If it's hot outside, you've probably noticed how thirsty you get. That's because your body's natural water content evaporates faster in hot weather. It's not just your mouth that gets dried out, though; your whole body, including your skin, can feel the impact of rising temperatures.
Though often overlooked, the skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, your skin not only tells the true story of your health and age, but also forms a protective barrier for the rest of your body. Keeping your skin supple, soft and well-moisturized will keep it from drying out and cracking, which is just as possible during the hot summer months as it is in winter. Use these tips to create a healthy skincare regimen for the summer.
Use the right sunscreen
The sun can dry out and damage your skin quickly, even on a cloudy day, and even more so if you're near water, where reflections can increase the intensity. Protect your skin from sunburn and dryness by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outdoors. Also, don't forget to check the expiration date of the sunscreen to make sure you're actually protected.
Moisturize often
Make moisture a part of your daily routine, not just when you get out of the shower, but throughout the day. Get a good moisturizer with a blend of nutrients, emollients and antioxidants that absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft without greasy or oily residue.
Reduce bath and shower time
While a long, hot shower or bath is very relaxing, warm water can really dry out your skin. Keep your bath time short to minimize the chance of dehydration.
Scrub
Take the time to exfoliate regularly, which removes dead skin cells and allows the moisturizer to penetrate more easily, revealing healthy-looking skin. Be sure to exfoliate gently and tailor your exfoliation schedule to your skin's unique needs so as not to irritate it.
Moisturize regularly
Applying lotion is an external strategy for preserving your skin's natural barrier, but you can also keep your skin hydrated from within. When you're dehydrated, the body draws water from every possible source, including your skin. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and having a bottle of water on hand at all times can provide easy hydration on the go.
Consume moisturizing foods
As with increasing your water intake, you can increase your body's overall water content by eating the right types of foods. Many types of products contain a lot of water, such as berries, melon, cucumber and zucchini.
