How to Deal with Summer Skin Issues
In addition to massive heatwaves and blackouts, summer can be a stressful time on the skin. Whether you’re soaking up the rays at Jacob Riis (or an actual nice beach) or battling below freezing temperatures thanks to aggressive office air conditioners, summer is definitely a time when you’re skin is going through it. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best defense tactics so your skin looks as radiant as ever come fall.
When you’re sweating like a pig (fun fact: pigs don’t actually have sweat glands so this saying makes no sense) for days on end, the natural impulse is to wash all that excess grease from your face. That’s normal! You should cleanse your face regularly to avoid oil build-up which could lead to breakouts and other issues. But there’s a catch: if you cleanse too much, your skin might react by producing even more oil. This is because when you cleanse your face (and especially when you exfoliate) you’re actually stripping the skin of natural oils that help it look its best. So keep that in mind when pacing your washing schedule and don’t overdo it.
CONSIDER A BIT OF STUBBLE
Believe it or not, the act of running a blade under hot water then rubbing that burning metal tool across your face and neck to remove bits of hair puts some stress on the skin. Since most shaving creams have alcohol and other ingredients that tend to dry out the skin while promising a close irritation-free shave, it’s basically a nightmare for your skin which already being tested enough as it is. Maybe summer is the right time to experiment with a bit of stubble to edge up your good-boy demeanor. And if you’re afraid of looking too Tom Hanks in Castaway, clippers are your friend — the Gilette Styler is my go-to since it’s the only model that hasn’t hurt me.
REMEMBER, LESS IS MORE
Excess oil production, breakouts, and whatnot can throw you off but realize that it too will pass. It’s easy to get caught up and want to load your face with products for some summer relief but that might not always be the best move. Opt for a minimal but consistent skin routine (think light cleanser, light moisturizer, etc) for your best defense against the throes of the hot season. Except for sunscreen — load up on SPF products like they’re going out of style and your skin will thank you for many #hotgirlsummers to come.
