July 17, 2014
Summer Skin Care Tips for the Pacific Northwest
Even in the Pacific Northwest, summer sun can take a toll on your skin. A simple routine built around sun protection, moisturizing, and gentle skin care can help keep skin comfortable throughout warmer weather.
| Summer Skin Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Protect from UV rays | Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher |
| Reapply sunscreen | Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating |
| Exfoliate gently | Skip harsh scrubs, especially when skin is irritated or sunburned |
| Keep skin moisturized | Apply a moisturizer that works well for your skin type |
| Support skin overall | Pair good skin care with a balanced diet and healthy habits |
Sunscreen is especially important during extended time outdoors. Shade, protective clothing, and sunglasses can provide additional protection alongside sunscreen.
Summer in Portland means longer days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to get outside. After months of grey skies, it can be tempting to soak up as much sunshine as possible. But UV exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Here are a few ways to care for your skin while enjoying the summer weather.
Use Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to exposed skin. Reapply about every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen works best as part of a broader sun-protection routine that can also include shade, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Exfoliate Gently: Exfoliation can help remove dead surface skin cells, but summer skin may already be sensitive from sun exposure, swimming, or heat. Choose gentle exfoliation and avoid scrubbing skin that is sunburned or irritated. A facial or microdermabrasion treatment may also be an option depending on your skin type and needs.
Moisturize: Sun, swimming, air conditioning, and heat can leave skin feeling dry. Choose a moisturizer that works well for your skin type and apply it regularly, particularly after bathing or whenever your skin feels dry.
Eat Well: A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods can support overall skin health. Healthy eating can complement a good skincare routine, but it does not replace sunscreen or other forms of UV protection.
