Summary: Achieving a beach body with healthy skin is possible for women. Here are 6 important reminders for keeping your skin smooth and glowing during summertime.
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause dry and flaky skin. As the weather gets hotter, you might forget to drink enough water. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated. If plain water is boring, infuse it with lemon or cucumber slices. This not only gives the water flavor but also adds detoxifying properties to it. Since caffeine and alcohol can also contribute to dehydration, drink them in moderation and compensate by drinking extra water.
Additionally, moisturize your skin to prevent wrinkles and cracking from forming. Use a body lotion with SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. For a natural alternative to lotion, use coconut oil for its moisturizing and anti-bacterial benefits.
Lastly, avoid hot showers or baths because they can strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to quick, lukewarm showers instead.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin cells can clog pores and prevent your skin from absorbing nutrients. To avoid this, exfoliate your whole body once a week using a gentle scrub. You can use store-bought scrubs or make your own with sugar and olive oil. Concentrate on rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet, but don’t forget about your back and chest. After exfoliating, rinse with lukewarm water and pat yourself dry.
Moreover, saltwater and chlorine can be harsh on your skin and hair. Rinse off after swimming and moisturize again afterwards. However, try not to use too many products that contain chemicals. Natural ingredients like cucumber and aloe vera can soothe sunburns and provide moisture.
Lastly, remember to exfoliate before applying fake tan to ensure a more even and natural-looking result. This will also help your fake tan last longer.
3. Protect Your Skin
Sunscreen is the key to preventing premature aging, skin cancer, and painful sunburns. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously on all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Don’t forget about your scalp, ears, and feet. If you have sensitive skin, try using a physical sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical options that might irritate your skin.
Also, protect your skin by wearing clothes that cover you up. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light-colored long sleeves can shield you from the sun’s harmful rays. Avoid being in direct sunlight during midday when the sun’s intensity is at its highest.
Moreover, watch out for toxic plants like poison ivy and poison oak when adventuring outdoors. These plants can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
4. Exercise Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to switch up your exercise routine and enjoy the great outdoors. Not only does exercising outside give you a change of scenery, but the fresh air and sunshine also provides you with vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for strengthening bones and the immune system. Additionally, outdoor activities like swimming, cycling, beach volleyball, and kayaking are great calorie-burning exercises. Working out also increases blood flow and reduces stress, which can all benefit your skin health.
However, make sure to take necessary precautions to avoid overexertion and dehydration. Check the temperature and humidity before starting your workout. Start slow, drink plenty of water, and take breaks when needed.
Lastly, clean off sweat and bacteria buildup by showering immediately after exercising to prevent clogged pores and acne.
5. Get Enough Sleep
During summer, it might be tempting to stay up late for parties and events. However, getting quality sleep is crucial for your body’s overall health, including skin health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin to rest and regenerate. Inadequate sleep can cause under-eye bags, dull skin, and age spots. To enhance your sleep quality, create a dark and cool sleeping environment, avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and establish a regular sleep schedule.
Additionally, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase. Silk is less absorbent than cotton, which means it will retain more of your skin’s moisture and won’t cause friction as cotton does.
Lastly, don’t forget to remove your makeup before going to bed. Sleeping with makeup on can cause breakouts, inflammation, and puffiness.
Conclusion:
To achieve a beach body with healthy skin, there are several crucial steps every woman should remember. These include staying hydrated, exfoliating regularly, protecting your skin, exercising outdoors, and getting enough sleep. By implementing these tips into your summertime routine, you can ensure your skin stays smooth, supple, and glowing all season long.