How to keep your face healthy during the summer?

KATHMANDU: Summer is here, and while it brings sunshine and longer days, it also introduces a number of challenges for maintaining healthy skin.

The combination of heat, humidity, and increased sun exposure can lead to various skin concerns, including sunburns, breakouts, premature aging, and dehydration.

To ensure your face remains radiant and healthy throughout the summer months, here are some essential tips you should follow:

1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

One of the most important steps in maintaining healthy skin during the summer is protecting it from harmful UV rays. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and damage your skin.

• Choose a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it every morning, even if you’re indoors most of the day, and reapply it every two hours if you’re outdoors.

• Don’t Skip Your Ears and Neck: The skin on your neck and ears can be just as vulnerable to sun damage as your face, so don’t forget these areas when applying sunscreen.

2. Stay Hydrated

Summer’s heat can quickly lead to dehydration, and this can impact your skin’s health. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can become dry, dull, and more prone to irritation and inflammation.

• Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. If you’re active or in hot environments, you may need more. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to remind yourself to hydrate.

• Use Hydrating Skincare: Look for moisturizers and serums that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. These will help lock moisture into your skin and keep it feeling soft and plump.

3. Exfoliate Gently

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover, which is especially important during the summer when skin can become oily or congested due to sweat, sunscreen, and other environmental factors.

• Choose Gentle Exfoliators: Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, so opt for gentle exfoliants that won’t damage the skin barrier. A mild scrub with soft granules or a chemical exfoliant like AHAs or BHAs can be effective.

• Exfoliate 1-2 Times a Week: During the summer, aim to exfoliate your face once or twice a week to maintain smooth, glowing skin without causing irritation.

4. Cleanse Regularly and Effectively

Hot weather and increased humidity can cause your skin to become oily, which can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin issues.

• Use a Gentle Cleanser: Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that strip your skin’s natural oils, as they can disrupt your skin’s pH balance and lead to dryness or excess oil production. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that is suited to your skin type.

• Wash Your Face After Sweating: After spending time outdoors or exercising, wash your face as soon as possible to remove sweat, dirt, and sunscreen buildup.

5. Protect Against Sweat-Induced Breakouts

Summer often means more sweating, which can contribute to clogged pores and acne. If you’re prone to breakouts, this can be a frustrating season.

• Avoid Touching Your Face: Touching your face with dirty hands can transfer bacteria and oils, contributing to breakouts. Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.

• Use Non-Comedogenic Products: When choosing makeup or skincare, look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they are less likely to clog your pores.

6. Adjust Your Skincare Routine

Summer weather requires adjustments to your skincare regimen, especially if you typically use heavier moisturizers or creams during the colder months. Switching to lightweight formulations can keep your skin fresh and balanced during the summer.

• Switch to Lighter Moisturizers: Consider using a gel-based moisturizer or a lightweight, oil-free option that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Gel moisturizers are often more hydrating without the heaviness of cream-based products.

• Use Vitamin C for Protection: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution. Look for a Vitamin C serum that you can apply in the morning before sunscreen for added protection.

7. Seek Shade and Avoid Peak Sun Hours

Even with sunscreen, staying out of direct sunlight during peak hours is essential to protect your skin from excessive UV exposure. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if possible, stay in the shade during these hours.

• Use Protective Clothing: Consider wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves to shield your face from the sun when you’re outdoors for extended periods.

8. Treat Sunburns Immediately

Despite your best efforts, you may still get a sunburn if you’ve been in the sun too long. If you do, it’s important to treat it right away to minimize damage and discomfort.

• Apply Aloe Vera or Cool Compresses: Aloe vera gel has cooling properties that can help soothe sunburned skin. Applying a cool, damp compress to your face can also help reduce inflammation and redness.

• Avoid Peeling or Scratching: As your skin heals, it may peel. Resist the urge to pick at or scratch the skin, as this can lead to scarring.

9. Incorporate Antioxidants Into Your Diet

What you eat can directly affect your skin’s health. A diet rich in antioxidants can help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.

• Eat Skin-Friendly Foods: Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially those rich in vitamins C and E, such as oranges, strawberries, spinach, and almonds. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds can also help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

• Avoid Excessive Sugars: Too much sugar can promote the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can break down collagen and lead to premature aging. Try to limit your sugar intake to keep your skin looking youthful.

10. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Your lips are also vulnerable to sunburn and dehydration in the summer months.

• Use Lip Balm with SPF: Just like your skin, your lips need protection from the sun. Choose a lip balm that contains SPF to prevent sunburn and dryness.

• Keep Lips Moisturized: Dry, chapped lips are a common issue in the summer. Apply lip balm regularly to keep them soft and hydrated.