Now that we’re in the hottest days of summer, it’s important to up the ante on keeping our temps down and our skin hydrated. Here, some cool-down tips that go above and beyond so you can chill out the rest of the season.
August is one of the most sweltering months in many parts of the world, so it’s more important than ever to stay cool, hydrated, and protected. Doing so will benefit all aspects of your health, but especially your skin. We all know the K-beauty summer basics: Cleansing is key, apply and reapply sunscreen, and drink plenty of liquids. But there are other amazing ways to prevent a skincare meltdown that you may not have thought of. Here, we offer some cool-down tips that are totally extra, and get top dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City to break down their benefits as well as what to watch out for.
1. Know which beauty products to refrigerate
Storing beauty products in the fridge is a common tip we always hear when the weather heats up. However, certain products can lose their effectiveness if stored at cooler temperatures indefinitely.
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“Generally speaking, I do not recommend storing products with specialized ingredients in the refrigerator,” says Dr. Zeichner. “For example, ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and exotic botanical extracts often require special formulation to ensure they are stable. Unless the company specifies that the product is stable at cold temperatures, I recommend keeping it at room temperature.”
So while you may want to keep your serums and ampoules out of the fridge, “products like moisturizers are relatively stable and likely can withstand cool temperatures,” he adds.
And what about your trusty mist or toner? Can it endure the refrigerator and cooler temperatures? “Likely, thermal spring water sprays and toners can be refrigerated without any issues,” says Dr. Zeichner.
2. Use an ice roller
Ice rollers are facial rollers that are chilled. You can leave your normal gem roller in the refrigerator, or purchase special ones that are made to be stored in the freezer. It essentially provides a chilly facial massage to cool down skin temps. However, the benefits go further than simply feeling refreshing on the skin: It can reduce the appearance of puffiness and redness.
“Cool temperatures help constrict blood vessels and are useful in removing excess fluid, for example, from under the eyes,” explains Dr. Zeichner.
You should use your ice roller after you have completed your skincare routine on your face and neck. Use even pressure for each stroke, and be sure to clean the roller after each use.
3. Give your water a boost
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average woman should drink approximately 2.7 liters of water daily and the average man should drink 3.7 to stay properly hydrated. However, your activity, environment, health, and other conditions influence how much water you should be drinking. After all, dehydration is no joke: It drains your energy, makes you dizzy, and dries the skin, which results in a dull appearance.
Water by itself is good, but adding nutrient-rich fruits can help this common skin condition. “Antioxidant-infused water is a great way to help give your skin an added benefit during the summer,” says Dr. Zeichner. “ Citrus fruits like oranges are jam-packed with vitamin C to help calm inflammation.”
4. Pack a beauty box
You pack your lunch, so why not your skincare, too? Many Koreans like to take their beauty on-the-go, whether it's portable humidifiers for their desks, mini fans to hang around their necks, or sleeping pack samples for when they travel. The reason is simple: Skin requires attention through the sweat, excess sebum, and pollution you encounter throughout the day.
For summer, your beauty box should have three items: a mist, sunscreen (for your face and lips), and blotting sheets. Mists are the perfect way to keep your skin balanced and hydrated, sunscreen is the best way to protect the skin from environmental damage, and blotting sheets are great for absorbing oil and sweat without messing up your makeup. BONUS: Use an insulated lunchbox for an extra refreshing spray throughout the day.
5. Invest in the right ingredients and formulas
As you soak in the last days of summer lounging at the beach, dancing at music festivals, and attending barbecues, it’s important that you’re removing all that excess sweat, sebum, and dirt from your face at the end of the day.
“Especially in the summertime when the weather is hot and humid, oil and sweat tend to get trapped on the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “ For the average person, a foaming cleanser may [not do] the trick. If not, ingredients like salicylic acid in your cleanser can more fully remove oil from the surface of the skin. Clay and charcoal-based products are also extremely useful to combat excess oil because they are extremely absorbent.”
Besides your cleanser, there’s another product you may want to swap out: your moisturizer. Gels are the all-around summer champion. Their water-based formula is great for reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and is suitable for most skin types. They offer a light, refreshing kiss of hydration rather than a heavy, smothering hug.
“Gels have the advantage of feeling light on the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “They can offer the same hydration benefits of traditional creams and lotions, without weighing skin down during warm, humid months.”
So how are you keeping cool in the dog days of summer? Share your cool-down tips with your fellow skinficionados in the comments below!
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