8 Summer Skincare Tips For Sensitive Skin

One day you are wrapping yourself up in a cosy blanket, all warm in a chunky knit. The next day summer is here and it's super hot outside. Goodbye winter coats, hello summer dresses. If you have sensitive skin, chances are that your skin might prove to be all the more problematic in the summers. Sensitive skin is usually irritable, prone to rashes and the weather can make matters worse. So if you’ve been dealing with sensitive skin, the summer skincare tips below might be of help to you…

1. Take lukewarm showers

Summer can get so hot that sometimes, you need two showers a day. You are barely out of your morning shower that you are already sweating. Thus, no way you get to bed not showered. First of all, washing too often is not recommended. Second of all, long and hot showers can really dry your skin out. Indeed, long, hot showers strip the skin of its natural oils and can make common problems like eczema worse.

That is why you should take cool or lukewarm showers. Not only are they refreshing during the height of summer's heat, but they are also a good alternative for your skin. However, avoid cold showers. A cold rinse is only for person who flush from warm water. Indeed, the cold will help to close the vessels that become dilated with heat. Otherwise, there is no benefit to the skin barrier with a cool or cold rinse.

2. Dry your skin right

In summer, you are likely to cleanse twice a day. When you are done showering, make sure you are very gentle when drying yourself up. Pat yourself dry with a towel, then allow your skin to air dry naturally for three to four minutes. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying any lotion or cream. Indeed, wet skin will render those products ineffective and might damage your skin.

Plus, a clean, fresh face lessens your chances of breaking out into a sweat. Another summer skincare tip is to moisturize thoroughly areas of your body that are more prone to dryness.

3. Simplify your skincare routine

Summer is usually the time of year where you go on holiday. Thus, your summer skincare routine will naturally be lighter. Winter's harsh weather usually require in-depth skin regimen. In summer, you should stick to a few cleansers and moisturizers so that your skin stay clean and hydrated. Furthermore, the fewer products you use, the less chance of your skin having a reaction.

If your skin is very sensitive, it is also a good idea to steer clear of common irritants found in some products: alcohol, fragrance, parabens. Your skin might be made even more sensitive by the sun, so it is better to take no risk. Should you be trying out some new products, do a patch test for compatibility. Avoid exfoliating too. Generally, using less products will help your skin breathe a bit.

4. Use sunscreen

Regardless of the season, you need to wear sunscreen. It is not because it is cold or cloudy outside that sun rays do not get to you. They do, and they impact your skin. Quite a well-known summer skincare tips but essential nonetheless. Sun damage happens very quick and can be irreversible. Ideally, you will apply a strong SPF, above 30 and close to 50. Sunscreens for kids are the most efficient since their skin is the most sensitive.

Physical sunblocks are much stronger and more efficient than chemical screens. Furthermore, the latter are not always good for your skin. Don't forget to protect your skin too with a lip balm that has a strong SPF. Strong sun can result in cold sore outbreaks. If you wear makeup everyday, make sure your foundation or BB Cream also contain SPF. Again, your pick should be non-comedogenic and free of fragrance, oil, and PABA.

5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Summer skincare goes beyond protecting your skin. Using sunscreen will help protect your skin from UV rays and sun damage. However, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, it may be worth to cover your head with a hat. Take sun protection one step further. Especially as strong sun can cause sun strokes.

A hat will also protect your eyes should you not be wearing sunglasses. A brim that’s at least four inches all the way around protects the scalp and the tops of the ears. People tend to forget to apply sunscreen on those areas.

6. Avoid peak sun hours

Even though you are really serious with your summer skincare routine and apply sunblocks on a regular basis while outside, it is still better to avoid the sun when it is at its peak. When the sun is stronger, so are the risks of getting a sunburn.

The sun peaks between 10am and 4pm, being at its strongest between 1pm and 3pm. If you really want to be outside during those hours, make sure to have applied sunscreen, stay in the shade as much as you can and wear a hat. Avoid staying in the sun or go swimming straight after lunch.

7. Hydrate your body

It is summer and it is hot. You sweat a lot and you lose a lot of water. Which will contribute to dryness and itchy skin. Eventually, lack of water might lead to summer rashes. Make sure you drink a lot of water regularly. Ideally, you'd drink between 1.5 and 2L of water.

8. Be choosy about hair removal

Some hair removal methods such as waxing and waxing can dry out the skin. Shaving has a tendency to irritate the skin and leave small cuts. Waxing is very aggressive to the skin and can cause ingrown hairs. Depilatory creams are packed with harmful chemicals that can harm your sensitive skin.

Switching to laser hair removal at the beginning of fall to be hair-free when summer starts the following year will ensure you do not need to shave nor wax ever again. Furthermore, laser hair removal is great to avoid ingrown hair outbreaks.

That's it for our eight summer skincare tips to take care of your sensitive skin as the sun heats.