Save the skin in summer: Is it a must-do?
If hot weather and sun exposure result in rashes, redness, acne and breakouts, you definitely do!
We have some quick and relaxing solutions for you below.
Rescue Skin in summer: Why your skin reacts
Hot weather and sun exposure can take a toll on the skin. Below are several reasons why this might happen.
Dehydration
During hot weather, we tend to lose more water through sweat. This strips the skin of the moisture it needs to be healthy. Without this moisture, the outer barrier is not as strong. Dryness and flaking can lead to cracks and weak spots that leave you vulnerable.
Normally, the external barrier acts as a protective shield against environmental irritants and pathogens. When the barrier is weakened by loss of moisture, allergens, pollutants and germs can more easily penetrate, causing inflammatory responses that manifest as redness and rashes. A weak barrier also contributes to eczema and rosacea flare-ups and acne breakouts.
UV Radiation
Sun exposure is the main culprit behind skin redness and inflammation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the layers of the skin, causing cell damage and triggering immune responses. Over time, this can accelerate premature aging.
Severe sunburn is the main culprit when it comes to causing significant cell damage. UVB rays, in particular, can penetrate the outer layers of the skin and damage DNA, setting the stage for cell mutations. As the body tries to repair itself, it increases cell turnover, which can increase the chances of mistakes that lead to mutated or cancerous growth.
Heat and Vasodilation
In hot weather, our bodies naturally dilate the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to release heat and cool down. This process, known as vasodilation, can cause temporary redness, especially in areas such as the face and neck.
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause persistent redness as the body struggles to effectively regulate its temperature, leading to conditions such as heat rash or worsening other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.
Sweat and friction
Sweating is our body’s natural cooling mechanism, but sweat mixed with friction (eg from tight clothing or excessive rubbing) can irritate the skin, especially in sensitive areas. This can lead to heat rash (prickly heat), characterized by red, itchy bumps or blisters. Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat below the surface of the skin and causing inflammation.
Photosensitivity
Certain medications, skin care products, and even certain foods can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, causing photosensitivity. This can lead to redness, inflammation and sometimes blisters or hives.
Acne
Increased heat and humidity can lead to excessive sweating, which mixes with oils and bacteria on the skin’s surface. This can clog pores and worsen existing acne. UV radiation can also thicken the outer layer of skin, trapping oil and bacteria inside the pores and leading to further congestion.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can burn the surface of the skin, prompting the oil glands to produce more oil for compensation. Some people may also experience increased inflammation and redness, making breakouts worse.
Rescue Skin in summer: 8 easy solutions
To help your skin cope with the warmer weather and increased sun exposure, you need to protect it and keep it cool. Below are some tips and reasons why our award winning Rescue & Relief Spray is a must have this season!
1. Maintain a consistent skincare routine.
Continue to gently cleanse, tone and hydrate your skin. This provides a healthy foundation that allows the skin to be strong and resilient against whatever elements it comes into contact with.
We recommend the award-winning Rescue + Relief Spray as a balancing and hydrating tonic. It hydrates, balances, soothes and can help treat many skin conditions. Hypoallergenic, non-food and pH balanced, it comes in a spray form that makes it easy to apply. (You can also use it on body skin!)
This refreshing spray is also a great choice if your skin is easily irritated or prone to conditions such as eczema, rosacea or blemishes. It can stop inflammation and redness, and since it’s oil-free and pH balanced with natural healing and antibacterial ingredients, it can help all skin types keep skin clear and balanced.
Follow up with the antioxidant-rich Soothing Hydration and Repair Body Lotion to help calm inflammation and keep skin healthy and hydrated.
2. Stay hydrated.
Make sure you stay hydrated inside and out. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and then use a light moisturizer to prevent your skin from feeling dry. Use Calming Moisture morning and night and take Rescue + Relief Spray with you to mist your skin when needed.
3. Cool off after the sun.
When your skin feels hot and inflamed after a day in the sun, gently cleanse and then spray with Rescue & Relief Spray to soothe and hydrate skin, especially sunburned skin. It will reduce redness, burning and discomfort immediately.
This quick action is due to ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber and chamomile – known for their calming and anti-inflammatory benefits – as well as water lily and oat extract (gluten-free), which help to reduce any sensation of heat and itching.
Did you know that Rescue & Relief Spray wins Best After Sun Soother awards every year? Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
4. Always protect yourself from the sun.
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours when outdoors. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are gentle but effective.
5. Stay cool and fresh.
Heat can cause rashes and rashes. Take cool showers after being outdoors or exercising to lower your skin temperature and reduce redness. Use Rescue + Relief Spray throughout the day for a refreshing burst of hydration to calm overheated skin and fight breakouts, eczema, rosacea and acne breakouts.
6. Summer comes with bites, stings and rashes
Bites, stings, poison ivy, hives and heat rash abound in the summer. After a weekend of sun, bug bites and run-ins with irritating plants, use Rescue & Relief Spray to soothe redness, swelling, blisters and burning. It will also help soothe itching.
7. Avoid heavy makeup.
Heavy makeup can aggravate skin problems such as clogged pores and acne breakouts. Look for lightweight, oil-free products or skip foundation altogether and enjoy a natural look.
Suggestion: Celebrity makeup artists mix our Calming Moisture with foundation for a radiant, fresh, makeup-free face. Follow with a spritz of Rescue & Relief Spray to set makeup.
8. Eat a healthy diet.
Indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins that promote skin health. Berries, leafy greens, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and walnuts) can help reduce inflammation and keep your skin looking its best. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary treats and alcohol, which can contribute to breakouts and dehydration.
Rescue Skin in Summer: Quick Fixes
Our Rescue + Relief Spray comes in handy during the summer. You can use it for quick relief in all the following cases:
- Sunburn: Apply as soon as you notice a burn. Then continue to apply throughout the day for cooling relief.
- Heat rash: Apply to areas of red skin to cool and soothe.
- Hot flashes: Feeling a hot flash coming on? Take a cool drink of water and spray some Rescue + Relief spray on your face and neck.
- Fume: If you notice eczema, psoriasis or a flare-up of rosacea, apply our Rescue + Relief Spray to it before applying moisture. It will add an extra anti-inflammatory action.
How will you save your skin in the summer?
Featured image by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels.