Weekend camping trips. Picnics with family and friends. Beach days. Who doesn’t love the feel of the warm sun during summer months? Although when summer sets in, so does the heat and UV rays, which can make our skin feel extra sensitive. If you’re already prone to sensitive skin no matter the season, summer is definitely a time where you need to take extra precaution. It’s not all doom and gloom though. No matter what you skin type might be, a few simple tips and tricks can make a big difference towards healthy summer skin.
Every skin can be sensitive if you think about it. After all, our skin is the largest organ on our body. There is no known exact cause of sensitive skin, but what we do know is that it shows up in a variety of forms like rashes, redness, and breakouts. Anyone can be prone to allergies towards certain ingredients in everyday items like detergents, beauty products, and even specific foods. This is why it’s important to always be wary of what you put inside and outside of your body. When it comes to beauty products, one way to combat any kind of skin reaction is to do a simple patch test. This will help you determine if a new product you’re trying bodes well with your skin and does not stir any irritation or redness. This rings especially true during the summer because of all the different lotions and serums we use when we’re out in the sun.
Too much sun can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to dryness and premature aging. This is why we don’t advocate sun tans in this case. Here’s a quick little science lesson. Your body doesn’t begin to tan until ultraviolet (UV) rays begin to pierce your skin, which significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Melanin is a pigment found in skin cells that is produced when the UV rays hit the skin. The more melanin produced, the darker the tan. However, this damages your skin cells and speeds up signs of aging. It’s a fact: there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. And what’s worse: skin damage starts with your very first tan.
If you’re looking for that dewy look without the harmful UV results, consider sunless tanning products. There are many options that can give you a bronzed look with natural, and safe, ingredients such as Whish's Coconut Milk + Verbena Collection which includes and incredibly moisturizing Self Tanner.
It’s important to wear sunscreen everyday—regardless of the season. But summertime is the time where sunscreen is definitely crucial in order to avoid nasty sunburns. For sensitive skin, we recommend using a sunscreen that’s lightweight and free of oils and other harsh ingredients that might further irritate the skin instead of helping it. There are also many moisturizers with SPF in them that help with protecting easy to miss areas like the hands, lips, neck, and ears. You have to keep all your bases covered! And again, as a reminder, if you’re ever in doubt whether a new product will work for your sensitive skin, do a patch test for compatibility. Apply a small amount of product to your skin and wait around 24 hours to see for any signs for a bad reaction.
Yes, we’re all set in our skin care routines and how super in-depth they can be. But we advise toning down your routine a bit during the summer. Why? You may ask. Many dermatologists recommend toning down your routine to just a few simple cleansers and moisturizers, so your skin continues to stay clean and hydrated. The reasoning behind this is that the fewer products you use, the less likely your skin will have a reaction. If you’re looking for something that’s perfect for sensitive skin, Whish’s body moisturizers boast natural ingredients and free of common irritants like alcohol and parabens to name a few.
Summers can get very hot—especially if you’re living in locations with higher than normal summer temperatures. Sometimes they’re so hot that you might need two showers a day. You can be out of the shower for no more than five minutes and you can already be sweating. (That’s no fun!) During the summer, we recommend taking lukewarm showers because not only are they refreshing, but it keeps your skin from becoming irritated or itchy. One thing to note: very hot and very cold showers are not recommended because extreme temperatures can affect the way your skin reacts. In fact, long, hot showers strip the skin of its natural oils and can actually exacerbate skin issues that you might already be battling—like eczema. We also want to advise that taking too many showers can also be bad for you as it strips away the healthy oil and bacteria from your skin. Bathing too often could cause dry, itchy skin and allow bad bacteria to enter through cracked skin. So it’s best to keep the showering to a minimum—any time of the year.
This might seem counterintuitive but there are other ways to combat sensitive skin during the summer that doesn’t involve moisturizers or sunscreens. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun is most intense between the hours of 10am to 4pm. If you’re outside during those hours, seek a bit of shade or relax under an umbrella. For days that are largely spent outdoors, it might be worth investing in a wide-brimmed hat to take sun protection one step further. It’s an excellent way to protect skin that’s uber-sensitive to sunlight. Plus, your summer outfit will look even better with a stylish hat!
So, there you have it. Summer skincare tips that have you ready for anything. Bring it on summer, we’re ready for you!