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Tuesday, June 08, 2010
by Skincare-news.com team
Makeup meltdowns, sunburned skin and dry hair – the summer is not without some skincare concerns. Not to worry, though! We’ve got you covered with our list of top 10 summer beauty must-haves.
- Sunscreen. Sun damage is always a concern, but it’s more of an issue during the summer when layers come off and we spend our days outside. So, during the summer, be diligent about applying sunscreen. Remember to look for sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and SPF 30 – at least!
Nowadays, you can also find specific sunscreens for your skin type. If you have an oily or acne-prone complexion, look for oil-free, ultra-light, matte formulas that won’t clog pores. If you have dry skin, look for creamy formulas. If you have sensitive skin, avoid sunscreens that feature fragrance or dyes and contain potentially irritating chemical ingredients like oxybenzone. Instead, look for formulas with physical ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Blotting papers. Does your skin get soaking wet during the summer? Even if you typically have dry skin, you might be churning out more oil than usual. And, if your skin tends to be oily, it’s safe to say you’re drowning, and need a good product to absorb all the oil. Either way, blotting papers are a must for most skin types. They absorb oil and minimize shine. Not only are they convenient, but most blotting papers also won’t mess up your makeup. It’s a great way to refresh your face any time of day.
- Serum. Because your skin may become an oil slick in the summer – which is typical for people with oily or combo skin – consider swapping your oil-free moisturizer for a serum. Serums are lightweight and deliver a high concentration of nutrients. If you have dry skin, you can continue using your regular moisturizer and add a serum to your routine.
Some serums are also full of skin-boosting nutrients. An antioxidant-rich serum is perfect for summer because antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are created by sun damage and pollution. So seek out serums with antioxidants such as vitamin C, ferulic acid and coenzyme Q10.
- Self-tanner. Today, there are tons of products on the market that give you a beautiful – and natural – glow without the sun damage. You can choose from products that build a gradual tan or self-tanners that give you instant color. See here for expert tips on applying self-tanning products.
- Body scrub. Not only does a scrub remove dead, dull and dry skin cells, but it also prepares skin for self-tanning products. Exfoliating the skin helps self-tanners go on smoothly and creates an even finish. Plus, it gives skin a stunning glow, since there’s no buildup of dead skin cells.
You’ve got many exfoliating options: You can use an exfoliating cleanser, a weekly scrub or a microdermabrasion cream, among others. When choosing a scrub that contains grains or other types of particles, be sure they’re "…smooth and feel like sugar in your hand," dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., tells Good Housekeeping. Anything too big or too tough can tear the skin.
Apply your exfoliant of choice using a loofah or washcloth and be gentle. Scrubbing too hard or too often can result in sandpaper-like skin. Skin can look raw and lifeless – the very things you’re trying to avoid by exfoliating in the first place.
- Retinol cream. Retinol prevents fine lines from forming and reduces existing lines, so it’s the perfect ingredient to include in your summer routine. On Yahoo! Health, Dr. Baumann suggests using your retinol formula at night because the sun actually deactivates retinol. Also, because retinol can boost sun sensitivity, be sure you’re thorough with your sun protection.
- Hair mask. Your strands have a lot of potentially damaging culprits to contend with this summer. There’s UV rays, salt water, chlorine and heat – all of which can leave you with dry, dull and brittle hair. Hair masks are great for nourishing, hydrating and rejuvenating the hair. For extra damage control, leave your mask on overnight, letting it work as you sleep.
If oily or greasy strands are an issue, try an at-home remedy from iVillage. This mask absorbs excess oil but still leaves locks shiny and healthy. You’ll need 5 tablespoons of plain yogurt for oil-free hydration, 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, both of which sop up oil from the scalp. Mix the ingredients together, and apply to your scalp and strands (but focus on the roots), leaving the mask on for 40 minutes. You can use it weekly.
- Aloe vera. This multitasking, versatile ingredient is a must for summer. Whether you’ve got a sunburn (be sure to reread our sun care tips!), rash, cut, bug bite or other skin irritation, aloe vera can soothe and cool your skin and alleviate any itching.
- Lip balm with SPF. Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your body – except that we often forget to coat them in SPF. Plus, if you wear lip gloss, you might be increasing your risk. The added risk is in the lip gloss’s shine: “These lip glosses can make more of the light rays penetrate directly through the skin instead of getting reflected off of the skin’s surface,” Christine Brown, M.D., a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Center, tells MSNBC.
The consequences of unprotected lips – if left untreated – range from wart-like bumps to freckle-like spots to thinner, more lax lips to aggressive skin cancer, according to the article. Sun damage can also cause actinic cheilitis, also known as “farmer’s lip,” where the lips constantly chap, crack and peel.
To keep lips super safe, toss your lip gloss, and opt for lipstick, which you can mix with zinc oxide, dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D., tells MSNBC. Can’t live without your gloss? Find a lip balm that contains SPF 30 and apply it under your gloss every day.
- Fragrance. Your winter fragrances can feel too heavy for the summer. Add to that the sweltering heat and sweat and you could definitely use a pretty scent to freshen up during the day. So, for summer, pick light fragrances with a hint of floral or clean aromas. You can choose lightweight sprays, roll-on fragrances or even body oils.
The above beauty must-haves help you conquer summer’s most common skincare concerns – with everything from stopping makeup from slipping and sliding to protecting your precious skin to creating a beautiful glow to nourishing your strands. While you certainly don’t need to get every product on the list, a few of these are summer staples and will help you protect your skin, such as sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
See also:
Green Your Summer Skin Care Routine with 8 Eco-Friendly Finds
Sizzling Summer Beauty Tips
Sunscreens that Save Your Skin and Your Wallet
Does Mineral Makeup Provide Enough Sun Protection?
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