How to Soothe Irritated Skin This Summer
June 29, 2020
Summer is officially here! During these warm months mean we expect more time outside. We also expect SPFs, sunless tanner, and even some salt and chlorine if we are lucky. Throw in our latest ‘don’t leave home without it’ accessory … the face mask … and our facial skin is going to need some help asap. Soothe irritated skin this summer with these tips, products, and advice.
Cause & Effect
Our skin can be temperamental, even without our hormones thrown into the mix. Finding the cause of your skin’s irritation will help you find the best, safest, and easiest remedy to calm your epidermis in a jiffy.
The sun is the number one irritant to our skin during the summer. Exposing it without proper sun protection can result in burns, blisters, and parched dry skin. Fix it fast by remembering to add in a daily dose of SPF into your beauty and makeup routine and continuing to apply an SPF every hour if you are out in the sun for long periods of time. Remember your SPF should be SPF30 or higher.
Summer Super Stars
Do not be afraid to change up and lighten up your skincare routine in the summer. A lighter moisturizer is important and if it is a dual one with SPF, all the better.
Find and invest in a good Vitamin C serum to help with fine lines and wrinkles that can develop from the sun. Vitamin C also helps remove hyperpigmentation that can occur from overexposure to the sun. Also known as “age spots” these darkened spots do not do you any favors.
A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for exfoliation will keep your skin fresh and pores unclogged. Beautycounter has a good one with their Overnight Resurfacing Peel. It is gentle enough to use a few times a week before bed, leaving your skin radiant. Bonus: it helps fight acne before it begins.
Finally, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Quench your dry summer skin by drinking lots of water each day.
Face Mask Frustration
That cute fabric face mask that you wear to the grocery store and Target helps keep you safe but the side effect can be irritating to your skin. N95 medical mask or cotton bandana, it does not matter, both can cause friction as well as create a warm, moist environment for your face as it traps your breath inside when you breathe. Breakouts, bruising, redness, and irritation create a need to soothe your skin. Here is how to do it.
- If possible, wear soft, breathable cotton masks. They cause less redness, bruising and irritation.
- Wear less or no makeup when you wear your mask. No one sees your face anyway. Trust me, it is freeing. It has been one of my favorite parts of this quarantine.
- Cut back on harsh cleansers and over-exfoliation.
- Try a DIY mask with honey, yogurt, and oatmeal. A tablespoon of each and left on your skin for 15 minutes helps calm your skin.
- Try a calm balm before applying your face mask. Aquaphor or Dr. Jart+ Ceremidin Cream create a barrier for skin that protects it even when you must wear your face mask.
What is your go-to summer skincare product? Are you suffering from face mask facial fatigue?
