Summer is for sunshine, the outdoors, and vacation – not acne. But, the heat and humidity can cause damage to our skin, leading to breakouts and acne. This post has actionable steps to keep your skin healthy and acne-free all summer long.
Step 1: Cleanse Twice a Day
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It helps to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic (not pore-clogging) cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. For oily skin, consider using a cleanser with Salicylic Acid or benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne.
What to Use: Cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Use our Zit Wipes with Salicylic Acid
Step 2: Exfoliate Once a Week
It sounds complicated but exfoliating is just removing the top layer of dead skin cells either through gentle scrubbing or using ingredients that chemically break down the dead skin. Exfoliating once a week helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, decreasing the likelihood of breakouts. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant that won't irritate your skin. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation, redness, and dryness, which can actually lead to breakouts.
What to Use: Use a gentle exfoliant once a week, preferably on a day when you have more time to do a bit of self care.
Luckily, Salicylic Acid is a gentle exfoliant, so using our daily Zit Wipes helps keep your skin exfoliated and clear. For a deeper exfoliation, use a scrub once a week that says it is safe for sensitive skin.
Step 3: Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing your skin daily helps to keep it hydrated and healthy. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog pores. If you have oily skin, use a "mattifying" moisturizer that controls oil production and reduces the shiny look. For dry skin, use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help lock in moisture.
What to Use: Apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing and before applying sunscreen. Ideally your moisturizer contains SPF sunscreen like our Shield SPF 30 Lotion.
Step 4: Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours. If you have sensitive skin, use a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which is less likely to cause irritation.
What to Use: Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Reapplying is sometimes a big ask, but there are good face sprays that are convenient to keep on you.
Step 5: Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands are full of bacteria, and touching your face can transfer that bacteria to your skin, causing breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you must touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
What to Use: Avoid touching your face, especially with dirty hands, and use a clean towel or tissue to wipe your face.
Step 6: Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, and your whole body functioning properly. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and check to see if your pee is a clear color. If you're active or spending time outside, drink even more water to replenish what you've lost through sweating.
What to Use: Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink water throughout the day. Highly recommend the IronFlask ones on Amazon.
TL;DR
By following these actionable steps, you can keep your skin looking clear, healthy, and glowing all summer long. Don't let acne ruin your summer - take care of your skin and enjoy the season!
