The days of summer sun, sandy beaches, and lemonade stands are among us - unfortunately, (for our skin) that means so are the days of chlorine, salt water, and prolonged sun exposure. How we take care of our skin during the warmer months, not only sets the tone for the rest of the year, but keeps skin healthy and glowing during a season where our skin has the potential to experience the most damage. We’ve all been there - no one is immune to the sunburns, flaking, dryness, and irritation that comes with summer time. We will, however, discuss critical tips for keeping skin protected, and our favorite products to help us achieve (and bask in) that summertime glow.
Critical Tip #1: Exfoliate
Skin cells turnover rapidly, and if you don’t exfoliate, these dead cells pile up on the skin, clogging pores, flaring breakouts, causing skin to look dull, dry, and - well, you get the picture! Exfoliate before starting your skin care routine, and always remember to seal in hydration with a moisturizer. Exfoliated skin looks smoother, softer, and helps makeup stay on longer!
Critical Tip #2: Tone
If there was ever a time to never skip the toner, its summer! Toning clears skin of the dirt, makeup, and oil build up that cleansers leave behind. Toners are also a great way to nourish, balance, and refresh the skin during hot and humid weather.
Critical Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Because we lose a lot of moisture during the warmer seasons, staying hydrated topically is just as important as staying hydrated internally. An overall lack of bodily hydration causes skin to become dry, tight, and flaky. Dryness decreases skin resilience, and makes skin more prone to wrinkling. Look for hydrating moisturizers with humectants including hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin.
Critical Tip #4: Apply SPF
The most important product for summer (arguably, for the whole year) is sunscreen! UV rays cause photo-aging in the skin - surfacing as brown spots, dark spots, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines - whether you’ve been sunburned or not. Sun exposure strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, affecting healthy cell production and collagen stimulation. Because of this, shielding skin becomes crucial as time spent outside skyrockets.
Critical Tip #5: Cut Down on Sugar
In an earlier blog post, we talked about how vulnerable skin is to the effects of sugar, and how it breaks down our skin’s supply of natural collagen and elastin. Breaks in our skin’s collagen strands are the root of the appearance of fine lines, skin sagging, and other visible signs of aging. Although completely skipping ice cream and beach bonfire s'mores isn’t realistic, a little attention paid to not overindulge on sweets will go a long way for your complexion!
Critical Tip #6: Cut Down on Sugar
Aloe vera has claimed its fame as one of the leading remedies for treating sunburns, and is a key ingredient to look for if you’re struggling with eye puffiness, scars, redness, and swelling. Keep an eye out for products with aloe leaf juice as this ingredient is capable of relieving inflammation and irritation around even the most delicate areas!
Our Top Picks for the Summer:
#1: Daily Defense SPF 30 Moisturizer
Hydration and Sun Protection in a cream. Our lightweight and mattifying SPF 30 sunscreen is the perfect addition to any summer routine.
#2: Vitamin C Night Cream
A rich vitamin c night cream will work to repair damage accumulated throughout the day while you sleep - leaving skin glowing and radiant when you wake up!
#3: Clean Essentials Vitamin C Toner
Soothe and balance with our hypoallergenic vitamin c toner. Brighten with Vitamin C and boost antioxidants with red and brown algaes.
#4: Antioxidant Sheet Masks
Designed to soothe irritation and boost skin’s natural defense mechanisms, our antioxidant sheet masks are the ideal way to unwind and refresh skin amid a busy summer day!
