5 Tips For Totally Glowing 4th of July Skin

Happy 4th of July! A time of fireworks and hotdogs. Burgers and beers. Family and country. It’s the quintessential American holiday and a day that’s usually marked by friends, fun, and long hours spent in the sun and by the pool.

It’s fantastic, to be sure. But it can also be a huge strain on your skin and hair. Here’s how to prepare your skin for the day ahead so you can have all the fun with none of the regrets.

Let’s dive in.

1. First thing’s first - make sure you hydrate!

Nothing can cause major skin issues - like acne, chapped lips, dry skin, and bad sunburns - like some good old fashioned dehydration. And, on the 4th of July, there’s a lot going on, which makes it easy to skimp out on the clear stuff.

Sidestep this beauty and health mishap in the making by starting your day with at least 16 ounces of good old fashioned H20. From there, check in and make sure to take a few swigs at least a couple of times throughout the day (you can even make one of those corny - but effective - DIY water bottles that help you keep track of how much you’ve had to drink and how much you still have to go).

Sound like too much of a pain?

You can eat your water throughout the day too! Load up on some hydrating, summery fruits and veggies like:

• Watermelon
• A cucumber salad
• Grapes

That way, you be bright-eyed, clear-skinned, and ready to keep the festivities going.

2. Protect your skin from harmful rays

Fourth of July is probably the most outdoor holiday in the world, which means prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. While you can’t keep it completely indoors - duh - you cancombat this damage using a few tips and tricks:

• Dress accordingly: Honestly, sometimes applying and reapplying sunscreen can be a real pain. Instead, dress for the occasion, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and maybe even a light UV-resistant long-sleeved shirt or swim top.
• Use the white stuff: Try to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It should be at least 30 SPF, and you should reapply at least every few hours if you can remember.
• Incorporate repairing skincare: Be sure to incorporate antioxidants, hyaluronic acid,and peptidesinto your AM skincare routine. The antioxidants will battle free radical damage - which can happen due to prolonged sun exposure and lead to wrinkles and other damage - while hyaluronic acid and peptides can encourage lasting hydration andcollagen production.

3. Get active!

Nothing gets the circulation going and the blood pumping - all great for glowing skin from within - like some classic exercise. Luckily, this is the perfect holiday to get out and get moving.

So try joining in on some classic backyard BBQ games. Don’t have any going on? Get one started, like:

• Cornhole
• Water toss
• Frisbee
• Croquet

Plus, it’ll get the whole group moving and playing together without making you guys overexert yourselves.

Sound like it’ll be too hot for all that? Get a game going in the pool! Just don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen when you get out.

4. Eat before the party

Listen, any party is just a roomful of temptation when it comes to junk food, treats, and snacks.

And on one hand, the 4th of July is a time to go for it and enjoy!

After all, Independence Day wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t have some of your favorite go-to American treats (looking at you, barbecue foods, chips, and corn).

But here’s the thing - you know what a bad idea it is to go to a grocery store hungry: your eyes are way bigger than your stomach, and you wind up spending a hundred extra dollars on random cheeses, fruits, and other things you don’t really want!

It’s the same idea here. If you get to the party absolutely starving, you’re probably going to eat a lot more junk and have some snacks that you’ll regret later on. Especially because extra sugary, carb-filled, or oily food can wreak havoc on the skin, leading to breakouts, unbalanced complexion, and more.

That’s why we recommend that you eat a light meal before you go. That way, you can still enjoy all the treats that you really want without feeling like a black hole for things that you ultimately don’t.

5. Give your skin some afterparty TLC

Finally, finish off the night by showing your skin some love! And after a long day in the sun, it’ll need some extra hydrating and repairing TLC.

Here are some all-star ingredients you can be sure to include (and the order you should use them in):

• Cleanser: First thing’s first - this day is all about gentle and hydrating skincare solutions. So make sure that you don’t use a cleanser that is harsh or stripping on your skin. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanseror cleansing balm that will soothe any redness or irritation from the day.
• Hydrating mask: Have any hydrating sheet masks lying around the house? Today is the time to use them! Alternatively, you can break out the honey or aloe for an effective DIY solution. Just apply directly to your skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
• Serum: Serums have low viscosity and absorb super quickly - and they’re usually packed with healthy vitamins and ingredients. This is the perfect time to apply one and let all the benefits soak right in.
• Eye cream: Do not skip out on the eye cream today! Your face will thank you for the extra hydration.
• Face oil: Applying an oil before your anti-aging cream tricks the skin into letting in active ingredients - like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C - and getting them closer to the collagen-producing cells. So trick away, my friend.
• Moisturizer: Finally, finish the routine with an ultra-moisturizing night cream. That way, you’ll wake up refreshed, bright-eyed, and ready for the long weekend ahead!

Happy 4th!