Women Skin Care and Beauty

Whatever your skin type, there are things you can do to protect and care for it during the warm weather. Women with oily facial skin should know that heat and humidity can double the amount of oil produced; sun exposure makes the oil thicker and more likely to clog pores.
Leave your cleanser on for an extra 10-15 seconds before rinsing and follow with an astringent. For the rest of your body, choose a daily wash with salicylic acid and exfoliate twice a week with a salt or sugar scrub. Avoid sunscreens with an SPF higher than 30 because the formulas tend to be very emollient. And look for a gel formula labeled “physical block” (titanium oxide or zinc oxide) rather than “chemical block” (rarely oil free).

If you have dry skin, exfoliate more frequently. If your skin is flaky, see a dermatologist to rule out a yeast-induced rash common in summer. To treat scaly patches on your body, exfoliate in the shower with a scrub, then apply a cream. Choose a sunscreen with a creamy base; avoid gels, as they often contain alcohol that will further dry skin. Even if you have normal skin, you may need to upgrade your cleanser to reduce summer oil. You may also find a hydrating lotion superior to your usual creamy moisturizer.