Summer has more mercy on the feel of our skin than other seasons, but it does come with its own set of considerations.
Although there is more humidity in the air (causing the skin to retain moisture), which helps us recover from the arid months of winter, skin can also feel clogged and heavy during the summer thanks to rising temperatures and increased environmental debris in the air.
Luckily, there are practices you can adopt to counteract these issues:
- EXFOLIATE
Timely exfoliation—every three to four days—will help skin feel light and fresh no matter how the weather feels outside. I prefer to use a gentle clay mask or make a raw Manuka honey mask, adding a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a glowing look. When our skin is exfoliated, it’s able to absorb more oxygen, which increases oxygen levels in the blood. It also increases bioavailability in product application since there are no dead skin cells getting in the way of penetration
2. DON’T TOUCH
Keep your skin and pores bacteria-free and avoid touching your skin throughout the day, especially if you are prone to breakouts. Most people who are concerned with clogged pores, unfortunately, make the situation worse by touching their skin with unwashed hands. And make sure that anyone who touches your skin has clean hands!
- WASH PRE-WORKOUT
Wash your face before you exercise to avoid having the daily buildup, dead skin cells and debris penetrate your pores. During exercise, pores tend to open and expand, so—with a freshly washed face—you can sweat and release toxins without worry. Once you wash your skin, leave it bare or perhaps spray an organic floral water before your exercise. I love using rose water, as it’s antibacterial and a natural humectant.
- LIGHTEN UP
Use less product and makeup in the summertime. Because our skin retains more moisture during humid times, we need to pull back our normal routine. Go lighter on your moisturizer and make sure whatever it is you are using is bioavailable. In the summertime, I mix less face and body oil with more rose water; and I will also use rose water throughout the day to keep me feeling fresh and hydrated.
Wishing you a fun, fresh and fabulous summer!