you bathe or wash your face. Use a hydrating mask, such as our Hyaluronic Quench Mask, at night for some extra hydration while you sleep. This mask, in particular, is part of The Aesthetic Center’s in-house, collection of clinical-grade skincare products.

4. Bathe twice daily.

Just like you need to wash your face regularly in the summer, a cool bath at night before bed can help remove all the dirt and sweat that has accumulated elsewhere on your body throughout the day. Ideally, a morning shower and a night bath should both be followed with your cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine. And try to keep water temps lower – a shower that is too hot can lead to over-drying your skin or irritating a skin inflammation or burn.

5. Avoid heavy makeup.

Humidity and heat plus heavy makeup all impact the skin’s ability to breathe. We encourage you to embrace your natural beauty this summer and skip the makeup all together. If you feel uncomfortable going bare, consider using products like tinted moisturizers and lip balms instead of full-coverage foundations and solid lipsticks.

6. Wear sunscreen.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! We really can’t talk about this enough. The sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays can be very harsh. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30-50 SPF daily to protect against both these types of UV rays. Check the label to ensure you are buying the right kind, as not all are created equal. Our Age Defying SPF 45 is great for active days. We also recommend ZO Skin Health’s Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 and Gel Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 for everyday use. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day if you spend extended periods outdoors. Don’t let the clouds fool you – you still need to apply SPF in overcast conditions.

7. Don’t forget about your eyes, lips, and feet.

Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and use a moisturizing undereye gel. Next, don’t forget your lips! Be sure to use a lip balm with SPF. You can even hide this under your lipstick if you still want that perfect color. Scrub your feet to exfoliate, and cover them with sunscreen as well. Apply SPF to often forgotten areas like your scalp, ears, and the tops of your feet.

8. Hydrate from the inside out.

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day! Drinking water helps to flush toxins from the body. Coconut water, watermelons, and fresh juices are another good way to quinch your thirst as well as stay hydrated. The right food combinations will also help your system digest properly, so you are not overusing your water resources for other body functions.

9. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Consuming leafy green salads and vegetables, like cucumbers, help the body stay cool from within. Seasonal fruits and juices from melons and citrus fruits also help keep the skin healthy. All of these things will add antioxidants to your diet, which protect us on the outside and on the inside.

10. Wear breathable fabrics.

Wear light and loose clothing as much as possible this season. Avoid tight fitting garments in synthetic fabrics. These can increase your discomfort and make you sweat more. Cotton is the best fabric to wear during the summer months! Wearing a hat is also a good idea when in the sun for prolonged periods. Even with a full head of hair, your scalp can burn where you part your hair.

Each season comes with its set of skincare challenges. These tips, along with a potential change in skincare products, will help to keep you healthy while restoring your skin’s natural balance and glow. If you have questions about your skincare routine or any of the products mentioned above, please stop by The Aesthetic Center (1605 Associates Drive, Suite 102E, Dubuque, IA) to learn more!