SUMMER SKINCARE ROUTINE
Just like you would swap your closet before the warmer seasons, your skincare cabinet could also benefit from a quick revamp. That being said, fear not: you aren’t required to toss your entire skincare routine out the window. There are a few essential tips and tricks that will help you cruise through the summer months with a healthy, protected glow, and you’ll find that they aren’t that much harder (or costlier) to implement.
SWITCH IT BACK
To counteract the drying winter climate, you may have opted for heavier moisturizers and cream cleansers. Unless you have sensitive skin, you may want to change back light-weight moisturizers and non-stripping gel cleansers, such as the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, which will thoroughly cleanse your skin from sweat and other pore-clogging particles.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find that thicker moisturizers can lead to clogged pores and frequent breakouts. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist and co-director of clinical research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology explains that “a lightweight moisturizer with an SPF30 or higher may be plenty for most people."
P.S.: Please do not consider the extra humidity to be a reason for skipping your moisturizer. Also, if you are using a combined moisturizer + SPF, make sure that you are applying enough of it and reapplying an SPF throughout the day!
USE ACTIVES WISELY
While active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, you don’t necessarily have to shy away from them in the summer (unless you are going on a sunny tropical vacay, in which case you may want to reduce for the duration of your trip).
If you are wearing an SPF 30 to 50 every day and are not overexposing your skin to the sun, these ingredients are great for smoothing the skin, evening out irregular pigmentation, fighting blemishes, and repairing sun damage.
SKINMEDICA RETINOL COMPLEX 0.5 $83
VIVIER SKIN AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CREAM $78
ANTIOXIDANTS ARE YOUR BFF
A high-grade antioxidant product––containing Vitamin C, for example––is a staple no matter the weather. It helps to protect from oxidative stress, such as pollution and free radicals, but it also helps to minimize pigmentation caused by sun damage (which we are more prone to experience in the summer).
Your best bet is to find an antioxidant-packed serum that you can apply before your daily moisturizer and SPF, such as:
SKINCEUTICALS C E FERULIC $190
IMAGE SKIN CARE VITAL C HYDRATING ANTI-AGING SERUM $124
SUN PROTECTION–ALWAYS.
Sun protection is an all-year-round essential. While the burning UVB rays are weaker in the winter, the skin-aging UVA rays are not. Should you have reduced (or neglected) your SPF in the winter, then now is absolutely the time to go back full time.
ELTAMD UV CLEAR BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 46 $46
TIZO3 FACIAL PRIMER SUNSCREEN SPF 40 $57.20
COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE® BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50 $83.20
IN CONCLUSION
It is important to note that a healthy skincare routine should be able to adjust to the change of seasons without needing a major overhaul. However, small details make all the difference in your skin’s health, and we can guarantee that diligent care and high-quality products will help you reach the summer glow of your dreams!
Not sure where to start? Book your virtual consultation to learn more about which products are right for you. Make sure to also check out last week’s blog, where our founder and skincare guru Natascha shares her favorite products of the season.
Until next time, take care of the skin you’re in!
Mathilde