Rabat – The summertime is a season of  joy and warmth, rebirth, entertainment, and love. At the same time, summer comes with its own dangerous environmental factors that can harm our skin in different ways. 

During the hottest months of the year, our body faces several challenges, including exposure to the sun’s harsh and damaging rays and increased sweating. Adopting the right routine and gently taking care of your skin is vital to avoid its harms.

In this article, we share with you 5 dermatologist-approved ways and tips to help you maintain healthy and glowing skin all throughout the season.

Use SPF protection: 

The sun’s rays are the most harmful during the summer months. The correct and consistent use of SPF protection is essential to guard your skin against severe health conditions. 

Sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30, which means it protects against UVA and UVB rays, according to recommendations issued by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) as well as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). They recommend water-resistant sunscreen, since we are more exposed to sweating and more likely to practice water activities.

It is important to reapply a layer of sunscreen every two hours and after every swim, since SPF numbers are evaluated on how sunscreen shields the skin for 2 hours.

The risks associated with sun exposure are not only limited to aesthetics and aging rapidly but expand to life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology highlights that the majority of melanoma cases, a common and dangerous type of skin cancer, are due to high UV exposure. Research conducted by the Association also stated that the regular use of sunscreen may reduce the risk of the incidence of this type of cancer.

Switch to a gel cleanser:

It is well-established that cleansing your skin is the most important part of your skincare routine. With the warm weather, our skin is often saturated with sweat and oils making it easy for dirt and toxins to accumulate. Using the right cleanser is critical to ensure the complete removal of different types of germs.

Joshua Zeichner, M.D, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City stated that while a hydrating cleanser can be useful in the winter season, it may not be able to handle the quantity of oil produced during the summer months. He suggests switching from a creamy to a gel cleanser.

The use of gel cleansers effectively removes excess oil while prioritizing hydration and the correct balance of oils on the skin surface.

Use antioxidants

UV radiation can be a source of toxic free radicals roaming around our body. It is vital to incorporate antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, in your nutrition plan as well as your skincare. 

Under the summer rays, we tend to develop some dark spots as we’re exposed to many external stressors. Vitamin C comes in handy during this season as it helps prevent hyperpigmentation as well as boosting collagen production, improving discoloration, and preventing the skin from aging prematurely.

According to board-certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madhere, “When we age, our skin loses collagen, by putting Vitamin C topically, you bring collagen back to your skin”.

Using antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress, such as the darkening of the skin, and significantly slow down the process of skin aging.

Use a lightweight moisturizer:

For the sake of your skin’s complexion, changing your regular moisturizer is essential. Using a heavy moisturizer during humid and hot weather can increase your risk of breaking out and clogging your pores. Carefully selecting your hydrating cream is essential. 

Dr. Edidiong Kaminska, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology prefers lotion and gels for the summertime stating “In terms of consistencies, lotions, and gels tend to dry faster and usually aren’t as heavy as creams.” 

Protect your lips:

Lips tend to be neglected when thinking about sun protection. However, lips can also burn in the sun, causing painful blisters and an elevated risk for skin cancer. Optimal lip care includes applying products that nourish and hydrate the lips while also protecting its thin layers from sunburns.

“The skin on our lips is very thin,” says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a Women’s Health advisor. “This makes our mouths very susceptible to skin cancer, sunburns, and, of course, aging.”

It is important to consciously and consistently take care of your skin by following the right methods. 

By following the advice of these educated healthcare providers,  you can preserve your natural glow for years ahead.