The Ultimate Summer Skincare Guide
Summer, better known as our favorite time of year is here! We don’t have to sell you on how awesome the summer season is. Shorter workdays, backyard barbeques, lounging poolside, and trips to the beach are all activities that speak for themselves.
Warmer weather and longer days mean you’ll hopefully be spending a lot more time outdoors and in the sun. While this is definitely a good thing, hotter temperatures, UV rays, and salt/chlorine-infused water can wreak havoc on your skin.
The most common skin issues that appear during summer months are breakouts, sun burns, dry skin, and folliculitis-but only if you’re not prepared! Follow our Summer Skincare Guide to keep your glow all summer long!
1.WEAR SPF
Let’s start with the lowest hanging fruit, sunscreen. Sunscreen is by far THE most important step in your skincare routine and often the most overlooked. UV light is responsible for 80-99% of visible skin aging and ultraviolet A rays (A is code for aging) are present from sun up till sun down.
Apply your SPF every time you’re outdoors even if it's cloudy. 80% of UV light can penetrate through cloud coverage and glass. Even the highest SPF will only protect your skin for a maximum of 2-3 hours, if that! Reapplying every few hours is crucial to prevent skin aging and sunburns.
Don’t forget those often-overlooked areas like the lips, ears, back of the neck, and in-between the toes.
2. BATHE YOUR SKIN IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants will boost the photoprotective ability (code for anti-aging) benefits of your sunscreen by up to 50%! Although an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 94% of UV rays, the remaining 6% cause free radical formation in the skin which can lead to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
One of the best ways to saturate the skin with antioxidants is to incorporate a high potency serum with concentrated ingredients such as Vitamins C and E into your morning regimen. Antioxidants will reservoir in the outer layers of skin for 24-48 hours so there’s no need to reapply.
3. APPLY HYDRATING SERUMS AND MOISTURIZER AFTER SWIMMING AND WORKING OUT
Supple, hydrated skin requires both an internal and external approach. Topical skin hydration is equally as important drinking water when you’re exposed to heat, sunlight, water, and sweat.
When swimming, showering, or exercising the skin is stripped of its NMF’s (natural-moisturizing-factors) which can lead to dryness and irritation. It’s important to properly cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and replenish with a hydrating serum and moisturizer as part of your daily summer skincare routine.
4. GENTLY EXFOLIATE
Salt water, heat, sun, and chlorine are all culprits that contribute to dry, flaky skin. It’s critical to regularly exfoliate both your face and body to encourage cell turnover and keep skin supple and soft.
Exfoliation also helps your skincare products penetrate beyond the superficial layers allowing them to work more effectively. Using a mild physical exfoliant (scrub), an enzyme serum, or gentle alpha hydroxy acid will keep your skin smooth all summer long!
Pro-Tip: Never exfoliate skin that is sunburnt, scratched, or compromised as this will cause further irritation and skin sensitivity.
5. EASE UP ON YOUR RETINOIDS
Although retinoids are incredible for smoothing the skin and reducing/preventing visible aging, over-use during summer months can lead to hyperpigmentation if you’re not careful. Even if you’re not consciously trying to get a tan, it’s likely that you’re getting more exposure than you’re used to, especially on your face.
With that in mind, don’t use retinoids more than 3x’s per week and be extra diligent about sun protection. Consider using a mineral sunscreen in addition to your regular SPF. Mineral/powder sunscreens don’t degrade on the skin as quickly as lotions and when applied correctly can provide 8-10 hours of UV protection.
6. USE A TREATMENT MASK 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK
Summer is the perfect time to treat yourself to some extra skin love! Masking is an excellent way to replenish lost moisture, treat breakouts, and revitalize dull, tired skin.
Many people forgo masking because they feel its time consuming or unnecessary and adds an extra 10-15 to their evening routine.
Fortunately, there are many formulations that can be used in lieu of your nighttime moisturizer a few times a week if time is an issue. These formulations are light and breathable and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
Because masks are intended to create a visible change in the appearance of your complexion, they’re usually chock full of ingredients that give tired, summer skin a much-needed boost!
7. MINIMIZE YOUR MAKEUP ROUTINE
Sweat, sebum, dirt, and sunscreen don’t make a good foundation for makeup application. If your skin is prone to congestion and breakouts you’ll definitely want to lighten up your makeup routine during the summer months.
Instead, opt for a tinted sunscreen, waterproof mascara, mineral powder, and an SPF lip balm in lieu of your full application.
8. THE ONLY SAFE TAN IS A SPRAY TAN
Nothing says summertime quite like golden, bronze skin. Unfortunately, a tan is considered by the medical community to be a “visible scar.” Now just because you’re slathering yourself in sunscreen doesn’t mean you can’t have a little color, too. Spray tans have come a long way over the years and when done correctly, can make you look like a glowing god or goddess!
We highly suggest getting a professional airbrush tan versus the do-it-yourself-at-home creams or gels for a natural, even result.
9. DON’T FORGET EYE CREAM
The eye area is the thinnest skin on the body making it the most susceptible to visible aging. Intense sunlight and squinting can leave the skin around the eyes dull and parched.
To combat this, use an exfoliating eye cream in the evening and a rich, SPF eye cream in the daytime for prevention and protection. Don’t forget to apply your antioxidants, hydrators, and moisturizers to these areas too. Lastly, sunglasses and a big beach hat go a long way in protecting the delicate skin around your eyes.
10. LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN!
While summer is a perfect opportunity to slow down a bit, don’t neglect your skin care routine. Depending on the climate and your environment, the elements are a force to be reckoned with! Adjust your summer regimen to support your current skin condition, whether that means using a light weight moisturizer to minimize excess sebum, or regularly using a treatment mask to heal and repair sun parched skin.
This simple strategy will keep your complexion glowing all season long!
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To learn more, contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.