Although we have just a few weeks left until school is back in session, the summer sun and heat will stay with us for at least a few more months! Now is a good time to check in: Are you doing everything you can to prevent sun damage and keep your skin clean and hydrated?
Be sure to follow these 10 summer skincare tips from our aesthetician Wendy Onek.
USE QUALITY SUNSCREEN DAILY
Not-so-fun fact: Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and skin damage! This is why it's important to use an SPF of 30 or higher every single day. We carry 10 different sunscreens, one for every skin need!
One of our favorites is the SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair, which protects against UVA/UVB rays (like most sunscreens), but also protects against harmful infrared rays and free radicals. It also helps repair existing sun damage by encouraging your cells to regenerate! Protect as it repairs? This sunscreen is a dream.
USE AN ANTIOXIDANT SERUM
With all of the outdoor activities we do in the summer, it's important that we're protecting our skin from free radical damage from pollution in the air. Antioxidants work to defend our skin against free radical damage. CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals are some of our favorite antioxidant serums.
USE A HYDRATING SERUM
Use a hydrating serum. Another leading cause of fine lines and lackluster skin is simply dehydration. While using a basic moisturizer will help to hydrate the skin, it's important that we use a product that has the capability to penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver that extra boost of hydration. Skin Medica's HA5 and the Intraceuticals Daily Serum are our favorite hyaluronic acid-based serums.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Sometimes, hydrating topically isn't quite enough. Make sure that you're upping your water intake during these hot months to replace what you're sweating out. To make sure you're getting enough, drink a tall glass of water as soon as you get up, carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, and drink a tall glass of water before every meal.
EXFOLIATE
Make sure that you remember to keep up with an exfoliation routine. Being outside in the heat and sweating can cause a build up of dead skin cells. Using an at home scrub in addition to your regular cleanser about two to three times a week will keep your skin feeling fresh. We love our Skin Medica AHA BHA Cleanser and the SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub!
SOOTHE SUNBURNS IF YOU GET THEM
Prone to sunburns? Finding a soothing serum like the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is a must. This serum is infused with cucumber extracts and hyaluronic acid to calm the skin and take some heat out of any irritation.
LIMIT TIME IN DIRECT SUN
Be mindful of how much time you're spending in the sun. Depending on your skin type, between 5-20 minutes of sun exposure is enough to do some damage. Even if you're good about reapplying your sunscreen, it's best to limit your sun exposure as much as possible.
Wear sunglasses (ideally, polarized) and a hat to protect the delicate skin on your face and around your eyes whenever possible. When sitting by the pool or at the beach, try to stay under an umbrella - you'll still get some sun, but will reduce your risk of sunburn and damage.
LEAVE HEAVY MAKEUP BEHIND!
Leave your heavy makeup behind! Wearing thick makeup in the summer heat can clog your pores and just be an overall hassle. Consider trying a tinted moisturizer or suncreen. These products will help to even out your skintone and give you a dewy finish without feeling heavy.
Or, you can get a product that will do both: The SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair suncreen (mentioned above) has both a tinted and non-tinted version. We love the tinted version as a double duty tinted moisturizer and sunscreen!
DO A DOUBLE CLEANSE
Cleanse twice daily. While this is recommended year round, sometimes we slip up. However during the summer it's especially important that we remember to cleanse our skin morning and night. Why? Because when we're in the heat, we're prone to sweating, which can create a buildup of oils on the skin.
EAT WELL
We've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat." The foods we eat either nourish us or harm us over time - and one of the first places poor food choices will appear is on our skin!
For good skin, avoid foods that are overly processed and high in sodium. They can dehydrate your body and your skin! When we're already battling dehydration from the heat, its important to keep in mind that what we ingest can contribute to dehydration as well. That said, some foods can actually be hydrating! Rather than snacking on salty, processed snacks - reach for fresh foods. Most of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the summer are incredibly hydrating! Here are just a few ideas for healthy, hydrating snacks:
Watermelon chunks
Coconut water (full of electrolytes!)
Cucumber slices, bell peppers slices, and hummus
Strawberries
Peaches
Carrots
Green smoothie with dark leafy greens, fruit, and coconut water!
Schedule a Skincare Consultation
Want more tips on how to protect, hydrate, and heal your skin? Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert aestheticians. They'll show you the right products, treatments, and techniques to use for your unique skin type.
