Guide: 7 tips for healthy summer skin

The summer weather - heat and humidity - can wreak havoc on our skin.
Here are some tips for healthy summer skin:

1. Sunscreen!!!

Sunburn is an often painful sign of skin damage from spending too much time outdoors without wearing a protective sunscreen. Years of overexposure to the sun lead to premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wearing sunscreen can protect your skin from sunburn - here are six tips to protect your skin.

2. Don't forget your lips!

Look for lip-specific products that have SPF 15 or higher. Apply lip product every two hours or so, based on the amount of contact with UV rays. While in the sun, stay away from baby oil, petroleum jelly, or high-shine lip gloss. Wear darker shades of lipstick or lipstick with SPF. 

3. Opt for lighter makeup

Nix makeup all together, or use oil-free liquid or powder formulas that feel breathable and weightless on the skin. 

4. Exfoliate for clearer, smoother skin

Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.

5. Drink up

Hydrate yourself from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells!

6. Keep your mask clean

Skin irritation from frequent face mask usage is a small price to pay to prevent the spread of the virus. The good news is there are simple ways to prevent “maskne,” such as keeping your mask clean and avoiding use of any greasy products underneath the mask. All facial moisturizers should be oil free and non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores) to avoid acne development. 

7. How to treat a heat rash

Signs of heat rash include small pink or reddish bumps along the skin. Irritation, itchiness, and a particularly “prickly” sensation. It occurs when the body’s sweat can’t easily evaporate, like in very humid environments. 
Reduce the chance of an infection by maintaining the skin as clean and dry as possible. Refresh the body with cool baths and cool air conditioning. Wear loose cotton clothes. Check for specific over-the-counter lotions to ease the symptoms.