Summer is a mix of a blessing and a curse. Your face gets clearer with more vitamin D, yet the constant heat makes you sweat, and typically, the acne prone produce more oil that gets clogged into pores.
Fear not! I have a list of tried and true tips for you to enjoy your summer while minimizing some breakouts.
1. Exfoliate
Walking out in the heat means you’re more likely to produce oil. Living in a city, dirt and dust are definitely flying around. Also, your skin gets a tad rougher from the sun drying up your face. You can definitely prevent any future breakouts and keep your skin nice and fresh with an exfoliant! It could be a physical/chemical cleanser, or just a good cloth. Keep in mind not to overdo it and be moderate; when you exfoliate your skin is more likely to become sensitive to the sun (see #3). I do use a chemical exfoliant cleanser occasionally, but the best is using a facial scrub. I like using the Sasatinnie Facial Cleansing Brush, but unfortunately SaSa or eBay doesn’t seem to be selling them anymore. Instead, try One Love Organics Cleansing Sponge or the small Italy Towel for light exfoliation!
2. Still use moisturizer/serum
This is a big boo-boo people make when summer comes around. They stop moisturizing! Just because you still produce more oil, doesn’t mean you should skip on the moisturizer. It still serves a function, you just need to go lighter! I always produce more oil if I don’t apply some type of hydrating product to my skin. Typically when it’s too hot, just opt for a nice serum. It’s light enough and will get the job done. I have been using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum and Rich Moist Soothing Cream . Despite it’s “rich” description, both are nice and light and do it’s job during the hot, sunny days!
3. Get sun and use SPF accordingly
As mentioned in my post Supplementing Sunshine: Remember to Get Your Vitamin D, the sun is healing – get your vitamin D intake. Also make sure to use physical SPFs after you get your sun; they actually soothe the skin while offering broad spectrum protection without risk. Note that if you’re using chemical exfoliants to apply SPF more frequently and get more shade – your skin is more likely to be thinner and more susceptible to burning. I’ve actually been really liking the Coola Suncare Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint for it’s light formula and quality ingredients. (Will reference a post shortly).
4. Give the full face a break
I know, I know, I know. It absolutely sucks to have bad skin all year round, but you’re doing yourself a service to it. Sweating with a face full of makeup will just have your natural oils mix in with product, and probably cause you to break out more. Keep it light, keep it simple. (If you really can’t live without makeup, check out this post: Minimal Makeup ft. RMS Beauty )
5. Drink lots of water
Again advice I need to follow myself, but this is just an all around good point to include. Keeping hydrated is super important for your skin and overall health. Toronto in particular can get quite humid, so carrying a bottle of H2O is always a great call. My boyfriend and I have personally been loving the S’Well water bottles. It’s pricey, but it’s what we pay to keep our water cool for 24 hours!
Hope these tips help you for the rest of the hot days! Any other tips that have worked for you? Please let me know!
xo, M