Here's my skincare forecast for the summer: The sun is intense. The humidity is high. There are bacteria in salty sea water and chlorinated pool water. These factors can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are my suggestions to get through the summer with your smooth, dewy radiance intact!
Daytime: Cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect
Morning cleanse: When cleansing your face in the morning, opt for a cream, gentle foam, or micellar water without oil. Here’s why it matters: Your skin undergoes a natural process of shedding dead skin cells and secreting oils that build up on your face during the night. A morning cleanse will remove this buildup and the products you applied the night before, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts, refreshing the skin, and creating a clean base for applying daytime skincare products to penetrate effectively.
Antioxidant serums: The sun can cause unstable molecules, called free radicals, that damage cells in your skin. This will break down collagen and increase physical signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and sagging skin. Here’s why it matters: Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E are superheroes for your skin, especially during summer. They can stabilize those free radicals, so they don’t damage your skin cells while promoting collagen production, keeping your skin youthful and glowing. Remember to let it absorb before you move on to the next step.
Moisturize: Using a moisturizer suitable for your skin type ensures that your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and protected throughout the summer. You may need to switch to one that is a lightweight water-based formula. Here’s why it matters: Hot weather and sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, and moisture helps repair the skin barrier. It can help prevent environmental damage by forming a protective barrier against pollutants and other external factors. Even oily skin needs moisture to help balance oil.
Broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher: “Broad spectrum” means the sunscreen contains ingredients that effectively protect against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, often called “aging” rays, penetrate deeper into the skin and generate free radicals that can cause long-term damage that appears as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dark spots. UVB rays, called “burning” rays, produce short-term effects on the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. And while UVB can't penetrate glass, UVA can. Therefore, protection is still necessary even indoors or when sitting in a car. UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer so wear sunscreen every day. What kind? Mineral sunscreen (including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) blocks and scatters the rays before they penetrate your skin and are less irritating for those with sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb UV rays like a sponge before they can damage the skin. There is some controversy around the ingredients in chemical sunscreens but both types have been tested as safe and effective. How much? Adults need about a shot glass of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. Don’t forget to reapply! And don’t forget your lips!
Nighttime: Double cleanse, treat and moisturize
Double cleanse! This skincare routine originated in Asia in the 14th century and involves using a cleansing oil first, followed by a water-based facial cleanser. According to reports, Japanese geisha used cleansing oils followed by a foamy cleanser to remove their white makeup. The technique also became popular as part of the Korean 10-step skincare regime, which has migrated into Western culture in recent years. Here’s why it matters: Kate Somerville says it best “This method goes beyond the surface to eliminate the environmental toxins and pollutants that latch onto our skin throughout the day, contributing to a dull and aged appearance. By thoroughly cleansing with both an oil and a water-based cleanser, you're not just fighting visible dirt and makeup; you're also combating the invisible aggressors that can rob your skin of its vitality.” Since makeup and SPF are designed to stick to the skin, a double cleanse makes sure the skin is clean, preventing pore-clogging, regulating sebum production, and leaving the skin ready and receptive to the rest of your skincare routine.
Serum: Serums are super-concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns. They are added early into the skincare regimen to keep them as close to the skin as possible. Here’s why it matters: At night they help your skin regenerate as you sleep. This is why most targeted skincare treatments like prescription medications, retinol creams, and anti-aging serums are better used at night. If you're using multiple boosters, remember, to go from thin to thicker formula and let the serum absorb before applying your moisturizer.
Moisturize During sleep, the skin's transepidermal water loss is increased, meaning moisture is pulled out of the skin. Even though you may not feel like you need to moisturize, this will protect your skin from dehydration, support the skin’s natural repair process, and seal in your treatment serums. Here's why it matters: During the summer, we want to strengthen our skin barrier to keep our skin hydrated and protected.
Exfoliate and mask
Exfoliate 2-3 times per week: When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. The hot summer air and humidity can cause excessive sweating. This increases the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, SPF, makeup, sebum, and more, clogging pores and leading to breakouts and dull, dry skin. You know why it matters!See my latest blog post if you want to learn more about exfoliation.
Mask: Since those dead skin cells are now removed, this opens your skin to the many benefits of a face mask, masks use pure, active botanical ingredients, antioxidants, and amino acids to deliver potent spa-quality treatment to your freshly cleansed skin. Here's why it matters: This balances and boosts your skin’s microbiome, restores balance, addresses your skincare concerns, and leaves your skin barrier fresh and healthy!
Just because the warm air and summer sun can cause damage and speed up aging, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it while you can. It’s important to adapt to the season's specific environmental conditions and to address your skin's changing needs. Listen to your skin and keep it simple.
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