Summer has been coming earlier, lasting longer, and packing more heat and humidity than ever before.

As much as summer brings us joy, it can also be a taxing season for our skin. Eye-popping temperatures, increased humidity, and longer days can leave your skin feeling dry, oily, and irritated.

But summertime is no excuse to neglect your skin. In fact, it is the perfect time of year to give your skin a little extra TLC.

Here are some must-know skincare tips to make sure your skin looks and feels its best all season long!

Lather on some sunscreen

No matter what your complexion or skin type is, sunscreen is your first line of defence against the sun’s harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that offers UVA and UVB protection.

Even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours outdoors or after swimming or sweating heavily.

Don’t forget your lips, neck, and feet

Sunscreen isn’t just for your face. Other exposed areas of the skin that your clothes don’t cover, such as the neck, ears, chest, and tops of feet, are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your face.

Make sure to apply sunscreen generously to these areas that are often overlooked. Don’t forget about your lips either! Put on lip balm or lipstick with at least an SPF of 30 for your lips to get the protection they need.

Moisturize daily

The summer months can leave your skin feeling dry and thirsty. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, not moisturize it.

Moisturizing daily can help keep your skin nourished by locking in moisture, providing a barrier against environmental aggressors, and calming any inflammation and dryness from sun exposure.

Pick a lightweight moisturizer that’s right for your skin type—whether oily, dry, or a combination of both. Apply it after cleansing your skin in the morning and at night before bed.

Stay in the shade

We all love spending time outdoors during summer but still try to limit time in direct sunlight as much as possible.

Take breaks in the shade or indoors, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Bring an umbrella or wear protective accessories such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect your face if you must go out.

And if you’ll be out in the sun for a long time, covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing with a UPF rating is also highly recommended.

Wash up after a day in the sun

Summer days can be long, and you may spend hours in the heat. Sweat, dirt, and oil can build up on your skin, clog pores, and cause breakouts.

As soon as you can, take a shower, cleanse your skin, and change into fresh clothes to prevent bacteria from sticking around on your skin. Paired with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen, keeping your skin clean can maintain a healthy glow all summer.

Soak up antioxidants

More than just an ingredient in your morning smoothie, antioxidants are also key for fighting off the signs of aging.

Harsh summer heat and humidity can lead to increased free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help fight off these free radicals, keeping your skin youthful and radiant. You can get your daily dose of antioxidants by eating antioxidant-rich foods or incorporating topical antioxidant serums into your skincare routine.

For an extra boost of protection, getting mega doses of high-quality vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with IV Vitamin Therapy is a sure way to not only nourish your skin but also boost energy levels, flush out toxins, and strengthen your immune system.

Get some relief with Calgary Integrative Medicine today!

Dealing with chronic pain or stress can be difficult and exhausting, but acupuncture may offer some relief.

Acupuncture is a popular form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses fine needles to stimulate specific points in your body to improve health and well-being. It’s often used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety and insomnia.

While it has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment, most people are still unsure of what to expect and how to prepare for their first appointment.

Here are some of the tips to prepare yourself for your first acupuncture appointment to get the most out of your experience:

1. Take some time to relax

Mental and physical relaxation are both essential for an effective acupuncture session.

Before your appointment, take some time out of your day and do something that helps you relax. Go for a walk, take a warm bath, listen to music, read a book, or do breathing exercises.

Focusing on relaxation and calming your mind will help create the right environment for acupuncture to be successful. Avoid any strenuous activity or stressful situations a few hours before your appointment, as this can put unnecessary strain on your body.

2. Get enough sleep

A good night’s sleep will help you prepare for acupuncture, as it can relax your body, restore energy levels, reduce stress, and increase blood circulation.

Any signs of fatigue can make it difficult for the practitioner to identify and treat the right points, so aim to get between 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before your session.

3. Dress comfortably

Greet your acupuncturist in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow them to access specific points in the body that need to be stimulated with needles.

For example, a loose shirt and pants are better than a tight-fitting blouse, jeans, or dress. It’s also best to avoid wearing jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other accessories that could interfere with the needles.

4. Drink plenty of water

Nourishing your body with plenty of fluids before your acupuncture session is key to getting the best results. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and keep it hydrated, allowing for better energy absorption during the treatment.

Drinking lots of water even after your appointment is equally important as it will help keep the energy flowing in your body to make you feel more relaxed.

5. Eat something light

Carrying out any form of physical treatment on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded and dizzy. Therefore, eating something light before your appointment is always a good idea.

Stick to foods that are easy on the stomach and won’t cause digestive discomfort. Avoid fast food and other processed snacks, as these can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.

6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Even a tiny amount of alcohol or caffeine before an acupuncture session can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel lethargic, while caffeine is a stimulant that can cause restlessness.

Avoid both substances for at least 24 hours before your appointment so that your body is most relaxed when undergoing acupuncture.

7. Prepare your medical history

During the session, briefly outline your medical history so the acupuncturist can better understand what’s causing your pain or stress.

Write down any medications you’re taking, any surgeries or injuries that have occurred in the past, and other health-related issues relevant to the session. Doing this will help the acupuncturist create the right treatment plan for you.

Final thoughts

Maintaining a positive attitude and a relaxed state of mind will make your acupuncture appointment much more effective.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, try talking to your acupuncturist before the session starts for some tips on relaxing and becoming more comfortable with the process.

At Calgary Integrative Medicine, our highly trained practitioners are dedicated to helping you find relief from your pain and other health concerns.

Book your first appointment with us today and experience the healing effects of acupuncture.