As fall approaches and the days become shorter, the air crisper and cooler, overtaking the summer heat, we fondly look back over the lazy days of summer reflecting on the glorious sunny days, while the mirror rudely reminds us of the damage we have done to our skin.
If your skin feels dry, rough or papery, it is more than likely due to the sun’s rays and being in open weather. You can restore your skin’s natural beauty easily with some good self care habits.
Dry Skin Troubles: The sun and salt of the beach can dry out your skin like nothing else can. The first thing to do in combating the dryness is drink plenty of water. It is recommended, especially if you are active, that you drink half your body weight in ounces per day. So if you weigh 140 lbs, you should drink 70 ounces of water. In addition, always moisturize your face and body after you shower. The lotion acts as a sealant, keeping the moisture in your body. Doubly helpful if you are fully hydrated.
Late Nights: Summertime is a social time when parties, cookouts and evenings spent by the fire pit run late. If you find that you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may see dark circles under your eyes. Being hydrated can help minimize this, as well as return the natural moisture to your skin. You may also want to invest in a good anti-aging under eye cream.
Leather Face: We’ve all been there when we have touched our face and felt rough, leathery skin. The sun is a big reason for that but also the accumulation of dry, dead skin can make it feel like sandpaper. The best thing you can do is use an exfoliant that is conducive to your skin type. You can also try a skin repair kit that covers not only removing the dry skin but replenishing lotion to help maintain a healthy glow.
Summer Aging: Spending hours on the beach or in the sun everyday can result in premature aging. From fine lines to a weathered look, the UV rays take its toll on our skin. Other factors like smoking, drinking alcohol and unhealthy eating can affect us as well. The best way to fight the aging look is to eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, drink water and use an anti-aging cream, especially at night when your skin is repairing itself.
The living may be easy in the summertime but it can do significant damage to your skin. Take some time this fall to create a good skin care routine which will keep your skin looking young and vibrant for years to come. Cheryl Lee MD is committed to helping you achieve this as well as relieve skin issues such as eczema. Check us out today!