Skincare: The best skin care tips for summer

In the sun, in the water or in the gym: sports in summer are healthy and put you in a good mood. But especially for athletes it is important that skin care is not neglected in the hot months. Especially with strong sunlight, UV exposure, water and sweat, the right care must be provided. In the following article you will learn how to prepare yourself perfectly for the summer. Find out what you as an athlete have to pay attention to when it comes to skin care and give your skin the wellness it deserves.

In summer, the right sun protection is the be-all and end-all. Especially during outdoor training, a high sun protection factor is indispensable. The right sunscreen not only protects against painful sunburn, but also prevents wrinkles and is an important part of skin cancer prevention. To ensure that you are optimally protected, you should definitely not skimp on sunscreen. Apply your cream generously and reapply several times on occasion, especially if you've been in the water or sweat a lot. Be sure to apply sunscreen to more than just your face. The neck and décolleté are also important, as these areas are particularly sensitive. As a general rule, any area that is exposed to the sun should also receive sufficient sun protection. This way you are perfectly protected from the harmful UV radiation. By the way, sun worshippers don't have to worry: You will still get brown with sun protection. A good sunscreen even helps you keep your tan longer and provides the necessary moisture, which protects against drying out and makes you feel better. But which sunscreen is right for athletes? There is a wide selection in stores and online, but not all creams are suitable for an active lifestyle. If you play sports, you sweat - so you should definitely go for a water-resistant formula, even if you don't go swimming. Otherwise, you may just sweat away your sunscreen during your workout. Non-comedogenic formulas are also recommended, as they don't clog pores and thus prevent impurities. The most important aspect, however, is and remains the sun protection factor. This should be as high as possible. For sufficient protection, you should therefore use creams with an SPF of at least 30. For lighter skin types, an SPF of 50 is recommended. Regardless of how high your sun protection is, you should reapply it every two hours and after showering and swimming. Then you are optimally protected.

Pimples love sweat, summer heat and high humidity. The warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That's why you should shower as soon as possible after your workout and wash off the sweat and sweated-out minerals. Showering in the summer is not only necessary for hygienic reasons, but it also increases your physical well-being and helps your body to recover from the exertion after the workout. Especially cold showers help to relax your muscles and reduce pain. Choosing the right shower gel can also be crucial. You should avoid products with strong odors, as they dry out and irritate too much. When it comes to shower gel, less is more. It's best to use a moisturizing product so that you don't deprive your skin of important moisture. How about a little wellness? To remove dead flakes, you can use a gentle exfoliator such as a salt scrub. But beware: these products are only for the body and should never be used on the face. After showering, especially in summer, make sure you have clean towels. Sweat and bacteria are also deposited in them, which promote skin impurities. So wash not only your sports clothes, but also your towels and washcloths regularly, especially if you use them on your face.

Especially in summer, regular moisturizing is an indispensable part of proper skin care. High temperatures and sweat put a lot of strain on the skin during the warm months. Sunscreen, shower products and swimming in chlorinated water also put an additional strain. This is not only unpleasant and can lead to flaking and itching, but also promotes rashes and impurities. Apply your skin care products only after showering, so that they can develop their full effect. Under no circumstances should you use moisturizers before sports. They form a film that prevents sweat from evaporating. This causes skin impurities and an unpleasant feeling. Attention: to prevent irritation, you should never apply body lotions to your face. As an athlete, you should use products that do not clog your pores. When buying, make sure to choose a cream without oils and without alcohol. To balance the moisture level, you should instead choose skincare with moisturizing ingredients such as urea or glycerin. Moisturizing serums and non-comedogenic creams are also recommended. Some skincare products already have their own built-in UV protection. Here you should pay attention to the sun protection factor. In most cases, moisturizers with sun protection do not replace a sunscreen. For a good moisture level, not only external care is important. Especially in summer you should always drink enough and pay attention to the right nutrition - especially during heavy physical activities like sports. This will help you compensate for sweat loss and provide your cells with valuable moisture. The best choice is fresh water, but unsweetened, chilled teas or thinly diluted juices and isotonic drinks will also help you replenish your fluid stores. Water-rich foods like cucumbers or melons provide a freshness boost. This will keep you well hydrated even on the hottest days.

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