Sunburns, bug bites and dry skin are all common side effects of the hot summer sun. To keep your skin healthy and happy despite the heat, follow these 10 summer skin secrets.
Scrub down
The summer heat can dry you out, contributing to scaly, rough skin. To keep your skin soft and smooth, give yourself a full-body exfoliating scrub every few days. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on specialty exfoliation products — simply rub granulated sugar on your face and body while in the shower.
Hydrate inside
All that summer sun will cause your body to sweat out liquids, potentially leading to dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, your skin will look papery, thin and worn. Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Hydrate outside
Applying a daily moisturizer will help keep your skin supple while also warding off summertime dryness. Choose an oil-free option with full-spectrum SPF to help prevent break-outs while protecting your skin from the sun.
Screen everything
If you think that a moisturizer with SPF will sufficiently protect your skin during the summer, you’re wrong. It’s a great starting point, but when you know you’re going to be outside for any extended period of time, you need to apply sunscreen to all of your exposed skin every few hours. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your lips, feet and ears.
Battle bugs
Nothing kills a summer picnic faster than feeling like you’re being eaten alive by bugs. Make your own safe, minty bug spray by combining a half teaspoon of spearmint in a spray bottle with one cup isopropyl alcohol and one cup water. Carry a bottle with you whenever you head outdoors and simply shake before you spray.
Tint yourself
Despite all the sunscreen you’ll be applying this summer, chances are your skin will still deepen a few shades. Rather than buying a new, darker foundation, mix a small amount of liquid bronzer into your foundation. It will more closely match your skin tone, while also giving you a nice glow.
Fight the itch
Even the best summer is likely to include a bug bite or two. Cut through your skin’s irritation with a homemade mix of baking soda and water. For especially itchy bites, add a drop of lavender oil — natures’ natural anti-itch remedy.
Treat heat rash
All that sun can cause hot, inflamed and itchy patches on your skin. Whenever you experience heat rash, apply a mix of aloe vera and lavender oil to your skin as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Banish blisters
Most people are more active during the summer months. If you find your shoes are rubbing you the wrong way, ease those blisters by applying a few drops of tamanu oil, a product that will help your skin heal more quickly.
Soothe sunburn
If you forget to apply sunscreen and end up with an unfortunate burn, soothe the heat with aloe vera gel — just make sure you choose a product with at least 95 percent aloe vera for maximum relief.
More summer skin tips
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10 Ways to remedy summer skin disasters
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