How to keep your face fresh without drying out your skin.
During the steamy summer months, you may be tempted to wash your face more frequently: you’ve got to get rid of that sweat after your daily walk or gym sesh and before you meet up for cocktail hour, right? Maybe not so much. While you’re not wrong to want to remove the dirt and grime that collects on your face throughout the day, overwashing might start to dry out your skin and you may be left wondering, am I washing my face too much?
Generally speaking, derms recommend washing your face just twice a day. Overwashing can cause your skin to feel tight and can even make your face more oily since you’re stripping away your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Keep reading for our tips to avoid overwashing your face while keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and clean throughout the summer months.
If you’re planning to hit the gym in the afternoon, consider adjusting your morning skincare routine to avoid overwashing. Just splash your face with water when you wake up in the a.m. and save your first wash of the day for after your workout.
Post-sweat sesh, try double cleansing. While this may sound counterintuitive, double cleansing will help you get that fresh-faced feeling without overdrying your skin.
It’s important, however, to double cleanse properly so you don’t strip your skin’s natural barrier. To double cleanse, you’ll want to first use an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based formula. Then, follow that up with a good quality moisturizer to lock in hydration (and don’t forget the SPF!).
Check out these post-workout skincare tips for additional ways to keep your skin vibrant after a workout.
If you feel like your face needs a mid-day refresh, consider spritzing on a cooling facial mist rather than reaching for your go-to cleanser. Mists are a great way to revive your skin while providing a dose of hydration.
Supergoop!®’s Defense Refresh Re(setting) Mist ($16-$32) with SPF 40 is a great summer option, as it works to absorb oil, set your makeup, and protects you from harmful UV rays. Plus, with peppermint oil as a key ingredient, it’s soothing and refreshing.
If you enjoy applying a full face of makeup every day, consider switching up your products for the season. You’ll feel less inclined to wash your face in the middle of the day if the products you’re wearing are working in your favor, rather than melting off your face.
After you’ve completed your skincare routine in the morning, try a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Personally, I love Beautycounter®’s Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer ($50), which evens out your skin tone while providing sheer, lightweight coverage. It’s packed with vitamin C to give you a fresh-faced glow, and best of all, contains SPF 20 mineral sunscreen.
For the rest of your face, try an all-in-one product like Ilia’s Multi-Stick ($34), which can be thrown in your beach bag and used on both lips and cheeks.
Consider blotting papers your bestie during the summer months. They’re a great way to soak up excess oil on your face — without the need for soap and water — so they’re perfect for on-the-go. They’ll also help you sop up grease without ruining your makeup and leave your face feeling rejuvenated.
You may want to consult with your dermatologist to determine the best seasonal skincare routine for your skin type to avoid overwashing and keep your skin bright and glowing all summer long.
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