Summer’s here and nothing puts a damper on your glow like dry, rough, damaged skin. Understanding how different factors can affect your skin means you are better informed about how to keep your skin “healthy,” rather than “dull.” Let’s discuss a few tips you can add to your regimen to keep your skin soft and hydrated all year long:
First Things First: Drink Water
If you’re feeling thirsty, you’re probably dehydrated. If you think you’ve had enough water, then you probably still need more water. It’s common to underestimate the amount of water your body needs, especially since you can’t outwardly see how hydrated you are. A good indication that you’re not getting enough hydration is dried-out, rough skin. If your skin is looking rough, make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day to hydrate your skin cells. Drinking water has a number of benefits; it will improve your blood flow, as well as help to filter and remove harmful toxins from the body. Try to aim for at least 64 ounces of water intake per day!
Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation of the skin unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells, which is what causes skin to look rough. Adding this to your regimen during your shower a couple times a week will improve texture and give your skin a chance to reveal the soft skin hiding beneath. Planning to exfoliate and actually exfoliating are two different things! It’s pretty easy to forget exfoliation due to what little effort is required, so for whoever needs to hear it: EXFOLIATE, sis! Our Kona Coffee Body Scrub makes exfoliating easy, just keep it near your shower to remind yourself to exfoliate regularly.
Use a Moisturizing Body Wash
Another easily overlooked step is using an oil-infused body wash (or an in-shower body lotion) that is formulated to moisturize your skin. This will help to replace some of the moisture that can be stripped with long, hot showers. Next time, try to bring the temp down to avoid drying out skin’s natural moisture. The oils in your body wash can help to hydrate and keep your skin feeling velvety soft. Or, you can opt to massage our Vanilla or Coffee Body Oil in once you’re out of the shower if you feel that your body wash just isn’t doing the trick for you! Our body oils are fantastic since they dry down well, so you won’t feel greasy, just exceptionally moisturized and smelling AMAZING.
Protect Your Skin with SPF
If you can’t tell by now, we LOVE SPF. If there were anything more in love with SPF than us, it’d have to be your skin. Why? Maybe it’s because SPF seems to love skin just as much. Regular application of sunscreen with SPF can prevent sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and even skin cancer. Geez! All of those benefits, there’s no way you can leave the house without SPF! Don’t forget that SPF doesn’t last forever and will need to be reapplied every couple of hours for constant protection.
Make Sure You’re Counting Enough Sheep
If you have a problem getting a full night’s sleep, your restlessness could be affecting your skin. In general, we operate better with a restful night because the body is afforded the opportunity to repair and recuperate while we’re sleeping in preparation for the next day. The same goes for skin - nighttime is when your skin attempts to heal a little and repair itself. If that means putting electronics away when you’re ready for a bit of shut-eye, then by all means: unplug!
Schedule an Appointment with your Dermatologist
If your skin is still itchy and dry after trying out these tips, don’t lose hope! It might be time to call up the Doc. Your skin and what it needs is unique to you, so an expert’s perspective might be best. It can be frustrating to try these methods to no avail, but your dermatologist can definitely help to steer you in your journey to soft, healthy skin.
No one wants to spend the summer feeling dry, rough, and dehydrated. Getting sleep, drinking water, and sun protection are just a few of the ways you can have soft skin this season. In little ways, you can baby your skin and give it the love it needs!