Summer’s here, the sun’s out. And while the warmer weather is certainly pleasurable, you worry that it’s taking a toll on your skin. What do you do to fight the effects of sweat and harmful UV rays? Although you should keep up a daily routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin, it just might not be enough.
Adding to your routine
In addition to your regular skin care routine, use extra exfoliating scrubs before applying body cream weekly. Unlike the heavy creams you use to keep skin hydrated in the winter, switch to a lighter lotion to avoid the blockage of pores.
If you have oily skin, consider a gel moisturizer. Otherwise, look for a water-based moisturizer. For sensitive skin, use a spray like Secura Moisturizing Cleanser.
You may need to rinse your face with water a few times a day to keep the sweat away. Cool showers are also great to soothe any skin irritation or inflammation.
Sun protection
Too much sun leads to premature aging. To avoid this, use sunscreen daily. 30 SPF will do the job, but you may need to raise the level of protection if you know you will be spending excessive time outside. If you have a sun allergy, experience inflammation, or have a rash, apply a hydrocortisone cream.
Summer food
Warm and heavy foods are not as refreshing during the hot summer months. Thankfully, citrus fruits, watermelon, and cherries are great sources of Vitamin C! Pineapple has additional anti-inflammation powers, and tomatoes contain lycopene, which reduces dark spots, lines, and dryness.
Try using coconut oil when you cook; when you digest or use it topically, it can help rid of wrinkles. Then, throw some summer squash in the pan—the manganese will help with sun damage.
Of course, drink plenty of H2O! When you sweat, your body is losing water.
Fungal infections
Humidity and heat will cause moisture to build up in places like the armpits and groin. To prevent this, wear cotton fabrics that aren’t too tight or too thick.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot. You might pick this up if you are running with sweaty socks in the heat or at a swimming pool. Symptoms include itching, redness, and sometimes even blistering. Jock itch, a ring-shaped rash, is also more common in the summertime heat.
Antifungal creams such as Aloe Vesta Antifungal Ointment that you can use to protect your skin, as well as all the products previously mentioned, are carried by Medical Supply Depot.
The extra work you put in will make all the difference this summer!
