GirlsGuideTo | 7 Summer Skin Care Mistakes

Bug bites, sunburns, peeling skin – the list goes on and on. Summer means a whole host of different skin hangups than we're used to combatting in cooler temps.

By now you probably know some of the basics, like that you need to protect your skin from that scorching sun (I don’t know how many times we can beat you over the head with this!), but many women are still falling into some common skin care traps.

Below are some of the most frequently-made summertime skin mistakes -- and easy solutions to keep you looking your best.

Not Using Sunscreen
I know, I feel like we’re beating a dead horse too. But The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers in the U.S. are linked to sun exposure, and many of us still are not protecting ourselves. In fact, 49 percent of men and 29 percent of women say they have not used sunscreen in the past 12 months, according to a recent survey from The Skin Cancer Foundation.

There’s no excuse, ladies. Put it on.

Applying Sunscreen Incorrectly
Even among sunscreen loyalists, there's confusion as to how much sunscreen you really need and how often you should reapply. More than 60 percent of men said they believed one application would protect them for at least four hours, according to the same Skin Cancer Foundation survey. (And ladies, we’re not much better.)

In reality, most sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. Which in this heat, who isn’t?

During each application, make sure to use enough sunscreen to "generously coat" any skin that won't be covered by clothes. Generally, that will be about an ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass. The healthiest shot you’ll ever take.

Not Wearing Sunglasses
If you're not protecting your peepers when you're in the sun, you're exposing yourself to a greater risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer on the eyelids, which accounts for up to 10 percent of all skin cancers, Redbookreported.

It's also important to throw on the right pair. Those cheap ones you picked up may not meet recommendations for UV ray protection. Look for a pair that blocks at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays, Men's Health reported, although that can be tricky because stores may label products incorrectly.

And if the health reasons aren’t enough to sway you to pick up some fancy sunnies, wearing sunglasses can also help minimize wrinkles and fine lines caused by squinting. Skin care may be the one time that being vain is good for your health!

Taking A Dip Right After Shaving
If you want to look smooth before lounging poolside, take note that going in the water right after shaving, waxing or undergoing laser hair removal can cause irritation to that extra-sensitive skin, according to Glamour.com. Try to finish up the beauty routine at least a few hours before it's time to make a splash.

Not Staying Hydrated
Feeling parched from the summer heat? Your skin may be too! Sun exposure saps moisture from skin, which can leave you looking flaky and scaly, Daily Glow explains.

Richer lotions and moisturizers are a good start, but part of the problem is you're likely not moisturizing from the inside out. Drinking more water can help, as can other hydrating sips, like coconut water, and eating foods with high water content, like watermelon and cucumbers.

Neglecting Your Feet
Spending a lot of time in flip-flops can cause the skin around the heel to crack, which is just majorly gross. Moisturizing daily can help, as can a weekly date with the pumice stone.

If you're not too hot, Glamour.com recommends sleeping in socks. The fabric can help your moisturizer soak in.

Scratching Bug Bites
We all know that itch can feel like torture, but scratching itchy summer bug bites is a bad idea. You're likely to break the skin more by scratching, which can expose the bite to infection. And scratching will only make bites more inflamed, leading to greater itchiness and pain.

Instead, you can try a natural treatment, like ice, vinegar, or witch hazel or pick up an anti-itch cream or spray (I love Bendryl’s spray) from the drugstore.

And if you’re unlucky enough to get a chigger bite, cover the bite with clear nail polish to suffocate the nasty bug!

{Source: Huffington Post}