Summer is almost here. Finally!
Sunnier days can put a lot of stress on our skin. While you prepare to enjoy the longer, sun-filled days of summer it’s likely your skincare routine will need some adjustment. Increased exposure to the sun, water, air conditioning and higher humidity are all reasons your skincare routine may need a seasonal update.
Remember, summer skincare is all about ease and protection.
STEP 1: CLEANSING
Skin can become oilier in warmer, more humid weather. Sweaty skin can result in clogged pores and breakouts. If you're currently using a creamy cleanser and it seems too heavy for the heat, consider lighting it up. Look for a gel based cleanser that will gently remove oil without drying your skin. We recommend our Apple Chamomile Cleansing Gel. If you like doing a double cleanse to get your skin thoroughly clean, start with Apricot Cleansing Oil as your first step.
STEP 2: GENTLE EXFOLIATION
Over exfoliation is never a good thing, especially in the sunnier months. Over-exfoliated skin can burn more easily and is more susceptible to environmental damage. To help keep clogged pores and breakouts at bay, a gentle scrub 2-3 times per week is sufficient. The Cucumber Face Polish is gentle enough for weekly use. If you are already using a retinoid product and/or other exfoliants do not add a scrub to your routine.
STEP 3: TONE, HYDRATE & SOOTHE
Spending a lot of time in air conditioned environments can cause your skin to become dehydrated. If you aren't wearing a sunscreen, spritzing throughout the day with Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol will help keep your skin refreshed and hydrated. It is also soothing and cooling to irritated skin. A note on misting over sunscreens- it might be tempting to spritz your skin throughout the day to stay cool, but doing so can cause your sunscreen to breakdown and become less effective. Not worth the risk. If you'll be wearing a sunscreen, use your hydrosol like a toner, as the second step in your skincare routine.
STEP 4: TREAT - USE A VITAMIN C SERUM
If you are not already using a vitamin C serum in the mornings, summer is a great time to start. Vitamin C is especially great in summer because it helps fight environmental damage caused by UV rays. It also helps to brighten the complexion and smooth skin texture.
Important Note about Vitamin C: One form of vitamin C, called ascorbic acid, will make your skin sensitive to UV rays and more susceptible to sunburn and damage for several hours. Our Ultra C Serum is formulated with two forms of vitamin C- magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Don't worry, although these sound like manufactured chemicals, they're actually derived from citrus fruits! They're processed to remove the sun-sensitizing chemical. I love using these ingredients because they're more stable forms of vitamin C than ascorbic acid and they're also gentler on sensitive skin.
Apply the Ultra-C Serum after cleansing and toning (or using hydrosol) and before you apply your moisturizer and/or sunscreen. If you're new to vitamin C, be sure to do a patch test before applying to your entire face as some people can be sensitive to this ingredient.
STEP 5: A LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER
Most skin types can benefit from extra hydration even when it’s hot outside. Look for lighter textures that replenish and soothe summer skin. Trade creamy moisturizers for lighter gel versions to keep oiliness and breakouts at bay. The goal is to keep skin hydrated and pores unclogged. If your skin tends to be oilier you may not need additional moisture in the morning, in addition to your sunscreen, but we still recommend moisturizing in the evening to help keep your skin healthy. The Yarrow Oil-Free Moisturizing Gel is a great formula for use in warmer weather. Bonus- it contains Willow Bark Extract, a natural form of BHA salicylic acid, that treats breakouts and helps keep pores clear.
6. SUNSCREEN (Always!)
The most important thing you can do for your skin in the summer (and all year round) is make sure you are liberally applying a SPF sunscreen. This is true for your face and entire body. Apply your sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine (before makeup). Reapplication is recommended every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re going to be outside. Our Broad Spectrum Sunshade Lotion provides SPF 30 protection in a moisturizing and soothing formula. Natural minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are safe for reefs and marine life!
7. PROTECT YOUR LIPS
As the final step in protecting your summer ready face, be sure to use a lip balm with SPF protection, because sunburned lips are the worst! I love our ultra-creamy sheer Fresh Fig Lip Tint (spf 15). For even more protection and staying power, I reach for the Skin Doctor Lip Therapy, our heaviest and longest lasting lip balm with SPF 30.
8. FROM THE NECK DOWN
Don’t forget to protect your body as well as you do your face. Apply and reapply sunscreen (don’t forget the backs of your hands), wear sun protective clothing and hats. Taking these proactive steps will help ensure you can enjoy summer without sacrificing the health of your skin.
9. JUST IN CASE
If you do end up with a sunburn (hey, it happens), be sure and have some Cucumber Aloe Rescue Gel on hand. The cooling, calming formula will have your skin feeling better in no time.
Now go outside and have fun!
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YARROW OIL-FREE MOISTURIZING GEL
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