Hotter temps and a packed social calendar mean it’s time to tweak your skin care routine for summer. Whether you’re planning vacations or weekly brunch dates, a glowing complexion is always in style.
Face steaming can help open clogged pores while providing skin with an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients. This summer essential is especially useful for those who sweat excessively.
Hydrate
As the temperatures rise and your skin becomes exposed to more UV rays, it can lose moisture leading to dryness and flakiness. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated so that it retains its natural glow and youthfulness. The best way to do this is by drinking plenty of water, eating foods that are high in hydration (think: cucumbers, strawberries, and more), and using skincare products that are hydrating.
Humidity can actually rob your skin of the moisture it needs, as the air doesn’t hold on to moisture, causing it to evaporate more quickly. This is why it’s so important to drink lots of water, as well as add hydrating ingredients to your drinks like fruit, mint, and cayenne pepper.
You should also use a moisturizer after every bath or shower to help your skin absorb all of the nourishing moisture it needs to stay hydrated. When choosing a moisturizing cream, try to find one that is lightweight and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Keeping your skin hydrated not only helps to prevent dryness and flakiness, but it also strengthens the barrier function of your skin helping to protect it against environmental stressors and UV damage. In addition, properly hydrated skin looks plump and supple which can make your complexion look healthy and radiant!
Hydrating your skin during the summer is easy with our tips. Make it a goal to drink 8 glasses of water daily, and don’t forget to include other hydrating ingredients like water-rich fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas.
Exfoliate
As you transition from the cold winter to the warm summer months, your skin can experience a change in the complexion and texture. The yo-yo effect of temperature and humidity can be very detrimental to the health of your skin, as well as exacerbate conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Humidity combines with sweat to clog pores, while the sun’s rays can cause dryness and sensitivity in some people. Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your skin remains glowing and healthy throughout the summer.
One of the most important skincare habits you can incorporate is exfoliating regularly, especially during the summer. Whether your skin is prone to oilyness or sensitivity, a simple exfoliator can make all the difference in how radiant and smooth your skin appears. Exfoliation consists of removing dead skin cells and other impurities mechanically or chemically, so your body can shed them and naturally regenerate a fresh new layer of skin. Regular exfoliation helps your moisturizers, serums and sunscreens penetrate the skin more deeply and work their magic, while also preventing ingrown hairs and acne breakouts.
Exfoliate your face and body on a weekly basis with either a facial scrub or a hydrating exfoliating mitt. Be sure to avoid exfoliating more than once a week, as over-exfoliating can lead to bruises and rashes.
Choose an exfoliant that’s formulated for your specific skin type. If you have oily skin, a physical scrub may be best, while those with sensitive and dry skin can benefit from a chemical or enzymatic exfoliator. Regardless of what type of exfoliant you use, it’s essential to test the product on your skin before fully incorporating it into your routine. A patch test is also a great way to see if an exfoliant is too harsh for your skin. You’ll find that once your skin is properly exfoliated, it will look more radiant and appear healthier than ever before! Enjoy your summer glow!
Moisturize
As summer temperatures rise, so do the chances of skin becoming oilier and more prone to breakouts. This yo-yo effect is caused by the combination of heat and humidity, which aggregates dryness, activates the oil glands to produce more oil, and enlarges pores, increasing the opportunity for dirt, sweat, and oils to get trapped—which often leads to clogged and blemished complexions. The Beauty trends of the year can be a good guide for you to know what is in on this season for most people!
The good news is that it’s possible to combat the effects of summer weather on your complexion, and it’s all about making a few small tweaks to your skincare routine. Expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has shared her recommendations for how to get clear, radiant skin during the summer months.
To start, you’ll want to keep your current cleanser but opt for one that’s hydrating and won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. If you have sensitive skin, try products with soothing ingredients like arnica, colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, and allantoin. Meanwhile, those with oily skin might benefit from switching to light gel creams that hydrate without clogging the pores. You’ll also want to consider a serum or ampoule that targets your specific concerns—such as controlling blemishes, smoothing fine lines, or addressing hyperpigmentation—and finish off with a moisturizer that’s targeted to your particular skin type.
And don’t forget to keep up with your daily intake of water. This simple step is essential to keeping the skin hydrated and fighting off the drying effects of the sun. If you’re looking to boost your hydration even more, try vitamin supplements or IV drips that provide a faster and more concentrated delivery of nutrients to the skin. Facials are another great way to hydrate the skin and deliver antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals to the surface more quickly. This is especially useful for those with dry skin who tend to lose nutrients due to heavy sweating during the summer.
Protect
The summer is a time of fun in the sun, but it’s important to protect your skin. UV rays can burn, darken pigmentation, cause premature signs of aging and increase your risk for skin cancer. Luckily, it’s easy to protect your skin with a few simple steps.
Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, but it’s especially crucial during the summer when the sun is strongest. Be sure to choose a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours. You should also be mindful about how much sun you are getting, especially during peak sunlight times (12-4pm).
Avoid heavy makeup products like foundations and concealers which can feel suffocating in the summer heat, and may lead to clogged pores. Instead, opt for light makeup options such as tinted moisturizers or powders that are safe to use with SPF. For those who want a little more coverage, try a BB cream or foundation that is also oil-free and contains SPF.
Light oils such as jojoba, lavender and rosehip can be a great addition to your daily routine during the summer because they don’t clog pores and instead hydrate the skin. It’s also a good idea to start using serums that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides during the daytime, as these help to lock in moisture and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A facial is a wonderful way to get a boost of hydration and nutrients during the summer, particularly if you suffer from heavy sweating. Alternatively, vitamin injections and IV therapy (like our Vibrant C) deliver a more concentrated boost of vitamins and antioxidants directly to the bloodstream, delivering them more quickly than topical products can.
Keeping up with a skincare regimen that is tailored to your specific skin needs can be hard, especially during the summer when the weather can change suddenly and dramatically. However, by being consistent with your routine and making a few changes to adapt it to the summer weather, you can keep up your glow all season long! For more information on a personalized skincare routine, schedule an appointment with your aesthetician today!