How to Take Care of Your Skin During Summer

Each person strives to keep her skin the best condition possible. Throughout the year, the changes of the seasons bring about new concerns when it comes to skin care. As a result, you may have to switch products and alter your routine to ensure that your skin stays in great shape. During the summer there are several things that you must do to nourish, protect and maintain your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Facial cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Foundation
• Tinted Moisturizer
• Loose powder
• Water bottle

Instructions

1. Cleanse your face. No matter what time of year it is, it's always important to cleanse your skin. However, in the summer, this step is extremely critical. Between being out in the warm weather and sun bathing, your skin will develop an excess amount of sebum. This is the result of the warmer temperatures that cause you to perspire. If the sebum stays on your skin too long, it can lead to breakouts and clogged pores. Remember to cleanse your skin in the morning and at the end of the day.

2. Apply sunscreen regularly. During the summertime, many people enjoy soaking up the rays and spending outdoors. While the warm weather may feel great, recognize that you need to protect yourself from the sun's UV rays. Choose a sunscreen that best suits your skin type. If you're very fair skinned, stick with a sunscreen that has SPF 45 or higher. If you tan easily, you should be fine using a sunscreen with SPF 30.

3. Use a light foundation since the weather is warm and you will perspire. A heavier foundation will literally feel heavy on your skin and may cause an allergic reaction if you perspire. In addition, it will literally melt off your face when you perspire. Rather then using the typical full-coverage foundation, stick with tinted moisturizer or mineral makeup. Both products feel lightweight on your skin and aren't as likely to lead to breakouts, skin irritation and clogged pores.

4. Use powder to combat oily skin. As the warm weather can lead to perspiration and shiny faces, powder can serve as the ultimate tool for combating an oily T-zone and cheeks. You can use either a pressed or loose powder. However, if you use a pressed powder, switch out your makeup sponge every one to two weeks. With the combination of perspiration, sunscreens and natural skin oils, bacteria can build up. Switching out your makeup sponge helps eliminate that problem.

5. Drink plenty of water. Spending time outside in the warm summer weather makes it easier for you and your skin to become dehydrated. Dehydration makes dry skin visible to others and fine lines more pronounced. If you stay hydrated, your skin will remain supple and moist making dry skin and fine lines less obvious. An easy way to accomplish this is to carry a water bottle with you. You're more apt to take a sip whenever you're thirsty if there isn't much effort involved in getting it.

Tips & Warnings

• For maximum sunscreen protection, don't expose yourself to the sun immediately after applying sunscreen. Instead, apply it 30 minutes prior to any sun exposure.