5 Fab Pro-Radiance Skin Habits this Summer

Most of us can agree that enjoying a little sun is good for the soul. However, at the same time, it’s essential to recognize that heat, UV, and other environmental stressors can be less than friendly for your skin. 

So with this in mind, summer is an excellent time to uplevel your self-care with healthy skin care habits. By incorporating the proper protective practices and products, you can still look and feel like a golden goddess without compromising your glow. 

Here are some of our top tips for striking the right balance between your skin and the sun.

Tip #1: Oil Cleanse Every Night

If you haven’t already made oil cleansing a part of your regular skincare ritual, there’s no time like the present to try making the switch. Not only are oil-based cleansing products some of the best for breaking down sunscreen, makeup, sweat, and other sticky residues, but they’re also a super-gentle option that will help preserve the integrity of your skin. 

This will be a better approach for most skin types, especially during warmer months. Unlike traditional cleansers, oil cleansing won’t cause added irritation or strip natural moisture from the skin.

Tip #2: Opt for Gentle Exfoliation 

Similarly, it’s also a good idea to skip extreme exfoliation this time of year. Because aggressive treatments can make the skin more photosensitive and vulnerable to UV damage, overdoing it with deep peels or other acid-based products could do more harm than good.

While it’s still a good idea to stay on top of exfoliation, a better option would be something milder, such as a light scrub or enzyme mask. These treatments will encourage healthy cellular turnover and keep your complexion looking radiant.

Tip #3: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

A fun fact is that your skin is nearly 70% H2O. Water is critical for optimal skin health and is what fuels most of its daily functions. However, it can be easy for the skin to become depleted or dehydrated during the summer months, as we lose much water to sweat and heat.

The fix for this is not only to drink plenty of water throughout the day but also to apply hydrating products topically. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and rose water, which can help refresh, replenish, and prevent water loss from compromising your skin.

Tip #4: Focus on Ingredients for Repair and Renewal

Besides water-binding and hydrating agents, it’s also good to seek out ingredients in your skincare that prevent free-radical damage and combat external skin stressors. In particular, antioxidants such as Vitamins A, B, C, and E significantly improve the skin’s immunity and stop the damage before it starts.

Other great choices would also include plant stem cells, bioflavonoids, and other nutrient-rich botanicals, which promote rejuvenation and support the skin on a cellular level.

Tip #5: Cultivate Consistent Sun Protection Habits

Of course, no amount of pampering your skin with luxury products and treatments will do well if you aren’t protecting your skin with SPF and other sun care. Because UVA and UVB rays can rapidly age the skin and break down fundamental fibers like collagen and elastin, the most important thing you can do to safeguard your glow is keep these damaging wavelengths from being able to penetrate the skin and wreak havoc.

For best results from your skincare routine, you’ll want to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often. As a general rule, SPF should be applied first thing in the morning and then every two hours for perfect protection. You may also want to wear protective clothing when possible, such as a wide-brim hat or light, loose layers that cover your arms and legs.