Summer is synonymous with brightmagnificent skin. Images of freckled faces, barely-there makeup, and a natural sun-kissed look make summer skin look effortless. But despite all the vitamin D benefits of the season, summer skin care can seem like a chore. Like a child slipping out of your hands while you’re trying to smear them with just one more layer sunscreen, worrying about skin protection can spoil the fun of summer.
That’s why we think summer skincare should feel like a ritual, not a punishment, no matter your age or skin concerns. Experts agree and say there’s no need to overdo it in summer as long as you’re intentional about what you TO DO to keep in your summer skincare routine.
So take your Clean FPS Ready, stock your fridge with emergency aloe vera and read on to discover your best summer skincare routine yet.
Editor’s note: While we’ve listed all the products our experts recommend for a summer skincare routine, you definitely don’t need to buy them all. Everyone’s skin is unique, and our journey to healthy skin is different too, so experiment with different beauty products or tools to determine what works best for you and, more importantly, within your budget. But most importantly, have fun doing it!
How to Organize an Intentional Summer Skincare Routine
Summer brings a whole host of unique skincare challenges and questions. And too often, post-summer skincare feels like correcting last season’s mistakes. But prevention is better than repair, especially when it comes to summer problems like sun damage and dehydration.
“The concerns I hear most often from customers are: My skin is dull and reddishOr, My melasma is starting to appear againsays Malika Sloan, medical esthetician and founder of Sloan Studio in New York.
But what causes skin damage in summer? According to Sloan, the cumulative effect of all the best things about the season — the sun, the heat, the pool and ocean water — can wreak havoc on your skin.
“Heat, increased oil and sweat, dehydration, and cumulative sun exposure can all contribute to changes in skin tone and clarity. Melasma, in particular, can be worsened by exposure to UV, visible light, and heat.”
That’s why she recommends that your skincare routine be holistic, too. Your skin is a reflection of your life, so balance, as in everything, is very important.
“Keep the routine simple,” says Sloan. By incorporating the basics into your morning routine, nourishing your skin in the evening, and adopting protective habits, you’ll find that taking care of your skin feels natural rather than obligatory.
The basics, according to Sloan, include:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Light hydration
- Exfoliation
- Broad-spectrum FPS
Read on to learn how to incorporate them into your summer skincare routine and some expert-approved product picks.
Vitamin C is your SPF’s best friend
“Protection is the most important part of maintaining healthy skin during the summer,” says Sloan. And while we may think of SPF as our first defense against the sun, vitamin C actually increases the performance of your sunscreen by helping protect against UV damage and speeding up your skin’s healing process. Not to mention it gives your skin a natural glow.
While Vitamin C Should be used all year round, the powerful antioxidant can be especially helpful during the summer months. “Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors while helping to brighten skin and improve the appearance of uneven tones.”
Add more antioxidants
Vitamin C is not the only one antioxidant for skin you should apply in the summer, according to Sloan.
“Increased UV exposure can contribute to cellular damage, premature fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. So ’tis the season to prioritize antioxidants and consistent sun protection.”
Tis the season for maximum antioxidants. Sloan makes it simple: “Antioxidants and SPF are your skin’s best defense during the summer months. »
Antioxidant skincare ingredients to look for in summer include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Coenzyme Q10
- Ferulic acid
- Polyphenols
- Resveratrol
Hydrate without the heaviness
Just like we use heavier creams to keep skin hydrated in winter, consider switching out your moisturizer for a lighter formula when temperatures rise, especially if you start to notice breakouts or imbalances.
Get intense hydration without the heavy formulas by relying on lightweight ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and restorative ingredients like peptides And light oils.
Refresh yourself with a refreshing mist
A facial mist isn’t just a cooling treat for overheated skin, although a cooling spritz feels good on a hot day. “A light hydrating mist refreshes the skin and adds a layer of soothing hydration before applying treatment products,” says Sloan.
A good facial mist should be filled with nourishing ingredients that hydrate your skin and also clarify your skin to prevent irritation and breakouts during the day (think: niacinamide or hypochlorous acid).
Exfoliate. Rinse. Repeat.
Although we are aware of the dangers of excessive exfoliationour skin’s oilier months seem like they might need a little more flaking.
Add an exfoliating serum to your nighttime routine a few nights a week when your skin feels like it’s detoxified. Remember: AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid clarify high-level texture, while BHAs like salicylic acid target breakouts beneath the skin.
Your Summer Skincare Routine Needs SPF BFF
The importance of SPF cannot be emphasized enough, no matter what season you find yourself in. That being said, the SPF market seems to become more and more saturated every year, so if you need help choosing which one is best for you, check out our guide to clean sunscreens approved by dermatologists.
And don’t forget to apply again!
“As a general ruler“Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours when you’re outdoors — and sooner after swimming, sweating, or toweling,” says Sloan. “If you spend an extended period of time in direct summer sun, I personally prefer to reapply every 60 to 90 minutes.”
But the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use. “Consistency is more important than having a complicated routine.”
The position Experts Agree: This Is the Skincare Routine You Should Be Following This Summer appeared first on Camille Styles.
