Special Morning Routine for the Heatwave
The heat is rising, and it appears we need to get used to the hotter climate. How to prep for the day when you’re melting? Fear not — we have a guide for you for those unbearably warm summer mornings. It’s a simple routine that will leave you feeling and looking swell (but not sweltering).
Wake up with natural light
The great thing about those summer days is that we get to enjoy the daylight for longer. Try leaving your curtains open for the night, so that in the morning the sun can reach your sleepy eyes and help you wake up naturally. How’s that for a pleasant start of the day?
Pro-tip: open the windows very early in the morning and close them later before the sun rays begin to blaze. Letting the cool air in and sealing the inside during the hottest hours will help you keep your house cool. Well, cooler, at least. Particularly helpful when your AC is broken. Or you don’t have it at all — hi, fellow Europeans!
Hydrate first thing in the morning
Get that first glass of water in as soon as you can. If clear water is not up to your tastes, infuse it with fruit, flavored electrolyte packets or even a drop of syrup. Be mindful, as some water enhancers can contain added sugar or preservatives; still, as long as they help you drink more water, it’s all good! If you can’t fully replace your favorite soda or juice, consider alternating it with water.
Cleanse and moisturize
Summer heat can dry out sensitive skin and make oily skin even more oily. Use a cleanser suited to your complexion type to help you wash off all the sweat and grime while being hydrating. Dry skin prefers gel-based products, while water-based products will be more suitable for oily-skin folks. After cleansing, use a toner to open up your pores and prevent them from clogging with sweat, and a light, non-greasy moisturizer to seal in the hydration.
Remember about sunblock
Using a good layer of SPF should be a fundamental step of your morning routine — not just in the summer. You shouldn’t skip it even when the weather is overcast, or you stay inside most of the day. UVA rays can penetrate through glass and clouds, so slather on that sunscreen!
Proper sun protection shields your skin from sunburns and premature aging. It’s not merely about the aesthetic: constant sun exposure is the risk factor for developing skin cancer. Using sunblock is one of the single best things you can do to reduce that risk.
Experts recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Check the labels for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; these ingredients create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. And what about the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)? The American Academy of Dermatology’s advice is SPF 30 or higher.
Sunscreens come in many different forms, and which one you choose depends on a personal preference. Cream might be better for dry, sensitive skin, and gel — for oily complexion. Sunblock in a stick form is perfect to use around the eyes.
Here are practical tips on how to apply sunscreen correctly:
- put it on a dry skin 15 minutes before heading out
- reapply every 2 hours or so when outside, or after sweating or swimming (no sunscreen is truly waterproof!)
- use enough to protect all bared skin; to cover your whole body, you need roughly the amount of a shot glass
- don’t neglect your lips, tops of your feet, neck, ears, and the top of your head
Even the highest SPF won’t allow you to stay in the sun the whole day without reapplication. Keep the bottle of sunscreen in your purse or backpack and actually use it. Yes, on cloudy days too. To add that extra level of defense, wear sun-protective clothing and protect your eyes with sunglasses (or goggles for when you’re in the water).
Schedule your workout for the morning
If there’s ever a time to be an early bird and exercise at dawn, it’s summer. Working out when the heat isn’t as deadly puts less strain on your body and leaves you feeling accomplished. After your session, you can head inside for a refreshing shower and nutritious breakfast and get on with your day.
Incorporating any new activity into your morning routine can be a struggle. It is true, especially if you already have a lot on your plate. However, the key is to start small.
Waking up 10 to 15 minutes earlier to do a few simple exercises might not seem that daunting and is already a step forward. Any idle time? Do a few squats or jumping jacks while waiting for your coffee to be ready.
For some of us, breaking our physical activity into smaller blocks makes working out less intimidating. It’s more effective than scheduling 30 minutes of a cardio session and not pulling through because it feels like too much when you’re melting into the carpet.
Less is more — avoid thick layers of products
What’s ickier than feeling the coats of makeup run down your face in the heat? If you can, lay off the heavy foundation and opt for minimalism in your makeup routine. The natural look is all the rage, anyway. Switch to lightweight products like BB creams or tinted moisturizers, and cover annoying spots with a concealer. Maybe add a touch of bronzer, but that’s it. Your face will feel much lighter under the sweltering sun, and your pores will thank you for not clogging them up.
Go for sheer and shimmer-less
Soften your summer makeup and try sheer versions of your usual lip and eye colors. Subtle colors have one great advantage: they make it almost impossible to go over the top. Don’t worry — you’re still allowed to experiment with a bright color palette. Encouraged, even. Lively colors are summery and youthful and make your whole look pop. Nude lipstick and colored eyeliner combo? Why not!
When the heat rises, ditch the creamy, luminous foundations and highlighters. They will give you a glow, but not the kind you want. What if you still desire some sparkle-sparkle without appearing sweaty and moist? Blot your face with blotting papers, then apply pressed powder with subtle illuminating properties. Done! Looking nice and dewy, but not shiny.
That’s it!
Here’s your heatwave morning routine to stay fresh, healthy and chic. And if on some days you’d rather scrap all that and lay down in a cool room with a fan blowing straight at you — that’s okay too. Cheers and let’s survive together!
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
Fox, J. D., Benesh, G., Abrouk, M., & Kirsner, R. S. (2020). Controversies in sunscreens: A practical approach. The American Journal of Medicine, 133(12), 1378–1379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.06.012
Glanz, K., Yaroch, A. L., Dancel, M., Saraiya, M., Crane, L. A., Buller, D. B., … Robinson, J. K. (2008). Measures of sun exposure and sun protection practices for behavioral and epidemiologic research. Archives of Dermatology, 144(2), 217–222. https://doi.org/10.1001/archdermatol.2007.46
Guerra, K. C., Zafar, N., & Crane, J. S. (2023). Skin cancer prevention. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK30137812/
Moyal, D. D., & Fourtanier, A. M. (2001). Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide better protection from the suppression of the elicitation phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity response in humans. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 117(5), 1186–1192. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01545.x
Moyal, D. D., & Fourtanier, A. M. (2002). Effects of UVA radiation on an established immune response in humans and sunscreen efficacy. Experimental Dermatology, 11(Suppl 1), 28–32. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0625.11.s.1.7.x
Scerri, L., & Keefe, M. (1995). The adverse effects of the sun on the skin: A review. Maltese Medical Journal, 7(1), 26–31. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/291/1/mmj070126.pdf
