Simple. Effective Summer Skincare
Who wants complicated skincare, especially in Summer when all we want is to get ready fast, and out the door, whether for work or play, especially when it’s hot and often muggy. Heck, no one wants to put a lot of work into looking presentable, only to have our look melt away an hour or two into the day. Breakouts, excess oiliness, blackheads, milia, or parched and dehydrated if you live in an arid climate.
We all know that we should be wearing SPF year-round and even on cloudy days, and to increase SPF ratings in the summer months, but did you know that adjusting your skincare routine from Winter to Summer is necessary for most of us? Generally, big changes aren’t necessary, but learning to pay attention to what our skin needs and is telling us will make things so much easier. Did you know that collagen in our skin is what keeps our faces looking youthful and firm and that UV destroys collagen, not to mention contributes to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone?
Be proactive.
Here’s how:
#1 SUNSCREEN-
Shop around and test to find one that you love. Many brands have high SPF products that are water-resistant or water-proof AND tinted so you may consider ditching foundation. That’s a double win. If you have sensitive skin or don’t like chemical sunscreen products, try opting for a product that uses 25% zinc oxide and pigments for color. Zinc Oxide is one of the oldest and most effective sunblocks around- hey lifeguards have been using it for years!
Stay out of direct sunlight, whenever possible, wear a hat and SPF clothing, and don’t forget to put sunscreen on the back of your hands!
Consider:
Miracle Makeup Tinted Moisturizer
#2 CHANGE UP YOUR CLEANSING PRODUCTS FOR MORE THOROUGH, BUT STILL GENTLE CLEANSING.
If you normally use a non-foaming ‘milk’ type cleanser, alternate with a lighter non-foaming gel cleanser. If you wear water-resistant sunscreen and/or heavy makeup, consider doing a two-step cleanse at the end of the day. Use a cleansing oil or balm to wipe away makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a gentle foaming or non-foaming cleanser that’s oil-free for step 2. Keep those pores clean, but don’t overdo it. If you over-cleanse, your skin will respond by secreting more oil. Be sure to cleanse up to the hairline, too. Immediately apply antioxidant serums, (Vit C, etc) to damp skin in the morning, prior to applying sunscreen. There’s good evidence that using vitamin C serums during the day helps protect from cumulative UV damage. (not sunburn).
Consider:
New! Rejuvenating Facial Gel Cleanser
Mild Rose Geranium Foaming Facial Cleanser
Ultra Illuminating Facial Serum
#3 USE A LIGHTER-WEIGHT MOISTURIZER
If you have acne-prone skin, make sure you use oil-free and non-comedogenic products, BUT don’t stop moisturizing. Your skin always needs moisture, so perhaps an oil-free moisturizing serum will be all you need. Layer lightweight serums and moisturizers.
Consider:
Oil-Free Day and Night Essentials
#4 GO EASY ON PRESCRIPTION RETINOL PRODUCTS
Try using a mild glycolic product to help stimulate collagen while managing cell turnover and, if used along with mild salicylic products you’ll help to keep
pores clean.
Consider:
Fruit Acid AHA/BHA Exfoliating Creme
#5 DITCH ‘SLUGGING’ DURING THE
SUMMER MONTHS-
Save that for cold weather. Rather, hydrate with skin hydrating and calming fresheners/toners and lightweight oil-free moisturizing serums. This layering technique along with the use of ceramide-containing products will help you get ‘jello’ skin- bouncy, hydrated, and glowing.
Consider:
#6 STEP-UP GENTLE EXFOLIATION
Just don’t overdo it. Consider a mild, selective daily enzyme exfoliating gel/cream. Generally, our skin is more resilient during the summer months, but it can also be more susceptible to irritation from the environment and high humidity. Also, be proactive to prevent acne breakouts.
Want some color? Use a self-tanning product for skin safety.
Consider:
