Your skin is not the same throughout your life. It changes with age, life experiences, diet, and lifestyle, and the care and attention you give to it. In fact, your skin changes throughout the year.
In one study, researchers tested the skin of 80 participants, all of whom are adults. They discovered that the levels of breakdown products of filaggrin, a protein responsible for the skin’s barrier function, experienced a transition between winter and summer. The researchers also noticed changes in the texture of corneocytes, the cells in the outermost part of the epidermis.
The findings prove that skin reacts to the passing of seasons. That is why the skin concerns that you experience during summer disappear during winter and vice versa. Moreover, that is why you should replace and build a skincare routine that addresses specific skin concerns during summer.
Address Pigmentation
Sun exposure is bad for the skin in various ways. While your body needs it to produce vitamin D — a vital nutrient that promotes bone and teeth health, supports the immune system, boosts lung and cardiovascular health, and regulates insulin levels — it can damage your skin.
That is why experts recommend using sunscreen regularly.
However, even when you are generous with the application of sunscreen, you likely will experience worse pigmentation during summer. The ultraviolet rays of the sun get more intense.
You would need to add a whitening facial serum to your nighttime skincare routine to help you lighten dark spots and even out your skin tone. Those containing vitamin C, glutathione, arbutin, and kojic acid will remove excess pigment from your skin, making you look more flawless. A serum is better because it is more potent. You will see improvements faster. It is also more lightweight compared to creams and sinks into your skin better.
Include More Antioxidants
Free radicals react with important cellular components, including proteins, cell membranes, and DNA. The process leads to apoptosis or cell death.
You do not want to expose your skin to free radicals because it causes damage through oxidative stress. It has been linked to premature aging of the skin, characterized by the early appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun (or tanning beds) cause the production of free radicals. However, you can counter the damage by using antioxidants. When choosing skin care products for your summer routine, look for ingredients that fight free radicals.
Dermatologists recommend vitamin A, which you probably will see listed as retinol, tretinoin acid, or retinaldehyde. The nutrient increases cellular turnover, improving the appearance of age spots and repairing the skin’s cellular structure. It also boosts the production of collagen, an important protein found on the skin that keeps it elastic and supple.
Calm Inflammation
During summer, your skin will be experiencing increased inflammation. You might get rashes all over your body and have an acne breakout on your face.
Milaria, also called prickly heat, is a common condition that occurs during summer. It is the result of sweat that gets trapped under your skin. Applying a hydrocortisone cream can offer relief.
The summer heat can also lead to more frequent acne breakouts. The mix of heat and humidity is bad news for your skin. It causes your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, making your face oilier. And, with the increased sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells will be more likely to congest your pores. Try double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first and then a gentle water-based cleanser. It will remove all the gunk or excess oil accumulated on your skin throughout the day without causing dryness.
Go Light on the Moisturizer
You are not supposed to skip moisturizer during summer. While your skin will become more oily because of the heat and the humidity, skipping moisturizer will mean that your skin will not get enough moisture. It can get very sticky and uncomfortable, so choose one that applies lighter or sinks quicker on your skin.
In addition, choose a moisturizer that is hydrating and acts as a barrier that can prevent moisture loss from the surface of your skin. Products that contain humectants, which bind moisture on the skin’s surface, are perfect for summer.
Your skin is exposed to different elements during summer and, therefore, has specific needs. By having a routine specially designed to address concerns during summer, you can maintain smooth, healthy, and youthful-looking skin.
