This article was published on May 12th, 2021

Summer is just around the corner, and boy, aren’t we all looking forward to a much-needed break! It’s time to prep your summer vacation checklist as you plan for the perfect getaway in incredible gay-friendly destinations, when it’s safe to travel again, and you have been fully vaccinated.

With that in mind, enjoying some time under the sun will require much-needed skincare to make your summer break enjoyable. No one wants to show up at the beach wrinkled and puffy. You need glow and suppleness under your skin as you prep to hit on a few strangers on the beach. 

Lucky for you, we have all the best tips and skincare routines for a fresh, youthful look this summer.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser 

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine. It comes with a lot of benefits, including getting rid of excess oil and dirt from your skin as well as dead skin cells. Make it a habit to wash your face with a gentle and hydrating cleanser every morning and evening.

Avoid using a harsh cleanser as it can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Likewise, limit the cleansing to just two times a day. Over-cleansing can disrupt the skin’s pH balance and strip away natural oils that protect your skin.

Moisturize!

Skin looking dull and tired? The difference could lie in moisturizing it. Hydrating your face with a high-quality moisturizer will leave you with softer, brighter, and more elastic skin. 

Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, there is a moisturizer for every skin type. They also come in different forms such as lotions, gels, and creams.

It is recommended that you moisturize twice a day, for example, every morning and night, to keep the skin healthy and supple. For best results, moisturize after you take a shower as your skin is still damp and more receptive to the moisturizing qualities.

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is a process that helps buff away dead skin cells to make way for smoother, shiny skin. Dead skin cells arise when your skin is exposed to dust and pollution. They clog the skin pores and lead to a dull complexion. Thus, you cannot underestimate the need for regular exfoliation.

However, keep in mind that different skin types require different approaches to exfoliation. Face scrubs are particularly good for oily or acne-prone skin. You should always exfoliate on clean skin.

Try a face mask

Facemasks are a great addition to any skincare routine and address specific skin concerns. They help unclog your pores, hydrate the skin, and remove excess oils. 

There are various face masks for skin types ranging from clay and charcoal masks to sheet masks and peel-off masks. Do your diligence to determine the best face mask for your skin.

Slap on sunscreen

Do not be deceived into thinking that you are exempt from using sunscreen because you are hardly exposed to the sun’s rays (owing to the quarantine measures). 

Dermatologists argue that by spending a lot of time on mobile phones, computers and TVs, your skin is equally in danger. 

These electronics emit a type of light known as “high energy visible light” (HEV) which tend to be more harmful than UV rays. HEV is associated with premature ageing and wrinkles.

So, even as you continue working from home, do not compromise on the sunscreen. Slap it on every day.

Make serum your new beauty ally

If you are yet to hear about the serum, you are missing out on a proven skincare routine. 

Face serums are skincare products that contain powerful ingredients like Vitamin C and collagen, which help fix different skin issues, such as, acne, pigmentation, fine lines, or dullness.

Serums can be applied twice a day, especially after cleansing or before applying a moisturizer/sunscreen.

Stay hydrated

Finally, drink more water! Hydration is undoubtedly the cheapest and most natural route to glowing skin. 

Drinking water regularly helps keep the skin cells hydrated and supple, which is essential in preventing wrinkles and blemishes. It also helps in flushing out toxins from your body. So, make water part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day for best results.

In the same vein, eat water-rich veggies and fruits like cucumber, watermelon, oranges, cantaloupes, and strawberries to meet your hydration needs. They contain natural antioxidants that help rejuvenate your skin and make you look younger.