Between pool parties, barbecues, and sunbathing, summer feels like a long vacation. There is little room left over for the hassle of regular salon appointments. Still, summer is not the time to neglect your skin — as acne breakouts and other skin irritants tend to occur more during the summer months.

These skin emergencies can affect men as well as women, so it pays to stay on top of your skincare all summer long.

That does not mean, however, that you should increase the time you spend in the dermatologist’s office. Instead, take control of your skincare at home.

Remember Sunblock

Even if all you’re doing is relaxing in the backyard, you should always lather on the sunblock. UV rays are strongest during the summer months, especially during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Take notice if the sunblock label reads “broad-spectrum protection.” This ensures that you are also being protected from UVB rays, which contribute to wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.
Remove Hair Properly
Whether you’re a man or a woman, keeping unwanted body hair in check is an important part of anyone’s summer routine. Incorrect shaving techniques can lead to a number of side effects including

  • Itching
  • Razor Burn
  • Ingrown Hairs and Bumps
  • Cuts
  • Folliculitis

The key is to make sure you’re investing in proper hair removal products and devices. While this advice mostly applies to women, men have to be careful as well, which is why we recommend the following hair removal tips for men as a starting point.

Antioxidants are your Friend

Protect your body from the inside out, too. Don’t neglect your antioxidants. There are plenty of antioxidant serums in retail stores that will help minimize skin damage caused by environmental pollutants and UV rays.

However, the best way to counteract such damage is to eat your fruits and vegetables, which is incredibly easy to do. Under the stifling heat, a bowl of chilled berries can offset the indulgent glass of wine or beer from the night before.

Find the Right Therapy Options

Blue light therapy has been shown to be quite effective for acne treatment. It is the same technology that spas and dermatologists use. Blue light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that penetrates the top layer of your skin to reach the oil-producing glands. From there, the light waves actually eliminate the bacteria from the glands. At most, one session can take up to fifteen minutes to treat the entire face.

It is not necessary to see a skincare specialist to receive blue light therapy. Look for a high-quality at-home skincare device that can deliver spa-level treatment. Though acne can take some weeks to resolve, the time saved is priceless.

The therapy can easily be integrated into your existing skincare routine. Or, you can multitask. Enjoy the latest Netflix series while treating your face and enjoying those chilled blueberries.

Looking your best this summer does not have to be a hassle. It all comes down to the quality of the skin you’re in.