Summer Skincare Survival Tips by Kelli Parisian
Don’t throw caution to the wind while vacationing thinking, I’ll take care of my skin once summer is over. Summertime can be the perfect time to make the changes that will benefit your skin all year long. You know wearing sunscreen is the #1 priority, but what else can you do to keep our skin in tiptop shape during the summertime? o
Feed your face! Enjoy the abundance of fresh fruits from
berries to melons available this time of year. Cantaloupe is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, and Vitamin B6 as well as dietary fibers and folic acid. Bonus: At only 60 calories a cup, water-rich cantaloupe quenches our skin from the inside out without unnecessary calories. o Soothe skin that’s irritated by sun and saltwater or chlorine with Aloe Vera from your own plants. I have 3 or 4 aloes growing in my yard, when I get a burn (usually from cooking), the first thing I do is snip off a leaf, squeeze the nectar from the plant, and rub over the entire area that’s burned or irritated. Aloe straight from the plant soothes the skin and takes the sting from burns away faster than anything I’ve found store bought. o Cool your skin off – with a refreshing facial toner in a mist type bottle. Tip: Keep it in your refrigerator, or even an ice chest if traveling, and mist your face throughout the day. It’s hydrating and
refreshing. Be sure it’s alcohol and Paraben-free. Stay away from fragrance scented toners too. Fragrance in skin care products is the #1 cause of allergic skin reactions. o Cleanse face nightly before you’re too tired – It’s especially important to cleanse regularly during the summer when heat and humidity cause our skin to produce more oil. Tip: Don’t wait until bedtime to cleanse your skin. Many report they’re too tired to cleanse their face at bedtime and often fall asleep without washing their face (a big no-no). Get into the habit of cleansing right after dinner, before you plop down on the couch for the evening. This way you’ll do it before you’re too tired. Bonus: Your skin care products will have more time to work before you lose them to your pillowcase. o Exfoliate! - An often neglected step of a healthy skincare routine – exfoliation. Simply put, it’s removing dead skin cells so the fresh stuff can rise to the top. Look for polishes with natural ingredients. Fruit extracts such as blueberries and pomegranates are great natural exfoliants. Blackheads, dull, tired looking skin are a result of congested pores. Let oxygenand your favorite serums and moisturizers in with a good face polish. o Don’t forget your Feet – Dry feet and cracked heels are not pretty! Summer sandals expose feet to the elements and they suffer from the exposure. Exfoliate them with an oil base sugar scrub. I prefer sugar verses salt scrubs because salt can irritate and burn freshly shaved legs. Both are effective for exfoliation.
What do you do to protect your skin during the summer?