As you expose more of your skin in the summer season, it's important to take the correct precautions to protect yourself from the sun. Proper skin care is essential in order to prevent harmful, long-lasting consequences to your skin.

Here are three ways you can keep your epidermis in the best possible shape:

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Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Why: Keeping your skin properly hydrated ensures that your body can function efficiently. Since approximately 60 percent of your body is made up of water, it's vital that the body is kept hydrated to transport nutrients to your cells and cleanse the body of toxins.

How: In addition to drinking water throughout the day, you can use toners as part of your moisturizing regimen. You can even refresh with a revitalizing toner while on the go, in the car, at work or at the gym.

Benefits: Drinking enough water and staying hydrated can improve your mood, help digestion and assist with weight management.


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Apply Sunscreen (Then Re-Apply & Re-Apply!)

Why: Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer. It's critical to take the right measures when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR damages DNA, which can lead to mutations and abnormalities in genes and cells. Applying sunscreen (as well as wearing protective clothing and hats) is a crucial procedure in protecting yourself.

Remember: The benefits of sunscreen decrease when it's not applied frequently enough or if it gets washed off or sweated off. The higher the sun protection factor (SPF) number, the more protected you are.


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Exfoliate

Why: Exfoliation is the removal of dead cells, which tend to build up quickly in the summer due to the dry conditions, on the surface of the skin. This keeps your skin from clogging and prevents acne breakouts.

How: Use an exfoliating glove, toner or pumise stone in the morning, while in the shower, before applying any moisturizers or makeup. Begin scrubbing your body in circular motions, starting from your feet and working your way up.

Benefits:

  • Exfoliating regularly speeds up your skin's natural renewal process
  • Helps with skin discoloration and uneven tones
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Keeps skin soft and firmer
  • Sunscreen can be applied more easily and can penetrate the skin deeper

Recommended exfoliating products:

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