May 04, 2022

Flawless Summer Skin

We can feel the buzz in the air––summer is on its way! As we toss our sweaters to the back of the closet and pull out the bathing suits, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you of a few essentials to know before the summer season kicks off.

Here are a few things everyone should be keeping in mind when it comes to building flawless summer skincare:

ALWAYS WEAR SPF

Let’s get this one out of the way first, shall we? In the summer, the sun’s rays are stronger than in the winter. This means that now more than ever, a daily application (and reapplication!) of an SPF of at least 30 or higher is non-negotiable.

Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UVB rays which cause sunburns, as well as the UVA rays which lead to premature skin aging. It can ultimately also help to prevent skin cancer––and these are all proven facts!

A few BSE SPF favourites:

ELTA MD UV CLEAR BROAD TINTED SPECTRUM SPF 46 - $74

COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE® BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50 - $89.20

TIZO TIZO3 FACIAL PRIMER SUNSCREEN SPF 40 - 60$ / TIZO

RETINOL IS A-OKAY

Retinol gets a bad rep for sensitive skins, but the reality is that it is totally OK to continue your retinol routine in the summer. In fact, retinol is an excellent way to treat acne, so for those who struggle with the skin condition in the summertime, retinol can be your new BFF (if you use it properly!).

The key is to start with a low concentration-–usually, 0.2 to 0.5% is enough––apply only a thin layer at night and make sure to use an SPF in the morning. As retinol makes the skin extra sensitive to the sun, you must be extra cautious about protecting it.

A few retinols we recommend for the summertime:

ZO SKIN HEALTH RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER (REFORMULATED) 0.5% RETINOL - $143

SKINCEUTICALS RETINOL 0.3 - $82

ALASTIN SKINCARE RENEWAL RETINOL 0.25 - $77

IPL, HOWEVER, IS A NO-GO

Speaking of sensitive skins: summer is not the time to undergo IPL treatments. The ferocity of the sun’s rays during the summer makes skin extra sensitive to photodamage, meaning you’d be putting it at risk for extra damage. This also makes it harder for the skin to prepare and heal fully from IPL therapy.

Those considering IPL therapy are usually recommended to stay out of the sun for a minimum of two weeks prior to commencing their treatments, which usually run for 4 to 6 weeks. This is definitely harder to do in the summer, and since we want you to enjoy your time outside, it’s best to save these treatments for winter!

That being said, micro-needling treatments and at-home dermarolling are totally fine––as long as you ensure to follow proper aftercare instructions. This means applying a gentle mineral SPF, no makeup, avoiding the sun for the recommended amount of time, and whatever else your aesthetician instructs you to do!

LIGHTEN UP

Swapping for lighter versions of your current products in the summer is also recommended. While you shouldn’t forgo any steps (those with oily skin who think they can skip moisturizing, we’re talking about you!!!), you can definitely switch a few things around.

For example, because the air isn't as dry, you likely don’t need to use the same dense night cream that you do in the winter. If you struggle with breakouts and oily skin in the summertime, reaching for a lighter gel cleanser may do the trick. Using a charcoal clay mask such as the Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, for example, is also a great alternative to cream or sheet masks.

On that note, regardless of the change of season, keeping your skincare routine constant and adapted to your needs is a foolproof way to glow throughout the whole season. If you have any questions about what products you should be using (or have any concerns about the effectiveness of your current regimen), make sure to book your virtual consultation with us ASAP!

Until next time,

The BSE team

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