Can it be true? Is summer REALLY here?? Oh, joy! That means 2 things: You can break out the hot weather wardrobe AND the hot weather skin care. Hot weather skin care??? Yes, indeed - hot weather skin care!

In the summer, the air tends to be much more humid, making for some sweltering and sticky skin situations. Since we don’t want all of the hard work that you did on your skin during the chilly winter and spring months to go down the proverbial tubes, here are some tips on tending to your skin on days that you want to climb out of it to cool down!!

Wear Your Sunscreen

I know I talk a lot about this, but it is truly the most important thing you can do for your skin’s health AND beauty. Reapply the sunscreen after 2 hours in the sun, or after getting out of a pool, the lake, etc. SPF 30 is the minimum sun protection you should use.

Remember: Sunscreen is the most effective anti-wrinkle cream you can buy.

Drink More Water

Anyone who comes to see me knows that I talk a lot about water. Much like sunscreen, it is such a vital part of skin health and wellness that I don’t want to skip it in this newsletter! Make sure you drink plenty of water this summer to replenish what you lose via sweating (or “perspiring” if you are of a more delicate sensibility). Sweating is extremely important for several reasons. Most importantly, it regulates your body temperature so you don’t go over 98.6 degrees and fry your organs. It also is instrumental in removing toxins from the body. Like all of those margaritas you had last night or any bacteria that can result in acne.

Moisturize

Even in the summer, it is important to moisturize. You don’t want to be using the thick sludge that keeps your winter skin from cracking, however. Use something light and water based. Oil of Olay makes some very effective light moisturizers that have vitamin C in them – another great thing for summer skin.

The job of the moisturizer in the summer is to protect the skin from elements such as pollutants that hang in the thick summer air, as well as to smooth down the stratum corneum (the dead surface layer of skin cells), which will give the skin a healthier, more even glow.

Switching Cleansers

Not all of you will need a different cleanser for the summer months. However, if you are someone who gets really dry in the winter and oily in the summer, two different cleansers are the way to go. Your winter cleanser might be too creamy and too gentle to effectively cut through and remove the oil and grime that your skin gets covered in during the summer. A stronger, more drying gel cleanser would be the way to go. Personally, I use and love the Joey New York Pure Pores Cleanser with Vitamin C. This product is good for most skin types, but is especially helpful for those of us who get a little shinier in the heat.

If you are a 2-cleanser person then you are in good company as yours truly has skin that is positively bi-polar during the winter and summer months.

Sunburns

So, I know you will all wear your sunscreen. However, should one of your less enlightened friends get sun burnt this summer, there are a few ways to minimize the damage and to speed healing. The first and best-known post-sun reliever is aloe vera. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and can bring relief to the sunburned. A lesser-known compound that is more effective than aloe in healing the skin is lavender oil. Lavender has medicinal properties that are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Its scent also induces relaxation and calm. You can purchase lavender oil at many pharmacies and specialty stores, such as Merz Apothecary.

I hope that this newsletter finds you all well and your skin clear and happy. I will continue with more info in July, so stay tuned!!

As always, any questions or comments are welcomed.

Take care and have a great June!!!

Liz