If you’re planning on spending lots of time in the sun this summer, don’t forget to take good care of your skin! Layering on the sunscreen is always a must, but you also need to take preventive measures to avoid serious breakouts, painful razor burn and unsightly alligator skin this season. Here are five common summer skin problems and tips for fixing them ASAP:
Skin Issue #1: Back Acne
Why it happens: When you’re sweating more after an outdoor workout or exposing your back to the elements in that bikini this summer, you increase your risk of getting unsightly breakouts on the backs of your shoulders and along the middle of your back. This area may be more sensitive than other parts of the body because it isn’t exposed as much the rest of the year.
The fix: Cleanse and wash your back with a salicylic acid-based body wash regularly and make sure to moisturize the skin to create a protective barrier. I make sure to hit the shower as soon after my workout as possible to get rid of the excess oil. Avoid wearing too-tight clothing or clothes made of synthetic fibers that tend to aggravate sensitive skin.
Skin Issue #2: The Oil-Slick Face
Why it happens: Sweating in the heat will increase sebum production on your T-zone and beyond, and if you already have oily skin, you could be battling an untamable oil-slick face.
The fix: Staying cool with a fan blowing on your face isn’t always an option so it may be time to tweak your beauty routine. I make sure to use oil-free products during the summer, and also carry a stack of blotting papers as backup. Make sure you’re not over-cleansing your skin with products that will strip your skin of natural oils (think alcohol-based products). Your skin could overreact and produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Skin Issue #3: Super Dry and Flaky Skin
Why it happens: Dehydration and too much sun exposure will dry out your skin and cause flakiness. If you tend to peel after too much sun, you’ll experience even more dryness than most and won’t be able to improve your skin only by applying a thick layer of lotion.
The fix: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and avoid alcoholic beverages in the hot summer heat. Moisturize skin liberally with a high-quality moisturizer right after your shower to lock in moisture and keep skin soft.
Skin Issue #4: Excessive Breakouts
Why it happens: Even if you don’t suffer from acne, you could be experiencing more breakouts than usual during the summer months. When your skin becomes inflamed because of too much sun exposure, or you’re using sunscreen and other products that are clogging up your pores, you’ll start to break out more.
The fix: Make sure all of your makeup products and sunscreen are non-comedogenic, wash your makeup brushes thoroughly and avoid touching your face when you’ve been sweating. Stick with oil-free moisturizers and makeup products when possible to keep problematic skin under control.
Skin Issue #5: Serious Razor Burn
Why it happens: Whether you’ve been shaving your armpits with a dull razor or you’re skipping the shaving cream when shaving your legs, you’re setting yourself up for itchy red bumps and patches of inflamed skin.
The fix: Exercise good shaving habits — especially when your skin will be exposed to the sun — and consider waxing or depilating cream if your skin doesn’t respond well to your usual shaving routine.
Article taken from: http://shine.yahoo.com
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