photo  Noah Buscher on Unsplash

Summer weather can be tough on our skin, causing issues like sunburn, dehydration, acne, and heat rash. To keep your skin healthy and happy during the summer months, it's important to adjust your skincare routine. Here are five steps to follow for optimal summer skincare:

Step 1. Cleansing: It's important to cleanse your skin at least twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat. Choose a good quality cleanser that's suitable for your skin type, and avoid ones that will over-dry your skin if you have oily skin. Instead, try using a mild clarifying cleanser and a moisturizing cleanser to balance your skin's needs. Pay attention to how your skin feels each day and choose the appropriate cleanser based on whether you're dehydrated, oily, radiant, or tired. You can also use the clarifying cleanser in the morning and the moisturizing cleanser at night for added hydration.

Step 2. Toning: (Men come back here) Toning is an important step in any skincare routine, not just for women. It helps to restore the pH balance of your skin and removes any remaining dirt or impurities that may have been missed during the cleansing process. Toning can also help to shrink pores and refresh your skin, leaving it feeling clean and revitalized. While it's not a necessary step, adding toner to your skincare routine can add an extra layer of nourishment to your skin and prepare it for the next steps in your routine. So men, don't be afraid to incorporate toning into your skincare routine - your skin will thank you!

Step 3. Moisturizing is an essential aspect of any skincare routine. It helps to keep your skin hydrated and functioning at its best. It is best to apply moisturizer to your skin after showering when your pores are open and receptive to the product. This helps to prevent dryness or excess oil production. It is important for people with oily skin to moisturize as well, as skipping this step can actually worsen the appearance of oily skin. Remember to include moisturizing as part of your daily skincare routine for healthy, radiant skin.

Step 4. Protection: It's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but unfortunately, common sense isn't always so common. Make sure to use sunscreen regularly if you'll be spending time outside. Sunscreen helps block UV rays from reaching your skin, which can cause aging, skin damage, and even skin cancer. It's a simple yet effective way to take care of your skin and keep it healthy. So don't forget to slather on the sunscreen before heading out into the sun. It's a small step that can have big benefits for your skin's health.

Step 5. Be extra: Skincare is an important aspect of maintaining healthy, radiant skin, but good nutrition is just as crucial. Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can have a significant impact on the appearance and health of your skin. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, celery, and carrots are especially beneficial for promoting a glowing complexion. Adding a daily green smoothie to your routine can also provide your skin with a boost of nutrients. In addition to a healthy diet, certain supplements such as iron, vitamin C, and zinc may also have positive effects on the skin. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Overall, a combination of good skincare practices and a nutritious diet can help to keep your skin looking its best.

If you want to be "extra extra": You can add tools to your routine. Items such as a Scrub sponge, a Clarasonic or facial scrub may add an extra humph to your skin texture. And if you want to be all the way extra you can add a blast of facial mist to top off your routine. 

Remember that the countdown towards summers end has already started, if you haven’t achieved your best summer skin as of yet get to it!! I know you’ve already started taking all those darn #summerselfies.