The days are getting longer, flip-flops have become your go-to footwear, and it's (kinda) socially acceptable to crack open a drink at noon.
This can mean only one thing: Summer, the manliness of seasons, is here in all its glory!
While summer might be a great time to fire up the grill and catch up with the lads, it can be rough on your skin. Heat and humidity can leave your skin oily and prone to breakouts. Plus, there is the ever-present risk of sun damage, leading to wrinkles, premature aging, and even melanoma. Thankfully, taking care of your skin doesn't need to be as painful as sunburn.
With a few simple changes to your skincare routine, you can enjoy summer with your best skin ever.
Read on for 10 skin care tips for the summer that every guy should embrace.
How often should you wash your face during summer?
In the summer months, it becomes even more important to wash and cleanse your face every day. This is due to increased sweat, which tends to clog your pores and contribute to breakouts.
By using a gentle, deep-cleaning natural face wash that's formulated for daily use, you can free your skin from grime without removing your skin's natural moisture.
As an ideal skin care tip for the summer, once per day is generally enough. However, it's a good idea to add a second cleanse after a workout session or a day on the tools.
Do you really need to exfoliate?
There is only so much that washing and cleansing can do.
Over time, excess oils can build up on your skin's surface, which can cause a pimple breakout. For a deeper clean, you need to exfoliate with a natural face scrub every few days.
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and residue that can clog your pores. It also works to open up your hair follicles, which allows for a closer shave.
Do you need a moisturizer in the summer?
No matter your skin type - or how masculine you are - you need to add a moisturizer to your daily skincare routine.
A natural, high-quality moisturizer helps to retain the moisture that's already in your skin. It also works to replenish the moisture you lose daily, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you're someone with oily skin, that's no excuse to skip the moisturizer.
Remember, the drier you leave your skin, the more oil it will produce to compensate.
During the hot summer months, you should opt for a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. These lightweight products are less likely to aggravate oily, acne-prone skin.
Don't neglect your under-eye area
The under-eye area is typically the first place that men notice the signs of aging.
Whether you've been burning the candle at both ends or spending too much time in front of the TV, this can cause under-eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness.
The solution is to add an under-eye treatment to your skincare routine. A natural eye cream for dark circles will help to calm your skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.
How do you get rid of dry lips in the summer?
Guys need to look after their lips too!
If you're using a facial cleanser and moisturizer, it makes sense to look after the skin around your mouth. You can protect your lips by applying a lip balm formulated with SPF.
This will not only improve the appearance of your lips but will also help to protect against sunburn and harmful UV rays.
Should you shave in the summer?
This will prevent bacteria lying on your face from getting into any freshly opened pores, which can cause acne, irritation, and man's worst nightwear - shave rash!
Apply a natural pre-shave oil, shaving gel, or shaving cream. Then shave with the grain of your beard, using short, gentle strokes.
This will minimize your chances of ingrown hairs and reduce irritation. After each pass, rinse the razor's blade with hot water before you stroke again.
When you're finished, rinse your face with cold water to close your pores.
After you're done shaving, apply a soothing, alcohol free aftershave balm.
Keep in mind that many after-shave products are frequently alcohol-based, which will dry out the skin.
If you often get razor burn, you ideally need a product that moisturizes and contains natural ingredients like aloe vera.
Never skip the sunscreen
If you only take one summer skin care tip from this article, make it this one: Wear sunscreen.
While you should be using an SPF moisturizer all year round, this is a must-do in summer.
Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from dryness, sunburn, and premature aging. It also helps to lower your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
Show your body some love
Many guys prefer bar soaps to liquid cleansers.
And generally speaking, bar soaps are fine, provided you don't apply the soap to your face.
However, if you have problematic or dry skin, it's best to use a body cleanser. If you insist on bar soap, opt for moisturizing soaps with emollients such as glycerin and oils such as vitamin E oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.
If you have naturally dry skin, body moisturizer can help. It revitalizes problem areas like elbows and knees. You should look for a high-quality, fast-absorbing lotion that is made up of 99% naturally derived ingredients, including aloe vera leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, and vitamin E.
Watch for any changes or reactions
A crucial part of looking after your skin is paying attention to how it reacts to various products and treatments.
If you're switching to a different product or changing up your skincare routine, watch for any changes to your skin - both positive and negative.
You also need to examine your skin regularly and keep an eye out for changes (such as dark spots and moles) that need to be checked by a healthcare professional.
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist
The final skin care tip for the summer...
While you should be examining your skin monthly, you also need to book a yearly skin check with your dermatologist.
Your dermatologist can put you through a full-body skin check, where they examine skin spots that they believe to be suspicious.
They can also do a mole map, where photos are taken of every part of your skin. When you return for another session, your dermatologist will compare the sets of images, looking for specific changes.
Regular skin checks can help to find skin that could be cancerous or at risk of turning cancerous.
Give your skin some extra TLC this summer
Beat the heat this summer and treat your skin with our high-quality, natural products. Featuring our Face & Body Cleanser, Face Moisturizer, and Body Moisturizer, each product contains natural Australian botanicals and calming antioxidants that help to keep your skin clean and hydrated all day long.
For skin that looks and feels its best this summer, choose VITAMAN.