Habit Hack: Tackling Common Summer Skin Issues

While we've enjoyed the long, sunny days, our skin might be showing signs of stress from the summer elements. Here are some essential habit hacks to soothe, calm, and rejuvenate your skin.

1. Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin

Despite our best efforts, sunburns can happen. Soothe sun-exposed skin with natural remedies:

• Aloe Vera: Apply pure Aloe Vera gel directly to sunburned areas. It has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that provide instant relief.
• Cold Compress: Use a cold, damp cloth on the affected area to reduce heat and inflammation.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your skin recover from sun damage and prevent further dehydration.

2. Stay Cool and Calm

The combination of heat and humidity can increase oil production, leading to breakouts. Here are some tips to stay cool and keep your skin calm:

• Lightweight Clothing: Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes to avoid trapping heat and sweat against your skin.
• Minimal Makeup: Avoid heavy makeup that can clog pores. Opt for a moisturiser with SPF to protect your skin while keeping your routine light.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to remove excess oil and sweat without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

3. Combat Dry Skin

Summer can dehydrate your skin, especially after prolonged sun exposure. Here's how to keep your skin hydrated and healthy:

• Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out overnight.
• Hydrating Masks: Apply a hydrating mask once or twice a week. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to lock in moisture.
• Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers and apply moisturiser immediately after to seal in moisture.

4. Reduce Redness and Irritation

Redness and irritation can be common in summer due to sun exposure and heat. Here are some ways to reduce these issues:

• Green Tea Compress: Soak green tea bags in cold water and place them on the affected areas. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness.
• Oatmeal Baths: Adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
• Fragrance-Free Products: Switch to fragrance-free skincare products to avoid further irritation.

5. Manage Oily Skin

Excessive oil production is a common issue in the summer. Here’s how to manage it:

• Blotting Papers: Carry blotting papers with you to absorb excess oil throughout the day without disturbing your makeup.
• Clay Masks: Use a clay mask once a week to draw out impurities and control oil production.
• Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products to avoid clogging your pores.