How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin in the Summer

If you’re anything like us, then you look forward to the summer for most of the year. After all, who doesn’t enjoy relaxing on the sand at the beach and watching the sun turn candy colors as it sets? But if you have sensitive skin, you know that the summer months can be rough on your complexion—and that may take some of the fun out of things. Here, we introduce you to seven sensitive skin care tips to help transform the way you care for your complexion this summer. By stocking up on the best facial cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and face mask, your skin care routine will take care of your complexion so that you can focus on the what really matters—summer fun!

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #1: CHOOSE A FACIAL CLEANSER FORMULATED FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

When it comes to cleansing sensitive skin, it’s all about finding the best facial cleanser for your skin type. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin helps deeply cleanse skin without over-drying it by acting like a magnet to gently remove build-up from the surface of skin. To use, soak a cotton pad with the micellar water and swipe it across your face from forehead to chin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), washing your sensitive skin once a day should be enough to help keep it clean.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #2: TURN DOWN THE DIAL IN THE SHOWER

Taking a cool shower can be refreshing during the height of the summer’s heat—and it turns out it can also be a good alternative for your skin because super-hot water can strip your skin of essential oils. So, remember to wash off in lukewarm H20 instead.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #3: PAY ATTENTION TO SKIN CARE PRODUCT LABELS

According to the AAD, certain ingredients may irritate sensitive skin. These include alcohol, fragrances, and soap. By steering clear of these often reaction-inducing ingredients, you can help avoid any discomfort.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #4: TAKE SUN PROTECTION MEASURES

If you have sensitive skin, sun protection should be one of your top skin care priorities year-round. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily. When searching for a sunscreen, look for one that is oil-free and helps hydrate and soothe sensitive skin. After cleansing, smooth it gently over your face and neck until thoroughly absorbed.

In addition to wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, the FDA also advises taking other sun protection measures. These include reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating, covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, long pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade, and limiting your amount of time in the sun, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #5: HELP SOOTHE SUNBURNED SKIN

Although sun protection should play an important role in your sensitive skin care routine, mistakes can happen—no one’s perfect after all! If you find yourself with sunburned skin, there are a few steps you can take for some relief. The AAD suggests taking frequent cool baths or showers, applying a moisturizer formulated with aloe vera, and limiting your amount of time in the sun.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #6: COVER UP REDNESS WITH BB CREAM

You may not want to pile on the makeup during the summer. So, if your sensitive skin tends to look red, consider using the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness, which has a green tint and transforms to a universal shade to reduce the look of redness. It has four actions in one (it neutralizes the look of redness, hydrates for long-lasting moisture, corrects for even-looking skin, and perfects the look of your complexion), so you don’t have to worry about using a separate moisturizer, color corrector, concealer, and foundation.

SENSITIVE SKIN TIP #7: GIVE YOUR SKIN TLC WITH A CALMING FACE MASK

Any time you’re craving a spa-like treatment, use a face mask that is suitable for sensitive skin, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask, which gently cleanses stressed areas. Apply a thin layer over clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

For more sensitive skin types, head on over to our article, How to Exfoliate When You Have Sensitive Skin.