5 Great Skincare Tips for Spring and Summer
Another hot Austin summer is just around the corner! The season changeover means warmer (and more humid) weather, increased UV indexes, and more time spent outdoors. It also means your skin will be exposed to vastly different conditions than in the winter and spring. Here are some skincare tips to help your skin look and feel its best throughout the season:
1. Use a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF
Summer in Austin equates to sunnier days that are best spent on the trails, at the lake, or by the pool. Unfortunately, it also means increased exposure to dangerous ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays are commonly called “aging rays” as they are known to accelerate the effects of skin aging, specifically the development of lines, wrinkles, and age spots. UVB rays are linked to sunburns and the development of skin cancer.
Make sure to use a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher if spending time outside) and reapply every 2 hours. Practicing proper sun protection is the best way to prevent early onset aging and skin cancer. For more information on sunscreens, check out our guide to picking a good sunscreen or shop our collection of high quality sunscreens.
2. Moisturize… moisturize… moisturize
After the winter and spring seasons your skin probably feels a bit tight and dry. The cold outside temperatures combined with the use of indoor heaters has left your skin very dry. Summer is a great time to help the skin get its moisture back. Start by using a high quality moisturizer in conjunction with a skincare product that utilizes Hyaluronic acid (which helps skin cells absorb and retain water). Increasing your daily intake of Omega oils will also help the skin lock in moisture. And don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Increasing your skin’s moisture level will help your skin look refreshed.
3. Time for a cleanse
This transition period is a great time to focus on skin cleansing to rid your skin of all the debris and free radicals of the winter season. Use a high quality cleanser and add 1-2 minutes of additional cleansing time to your normal routine in order to focus on problem areas (where your pores are most congested from wintertime build up).
4. Take care of your décolletage
You might be excited to ditch your winter coats and sweaters in favor of lighter and more revealing summer apparel. One area of the body that is typically more exposed during the summer is the décolletage. It’s also one of the most commonly neglected areas of the body in terms of skin care. During your skincare regimen make sure to bring your neckline into the fold.
5. Exfoliate!
During the winter months people can build up a layer of old, dead skin. The summer transition is the perfect time to focus on exfoliating: removing old skin cells and other unwanted debris in order to reveal the younger and fresher looking skin below. Read our recent blog post on exfoliation for tips and tricks from Erin Solorzano, a licensed aesthetician at our Westlake location.
What skincare related changes do you make for summer? Please comment below with your favorite seasonal changing tips!
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Great all around skin tips, thanks for the post. I always have more skin issues in summer.