Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

​Classes are over, commencements are underway, and the ravers are coming out to play. Yes, my friends, we are in the beginning of summer break. This is a period defined by trips to beach, culturally rich beats on the radio, BUT also by bad skin.
 
Raise your hand if you’ve ever left the beach looking like Patrick Star. I know I’m not the only one.

​While summer is a great time to show off that body-ody-ody, or work on it like in my case, the summer excursions one indulges us can fatigue the epidermis severely. Sunburns not only scorch the skin, but also increase your risk of skin cancer. Rolling at raves or clubs throws off your bodies sense of temperature leading to dehydration, and sometimes even death. Sipping on mint mocha Frappuccinos may seem refreshing, but all that sugar is depleting to your body. It may seem like I want you to curtail your summer bucket list, but I don’t.
 
I want to share with you some skin tips that I have found to be my saving grace in the war on not being photo ready. You may be asking yourself, “What makes you qualified?” Well for starters I’m from L.A. The best place to do anything that is under #summer. I go to beaches, clubs, Starbucks, runs, anything you wish to do I have done, did that, and I’m onto the next-bigger-than-kale trend already. 

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​Thus, from doing research with friends in cosmetology, watching YouTube videos from dermatologists, and just noticing what works for me here are my tips to getting that summer glow without the burn.
 

Get that H20 in Everyday 
There is countless research and advice on drinking plenty of water, and while it may seem obvious we often overlook the importance of drinking liquid ice. Water is great because it keeps the skin hydrated promoting a natural glow and elasticity. Staying hydrated ensures that your skin doesn't seem irritated, and being dehydrated leads to that tightness that just makes your pores scream.

I recommended investing in a nice water bottle that can accompany you wherever you head this summer. Of course, a Swarovski encrusted Starbucks cup is the only way to go, but for those more *cough* common readers a glass water bottle will get the job done.

Slow Down on the Shots 
You know after a night of "responsible" drinking how there's nothing more refreshing than a glass of water? Well that's because alcohol dehydrates you. Especially when you told your friend you'd stop drinking 6 cocktails ago. Not only will drinking less keep your skin a glowing, but it will give your kidneys a much deserved break. 

​Really all Drugs Attack that Aphrodite Complexion 
Going through the list of substances that soak up the nutrients of moisture of your skin would take to long. Really they all suck. So pick your poison and hydrate after!

​Slap on the Sunscreen 

Listen to Michelle Visage! Applying sunscreen should be in your arsenal in the battle of radiant skin. Here's what you need to know, don't go for the highest SPF level! I read in an article by EWG that spoke on how a higher SPF doesn't guarantee better protection. In fact, when most people get SPF 100 they end up with a worse sunburn because they forget to reapply and they spend more time out in the sun.

The best numbers range from 30-55 this is the magic range. Remember to reapply often and don't be frugal when applying! I use Neutrogena sheer dry touch sunscreen because it feels light weight and it leaves a nice matte finish after you apply it. As you know, sunscreen goes on top of your already moisturized face and this one doesn't feel like it's clogging your pores. 

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Moisturize Mawma!
I just mentioned sunscreen and another key part to keeping a healthy complexion in summer is moisturizing! I have oily skin, meaning my face will never crack, and some have dry skin and then there's combination skin. No matter your skin's status, applying a good face lotion is key to keeping up elasticity, glow, and reducing redness. 

My skin regimen includes LUSH's Enzymion. This is a lotion great for oily skin believes it dries to leave a matte finish. With lemon and grapefruit in it, it leaves your skin feeling fresh and gives it a nice zesty smell.

If you have dry skin, than I recommend LUSH's Vanishing Cream lotion. This one has rose water that soothes dry skin that never seems to rest. It's definitely a heavier lotion so only go for this if you skin is screaming for hydration. The Gorgeous lotion is a nice lotion that can work for almost all skin types, so combination type friends this may be your recommendation.

Unlike other products, lotions really do require sampling to see what works for you. So go out and try something, and once you got it use it morning and night! 

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The Library is Open, Even for Summer

In the great tradition of Paris is Burning we must put on our reading glasses. If you don't get any of this banter than your college has failed you and you need to learn about LGBT+ history. It's also Pride month! Anyways, the glasses banter leads into my next shred of advice and that is investing in sunglasses. Squinting strains your eyes and leads to wrinkles that stretch out your skin. Sunglasses also offer some extra protection to your face in the areas where your sunhat may miss.

Plus sunglasses are a fashion statement. Who can skip another moment to show off? 

Trend Alert: Cat eyes, double rims, round frames, and shield sunglasses are in.

Watching the Froyo Intake
This one may seem confusing, and at first I thought it was just some new trend. But it makes sense. According to a Huffington Post article, dairy products are full of hormones that lead to inflammation, aging of the skin and all kinds of issues that lead to bad skin. It's important to then consider how much froyo and frapps you're taking in that could be doing more damage than good. 

Scrubbing Skin
You know that burning feeling after leaving the beach? Yeah that's the sand scratching your skin. Note, exfoliating is important, but according to a Teen Vogue article from Kendall Jenner's dermatologist, using rotating brushes, scrubs, and all that can actually irritate the skin more than soothe it. If you want to clear out the pores I highly recommend a peel off mask like Boscia's Illuminating mask, or try a an exfoliant with a finer consistency. 

My current scrub is another LUSH product and it's coffee based. So I smell delicious. 

I wrote this article after going to a rave and returning home looking like the mummy. Like I said, I cannot guarantee that my products will work for you, but the rest of these tips do make sense if you do research. Enjoy the ongoing summer and thank you for reading and sharing this!