As summer starts to end and tans begin to fade, you may notice that your skin is looking dull and dry. You may also see signs of sun damage like wrinkles, brown spots, freckles, a blotchy or an uneven complexion. The best thing you can do to protect your skin from future sun damage is to cover up and use sunscreen liberally, but if the damage has already been done, it’s time to start your own basic 4-step skin care regimen.
To revive your sexy summer skin, begin your daily routine with a good cleanser to remove surface debris and dead skin cells. Make sure to wash your face in lukewarm water, because hot water can strip your face of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. When choosing a cleanser, check its ingredient list. Large amounts of detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate can also dry skin out. If you notice your skin is still dry, switch to a creamier cleanser.
Further quench your skin’s thirst by misting your face with an alcohol-free, mild toner. The ideal toner will not only close pores after cleansing, it will restore skin’s pH balance and add moisture, prepping skin for a moisturizer. For extra dry and sensitive skin, choose a toner that is hypoallergenic to leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
To seal in more hydration, apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp from the toner. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. A good moisturizer will be non-comedogenic and have key ingredients that lock in moisture, like petrolatum, lanolin, glycerin, mineral oil, or dimethicone. Using the right moisturizer will leave your skin hydrated, soft, supple and protected from the elements.
While using a cleanser will remove surface dirt and dead skin cells, a good facial mask will eliminate impurities from beneath the top layers of skin. By removing these impurities, the right mask will improve the performance of your other skin care products. To treat your dry skin, look for a mask that contains ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado or honey. These ingredients restore moisture and keep your skin super-soft and supple. Follow up with a toner and moisturizer, and you’re ready to flaunt your flawless skin.
Your face is the first thing people see and it’s a big part of your identity. It’s hard to stay confident when you’re suffering from dry, sun damaged skin, and the last thing you want is for people to notice those pesky brown spots, red blotches, or dry flakes. Following a skin care regimen like this will help you to put your best face forward at all times.