As of June 21, summer has officially arrived. Even in these crazy COVID-19 times, we have to adjust to adapt to the change in seasons in many ways.
Just as we change our wardrobes to adapt to changes in weather and humidity, we also need to change our skin care routines to deal with the adaptations of our skin to increased sun, warmth, and humidity. The following are 5 tips for your skin care in these summer months, with suggestions on products that will help:
1.) Remove the Dry Skin of the Winter
Over the course of the colder and dryer months of fall and winter, your skin will have built up layers of dry and basically dead skin cells. Now is a good time to exfoliate these cells.
Through exfoliation of the dull skin cells, your skin will start fresh with a tone and texture that looks soft, smooth, and bright in general. Maine Laser Skin Care recommends Glycolic Gel and Glycolic Gel Pads for nighttime use to remove the dead skin cells and promote resurfacing. Papaya Mint Body Scrub is also good for a daily all over exfoliation.
2.) Use Lighter Moisturizers
During the winter, heavier and thicker moisturizers are used to help retain moisture in the skin to combat the drying effects of the cold weather environments. In the summer months where humidity is higher, it is better to change to a lighter and more easily-absorbed moisturizer that allows the skin cells to breathe.
Maine Laser Skin Care recommends Oil Free Moisturizer, which is a sheer but still hydrating solution using vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Clarifying Moisturizer is best for acne-prone skin because of its salicylic acid and extracts to calm inflamed skin.
3.) Cleansing is Very Important
During times of increased heat and humidity, sweating increases, more skin is exposed to the environment ,and cleansing is more important than ever. You will need a cleanser that you can use twice a day to clean away combinations of sweat, oil, makeup, and sunscreen that can build up in your skin pores.
Maine Laser Skin Care recommends Salicylic Face & Body Wash with a 2% salicylic acid solution to unclog pores on your face, neck, chest and back. For non-acne-prone skin, Chamomile Facial Cleanser is a gentle and calming gel that hydrates while also cleansing.
4.) Fight Shiny Complexion
Increased summer humidity frequently results in a more shiny and oily appearing complexion. The best defense is a serum that will control the production of skin oiliness.
Maine Laser Skin Care recommends Green Tea Antioxidant Serum. It is a weightless matte formulation that can be used as a foundation primer.
5.) Be Prepared for Acne Breakouts
In general, acne breakouts are more common in the fall and winter. However, accumulations of sweat and oil can plug pores in summer, causing unexpected and embarrassing breakouts.
The best defense is to keep acne under control with a program of salicylic acid. Maine Laser Skin care recommends our own Acne Control System which is a 4 step program which manages to reduce breakouts for acne-prone skin.
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Enjoy the summer, but use these tips and product recommendations so your skin enjoys the summer as well. In an upcoming blog post, we will also review the important subject of ultraviolet radiation skin protection.
If you have any skin care questions, or you would like a free and individualized consultation, please feel free to call us in Scarborough at (207) 303-0125 or in Augusta at (207) 873-2158. Stay safe, and we hope to see you soon.