Summer is here. For many of us, summer means warm weather, sunshine and more time outdoors. However, summer can also mean skin irritation and dryness. In honor of summer, here are a few tips for keeping your skin healthy and your summer stress-free:

Apply sunscreen.

We all know that the sun’s rays can be beneficial to the skin, especially for those suffering from psoriasis and eczema. However, the sun’s rays (especially in the summer) can be extremely dangerous and can cause long-term damage to the skin. We recommend applying SPF whenever you are heading outdoors and reapplying throughout the day. If possible, choose a natural sunscreen or suntan lotion without parabens.

Eat right.

There is no doubt that what you eat can affect the condition of your skin. Summer is one of the easiest times of year to find delicious, fresh produce to fill your plates. Pack your picnic basket full of organic, fresh items rather than processed foods. We love to stock up on berries, avocados, cherries, grapes and cucumbers…the healthful options at your local grocery store or farmers market are endless and promise to help keep your skin looking great.

Dress wisely.

When the temperature rises, it is important to keep your body cool and your skin comfortable. One of the best ways to do this is to wear light, loose-fitting clothing to reduce heat on the skin and minimize itch and irritation. We recommend light fabrics such as cotton and linen that are both comfortable and classic.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

Just because the weather is warmer does not mean that your skin will not be dry. In fact, increased air conditioning, not to mention chlorine in the pool, can dry out your skin and increase irritation. To minimize dryness, continue your moisturizing routine and apply an all-natural lotion or cream to your skin regularly.

Keep the bugs away.

Unfortunately, mosquitos come out in full force during the summer months, causing unsightly and often irritating bug bites. For psoriasis sufferers, pesky bug bites can be especially troublesome, as any minor lesions on the skin can lead to increased irritation and breakouts. We recommend always wearing light clothing to cover your skin and applying DEET-free bug spray on exposed skin when heading outdoors.

We hope these tips will help you protect your skin without sacrificing your time outdoors with friends and family. We wish everyone a fun and healthy summer!