Summer is upon us! The weather is has changed from warm and pleasant to hot and humid, the flowers are in full bloom, and the sun is shining brightly, making many of us to want to be outside soaking up the sun. Since most of us have been hunkered down inside because of the coronavirus, we should take a look at our own personal skin care routines for the summer sun. The suns rays can be dangerous to people of all ages and skin types. Keep your skin protected this summer with these tips for a healthy skin care regimen.

• Keep your face clean. Washing your face first thing in the morning and right before going to bed is a great ritual to help combat dry and flaky skin. Remember to use face cleanser that contains moisturizers to help prevent dry skin. 

• Prioritize moisturizing regularly. Like the rest of your body, your face is susceptible to dry skin. After you wash your face, it’s important to moisturize. Find a lotion or ointment that contains an SPF of at least 15 and use it on a daily basis to prevent your skin from drying out throughout the day. This will help keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful (with added protection from the sun’s UV rays!).

• Shield with sunscreen. Sun protection is the most important step in any skincare routine throughout the summer. The sun is harmful to all skin types and can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Apply sunscreen every day as a precaution. If you plan on being out in the sun for an extended amount of time, apply sunscreen liberally and often.

• Avoid overexposure! Spending too much time in the sun can cause major damage to your skin. Even if you apply sunscreen every hour, you are still at risk for sun damage. If you know you’ll be in the sun for a decent chunk of time, apply sunscreen and wear protective gear, like a wide-brimmed hat or light-weight clothes that conceal as much skin as possible.

• Stay hydrated. Many people neglect to drink water while their out having fun in the sun. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent pesky pimples from popping up and lessen redness. Plus, it’s important for your body to stay hydrated, especially during prolonged hours in the sun. Staying hydrated will keep you healthy from the inside out this summer.

You only get one set of skin, so make sure you do everything that you can to prolong its natural beauty. While the summer season certainly presents its challenges, it doesn’t have to determine whether or not you enjoy the warm weather. 

How do you take care of your skin in the summer? Answer in the comments.