Yes, summertime is here! The time when women complain about dry dull skin, leading them to go crazy with their makeup products, which sometimes only makes things worse due to the harsh weather. Fret Not! This article is especially for you; we will break down the major reasons behind this problem along with a few simple skin care tips for a radiant skin in summer.
The Major Factors Behind Dull Skin
According to the specialist in Dermatology and Cosmetology Dr. Maya El Khoury, there are 5 main reasons that lead to dull skin, you just need to be aware of them to better avoid them:
1- Overexposure to The Sun: During summer, you will be more exposed to sunlight, which negatively affects your skin, whether by causing hyperpigmentation and spots, or giving your skin a rough texture. The sun also accelerates the appearance of wrinkles since UV rays can damage the collagen fibers responsible for the elasticity of the skin.
2- Pollution: Usually, summer means outdoor activities, but with outings comes the dangers associated with air and water pollution. This leads to the appearance of premature aging signs, discoloration of the skin as well as loss of vitality and radiance.
3- Dryness: When the skin lacks moisture, it often looks dull and lifeless, and wrinkles appear more clearly. This is why dry skin is considered the summer’s most common problem.
4- Low Humidity: Let’s not put all the blame on the external factors, internal ones can also harm your skin. For instance, the air conditioning system you’re daily exposed to lowers the atmosphere moisture, which affects your skin balance and makes it look drier.
5- Overwashing: Dr. Maya El Khoury adds another factor to the list, which is cleansing too often .This results in excessive dryness and eventually causes dullness. Adding to this, the overuse of perfumes on the skin can make your skin lose its.
How to Get Your Fresh Radiant Skin Back?
Now that you have an idea about the factors that might cause dull and dry skin, it is time to know how to restore your skin’s radiance. In order to do so, Dr. Maya El Khoury puts forward 8 basic steps:
1- Wear Sunscreen: Because the sun is merciless during the hot season, the only beauty resolution you should stick to is applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 50. The longer you stay outside, the more you’ll need to re-apply it – ideally every two to three hours. You can also invest in a moisturizing cream that protects you from the sun with an SPF between 30 and 50. Dr. Maya El Khoury stresses also on the importance of avoiding sunbathing and sunless tanning which can cause skin damage.
2- Use a Mild Cleanser: This season, you should completely forget about soap as it can make your skin dry and dull. Truth to be told, mild cleansers, creamy or oily, cleanse your skin gently while keeping its valuable natural oils, says Dr. Maya El Khoury.
3- Exfoliate: Don’t wait any longer to add this step to your summer skin care routine. Exfoliation is vital to restore the radiance of your skin. Do it two to three times a week, especially if you have oily skin. Exfoliation helps you get rid of dead skin cells and encourages skin renewal which makes skin smoother and brighter. It also stimulates collagen production in the skin, which gives it elasticity and makes it less prone to damage and signs of aging.
4- Choose the Right Mask: Masks rest on top of the products that restore your skin’s youthful glow. However, they must be chosen correctly in order to work wonders. If you have dull and uneven skin tone, Dr. Maya El Khoury recommends using a mask containing glycolic acid which removes dead skin cells and treats scars. Also, to help reduce the harmful effects of UV rays, it’s important to go for a mask that is rich in vitamins A, C and E. If you seek to reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten your skin tone, look for a mask that contains niacinamide. As for retinol, this ingredient repairs sun damage, evens out skin tone and helps smooth skin.
It’s also crucial to focus on your skin type when choosing a mask. For example, dry skin needs a mask that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, Aloe vera and ceramides. These help restore skin’s moisture.
As for oily and acne-prone skin, go for a mask that contains salicylic acid, clay and tea tree oil. Such ingredients help get rid of excess sebum and large pores.
5- Rely on Vitamin C Serum: Why vitamin C? Because it prevents hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone. It also has anti-aging effects, and is considered as a powerful antioxidant that works on protecting the skin from harmful environmental factors, especially pollution.
6- Moisturize Your Skin with The Appropriate Creams: The more you hydrate your skin, the fresher it will look. That’s why applying a good moisturizer on a daily basis is a definite must in the hot days. Make sure you go for a cream rich in hyaluronic acid which works as a magnet by attracting and trapping water in your skin.
7- Drink Water: You hear it all the time for a good reason, drinking 8 glasses of water every day is indeed a summer skin care essential. To achieve that fresh dewy skin, you should keep enough moisture in by drinking the adequate amount of water.
8- Avoid Heavy Makeup: Last but not least, Dr. Maya El Khoury recommends avoiding heavy makeup during summer, as it exhausts your skin especially when the cosmetics mix with sweat and oily secretions. But if you’re dying to apply makeup, look for products that do not clog the pores, usually labeled “Non-Comedogenic”.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
