Skin must be cared for differently in the summer months, especially if you are located in a more tropical climate where the weather is humid. Skin produces more oil and pores need extra attention to prevent breakouts and a dull appearance from built-up impurities. Natural summer skin care options are an effective and inexpensive way to care for and keep skin healthy.
Cleansers
A gentle, soap-free cleanser removes oil without drying out the skin and is a great option for summer skin care. Add a few drops of skin purifying enhancers to the cleanser such as honey or tomato juice. Honey contains potassium, which kills bacteria that can clog pores. Tomato juice contains vitamin A to regulate sebum production for oil control.
Scrubs
Exfoliation is an important part of summer skin care because skin is oilier and more prone to clogged pores. A teaspoon of sugar moistened with warm water will loosen dirt trapped in pores. The glycolic acid found in sugar also prevents fine lines and wrinkles. If the sugar feels too abrasive, dampen a clean washcloth and gently scrub the face concentrating on the nose and chin.
Astringents
Astringents are important to skin in the summer months becuase they control and remove excess oil. An inexpensive and effective skin astringent is witch hazel. Witch hazel is cleansing, oil controlling and has antioxidant properties. Another astringent option is a cucumber slice rubbed over the face and rinsed off with cool water after five minutes.
Masks
A skin tightening and oil absorbing facial mask for summer skin care is an egg white mask. This egg white mask will help to minimize pores and leave skin feeling soft and smooth. If humidity from the summer heat leads to breakouts, mix brewer's yeast with a little water to form a putty and apply to the face concentrating on broken out areas. Brewer's yeast contains B vitamins and chromium, which speed the healing of blemishes.
Moisturizers
Summer skin care requires an oil-free moisturizer to prevent breakouts. A natural option for a moisturizer is aloe vera gel. Aloe also reduces inflammation and irritation from sun burns. It keeps skin soft and smooth without making it oily or prone to breakouts.
References
- 911 Beauty Secrets: An Emergency Guide to Looking Great at Every Age, Size and Budget; Diane Irons; 1999
- Natural Beauty at Home; Janice Cox; 1994
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