red haired woman in sun

Protect Your Skin’s Microbiome This Summer

The start of summer is upon us and while the warmer temperatures, longer days and extra sunshine are a welcome change, the new season also brings with it challenges to our skin. Our skin is home to millions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that compose the skin microbiome. Similar to those in our gut, skin microorganisms have essential roles in the protection against invading pathogens and the education of our immune system.

Keep Your Skin Microbiome Healthy

Quite simply, the skin likes consistency. For example, fluctuations in weather can take its toll on our skin as it adjusts to the new environment. As the seasons shift from winter to spring and then quickly to summer, there is a dramatic change in humidity. With the heightening humidity, the skin needs to adjust to warm and then hot weather.

The greater the humidity, the more likely it is for your skin to become oily and there is an increased chance of your pores getting clogged. This can result in a variety of different conditions including irritations and inflammation. For immediate relief from these conditions, there are specific products to treat and repair damage to the skin.

The Challenge of Summer

In addition to the changes in temperature and humidity, our lifestyle may change along with the seasons. During the warmer months we may take more frequent showers, increase our exposure to the sun, and put more chemicals on our skin to protect us from insects, allergies, and overexposure to UVA/UVB rays. Sudden changes in weather coupled with subsequent lifestyle changes may contribute to dryness and damaged skin tissue.

Hydrate!

There are a few things we can do to help protect our skin during the heat of the summer. We recommend increasing the use of a hydrating cream during the summer months. Today, there is a greater availability of high quality moisturizers which are perfectly suitable for year round use. The most effective of these moisturizers should contain vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane, glycerin, and salicylic acid.

In addition, it is important to apply a moisturizer right after showering. And be sure to shower using mild temperature water, as water that is too hot can defeat the benefits of a good moisturizer.

Keep Covered

It is also extremely important to use a sunscreen before going outside. A broad spectrum SPF55 works well and should be reapplied several times a day when outdoors. By maintaining this regimen, you will help keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Enjoy the summer!

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