Our Not-So-Secret Summer Skincare Tips

Summer is the season of sun-kissed adventures, beach outings, and outdoor shenanigans. Yet, amidst the joys of this vibrant season, our skin faces unique challenges. As temperatures rise, it’s essential to adapt summer skincare routines to keep our skin healthy, radiant, and protected from the harsh effects of the sun.

Join the Waccamaw team on a journey to achieve and maintain beautiful skin during the summer months with these not-so-secret skincare tips.

You Know What We’re About to Say… SUNSCREEN

It’s our job to encourage healthy skin habits, so help us help you—wear sunscreen every single day! The sun’s powerful rays can wreak havoc on our skin, causing premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation should be the cornerstone of your summer skincare routine.

The Waccamaw team recommends using a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of your body, and don’t forget your neck, ears, and hands. If you’re spending your day outdoors, be sure to reapply every two hours.

Hydration = Health

Summer’s scorching heat and increased outdoor activity will surely lead to excessive sweating, which depletes our skin’s moisture. To maintain a healthy complexion, it’s crucial to stay hydrated from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish lost fluids and keep your skin plump and radiant.

Additionally, we suggest incorporating hydrating products into your skincare, such as moisturizers and serums containing hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture.

Cleanse Gently & Often

Sweat, dirt, and excess oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts during the summer. To combat this, choose a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Opt for cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to calm any inflammation caused by sun exposure.

If you’ve never heard of double-cleansing, it’s time we introduce it to you. The idea behind doubling cleansing is to use both an oil-based and water-based cleanser. Go in with an oil-based cleanser first, which will take off the day’s makeup and sunscreen. Then follow up with a water-based cleanser, which will provide a deeper clean to target the pollutants and debris that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Start Fresh with Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a game-changer for summer skincare. By sloughing off dead skin cells, you reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as it can cause irritation.

We recommend using a gentle chemical exfoliant that is suitable for your skin type once or twice a week. These may include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which stay on the skin’s surface or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work on the surface and within your pores.

Nourish with Antioxidants

The summer season exposes our skin to environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, which generate free radicals. Combat their harmful effects by incorporating antioxidant-rich products into your skincare routine.

Look for serums or creams containing vitamins C and E, green tea extract or resveratrol. These powerful antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production for a healthy and youthful glow.

Don’t Forget Your Lips

Our lips are particularly vulnerable to sun damage due to their thin skin tissue and low amount of melanin—not to mention the natural angle to the sun. This is bound to lead to dryness, chapping, and sunburn. Safeguard your pout by using a lip balm or lipstick with mineral sunscreen. Be sure to reapply throughout the day, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming.

Boost Your Summer Skincare with Waccamaw Dermatology

With the right skincare routine and a dash of summer-savvy wisdom, you can revel in the season while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Prioritize sun protection, hydration, gentle cleansing, and exfoliation to maintain your skin’s radiance.

If you have especially sensitive skin or aren’t sure which summer skincare products work best for you, contact our Waccamaw team today! We are always eager to help create a personalized routine for skin safety.