Warm weather invites all types of relaxing thoughts and behaviors. People embrace various ways of relaxing in the summer, from choosing lightweight clothes to spending more time on recreational pursuits to streamlining certain beauty practices.
Summer beauty routines may require minor changes to accommodate some of the environmental effects of hot weather and humidity. Consider the following tips to look and feel your best when the mercury rises.
Try tinted moisturizer. A carefree, breezy look often means not being weighed down by a lot of makeup. It may be possible to skip foundation and rely only on concealer to cover up small blemishes or alleviate dark circles under the eyes. Another option to try is tinted moisturizer, which can keep skin supple and offer a light amount of color to even out pigment. BB creams also can provide you with an all-in-one beauty product, as such creams frequently contain sunscreen, color tinting and anti-aging ingredients.
Get a healthier glow. Many people equate health and vitality to tan skin. However, spending time outdoors in the sun or using indoor tanning beds that expose you to UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer, including dangerous melanoma. Melanoma accounts for more than 9,900 of the roughly 13,000 skin cancer deaths each year. Sunless tanners and bronzers can give skin that sun-kissed look without the downside of exposure to UV rays. Those who must go out in the sun should wear a wide-brimmed hat and limit their exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
Don’t fight the elements. Many people go to great lengths to change what nature gave them. For example, those with curly hair will spend hours with straightening irons or special serums. Try to embrace the elements and your natural hair texture this summer. Use a product to keep frizz away and let hair air dry. Wavy, beach-inspired hair screams summer and can give you that carefree look.
Protect hair and skin. Relaxing in the summertime sun does not mean you should forgo protection. Remember to always apply sun block to all parts of your body. Some hair products contain sun block to protect the scalp, and men who shave their heads or are naturally balding should be diligent about applying sun block to the top of their heads. Don’t forget to apply sun block to the tops of your feet and your ears.
Rinse hair after swimming. Chlorinated water and even saltwater can affect the color and texture of your hair. Those who color their hair may find frequent laps in the pool can change the hue of their hair or prevent color from lasting as long as it once did. Wet hair before going in the pool, and rinse out salt and chemicals afterward. A small application of leave-in conditioner before entering the water can help seal the hair cuticle and keep chemicals from being absorbed.
