Spring and Summer Skincare Tips

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This is undoubtedly the time of year when we tend to spend more time outside, and as a result we often inadvertently overwork and under-protect our skin. Here are a few things that I have been trying to do to take better care of my skin this time of year:

1) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is painfully obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of– particularly when I am on the go during the warmer months. Carrying around a good quality water bottle definitely helps remind you to drink water, and for me I either carry my 25 oz. S'well Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE) or my 16 oz. bkr Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE).

2) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30- though I use between an SPF 30-SPF 50 most of the time). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day. While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected. My all-time favorite sunscreens for my face, neck and décolleté are: TATCHA SILKEN Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 (Reviewed HERE)and Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 (Reviewed HERE).

3) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading- even though I do so under an umbrella.

4) Exfoliate Skin once a week to remove dead skin and to ensure that your skincare is penetrating deeply enough. Of course this should be avoided if you have sunburned skin, but if your skin isn't traumatized by the elements and can handle a gentle exfoliation then this will go a long way to allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. If you see any suspicious looking moles that have been changing shape and size- then avoid this step and go to your doctor to have it looked at. I can't underscore the importance of this enough- it is very easy for them to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that you want to deal with immediately. I have had numerous suspicious looking things removed that could eventually become skin cancer.

5) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of anti-aging serums do wonders for scavenging free radicals.

6) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin more deeply and moisturize the skin. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.

7) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based lotions or gels into your product rotation because it helps to raise the moisture level of the skin.

8) If you have a beloved medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method. I would still highly recommend using a separate sunscreen to make sure that you have sufficient coverage. Again, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (approximately every 60-80 minutes).

9) Use a good moisture mask at least once a week, or as needed.

10) Don't forget about your lips!! Your pretty pout needs more moisture and protection during the summer. Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep them protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to remaining protected.

11) Don't forget your hair! Not only can the sun wreak havoc on your tresses, but the scalp is subject to sunburn as well. Use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.

12) A good pair of sunglasses won't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable under eye area. Repeated sun exposure offers an express invitation for a whole flock of crow's feet to take up permanent residence on your face– so un-invite them!

What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the summer months?

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