The summer months can be full of fun in the sun activities and adventures. It also brings increased heat, varying humidity, excess sweat, UV exposure, an increase in oil production, and exposure to environmental irritants.
As a result, we can find ourselves facing some unique skin issues like acne and breakouts, melasma and hyperpigmentation, sunburns and peeling, dry or dehydrated skin, dermatitis, razor burn, and sensitized skin.
How can we still have some fun while keeping our skin happy and healthy this time of year? Let’s look at some of my top summer skincare recommendations to curate the perfect summer skincare routine that addresses these changes and issues.
Benefits of Cleansing Twice a Day
Use a gentle cleanser free of SLS, like our Vitamin C Cleanser, that is appropriate for your skin type. Removing the excess sweat and oils along with any additional environmental irritants such as pollution, chlorine, and allergens at the end of the day will help soothe skin and help keep your pores clear. Double cleansing can also be a great addition to your evening routine so your cleanser can really get to work!
Oily and combination skin types can benefit from adding Hydrating Toner into their skincare routine after cleansing in the warmer months. This will help keep oil under control, fight bacteria, and manage shine.
Pro Tip: You can pop some Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes in your bag to keep your skin fresh and free of excess sweat when you’re on the go.
In case you missed it, check out our Cleansing 101 blog here!
Why Vitamin C and Antioxidants are Essential
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is my #1 summertime favorite skincare ingredient. It helps prevent the look of hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure, heat, and oxidative stress so the skin can heal itself and repair previous damage. Here's what you need to know about Vitamin C Skincare.
Other antioxidants can stabilize Vitamin C and additionally support your skin protection and are a part of a well-rounded skincare routine. These are ingredients like Ferulic Acid, Kakadu Plum, Vitamin E, Green Tea, and Niacinamide (just to name a few).
Lighten Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation with Intention
Dark spots can worsen in the summer with added sun exposure and heat. Even excellent sun protection can’t prevent the increase in hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Your antioxidant-packed day routine is the foundation to keep skin bright and even. But, targeted treatments include additional potent, clinically-proven ingredients that can make a big difference in keeping dark spots looking lighter. Here's just a few dark spot fighting products you need in your beauty arsenal this summer:
The 30% Vitamin C Dry Oil visibly reduces the look of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Formulated with 30% THD Ascorbate, this type of vitamin C penetrates deeper than traditional forms for ultimate results.
The 10% Niacinamide Booster has added dark spot-fighting ingredients like a micro-algae, pumpkin seed extract, and the superstar niacinamide itself.
How & Why To Keep Skin Hydrated
Sweat can cause the skin can lose more water in the summer. This can lead to dehydration on the inside and the outside of the body. Use skincare with water-binding humectants to plump the look of the skin and keep the skin feeling its best all summer.
Our Dramatically Dewy Serum is a year-round top seller for a reason. This breakthrough serum taps into the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid in all of its nourishing forms, plus barrier-supportive Hydrosella and vitamin B5. It was formulated to penetrate and plump the look of skin 3 levels deep and revive the appearance of dry, rough, and dull skin. This ultra-restorative formula reveals a dewy-looking complexion, a visibly boosted lipid barrier, and a more radiant, moisturized appearance.
Why You Need Moisturizer
It’s a big mistake to think that in the warmer months we can skip our moisturizer. You need to lock in your skin hydrating serums with a moisturizer and support your skin’s barrier all year long. Choose a seasonally appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. Ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory botanicals, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants offer added benefits to your moisturizer. This doesn’t just apply to your face, but to your neck and décolleté too.
Pro Tip: Use a seasonally appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. Get to know each our moisturizers here, to see which is right for you!
Summertime Exfoliation & Retinol Use
It is a skincare myth that you can’t use exfoliants or retinol in the summer months. It is more about the amount of sun exposure you are getting during the day and what steps you can take to prevent excess UV exposure.
When we know we’re going to have more sun on our skin, we have to be careful about our exfoliation routine because certain chemical exfoliants, like Glycolic Acid, make our skin more UV sensitive. If you know you have a lot of sun time coming up, you can take a little break from your exfoliating acids and retinoids.
If you’re using them, always use SPF during the day and reapply every 80-90 minutes. If you’re using a scrub, make sure you’re using gentle pressure. Keep your exfoliation routine limited to 2-3x a week.
Pro Tip: Remember to avoid exfoliation and retinol on sunburned or sensitized skin.
Don't Skip the SPF
SPF is essential year-round. The majority of the aging and damage we see on our skin is due to UV exposure. Remember, SPF is your BFF. Not only does applying sunscreen matter, but REAPPLYING matters. The general rule is every 80-90 minutes. Taking additional sun care steps like wearing hats, and sunglasses, and making sure to take a break in the shade can help limit your UV exposure as well.
Here's everything you need to know about SPF, as well as, a few of my favorites!
Shop the full Summer Routine
If you feel like you have a solid, summer-ready skincare routine and are still battling skin issues, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
If you feel like you have a solid, summer-ready skincare routine and are still battling skin issues, make an appointment with your dermatologist.