It’s getting hot out there! Summer is in full swing, and increased heat and humidity can make a big difference when it comes to your skin — especially in the age of face masks.
The trifecta of hot temps, humid air, and covering your face with fabric can lead to big-time breakouts.
But with a little extra TLC, you can protect your skin this season and keep your glow going.
Here are our expert tips to keep your skin looking its best all summer long.
1) Cleanse skin.
When it comes to skincare concerns, there’s nothing more important than washing your face. Skin needs to be free and clear of makeup, product, sunscreen, and environmental contaminants in order to properly absorb products. Without a clean base, you run the risk of breakouts and other skin issues. You should cleanse your skin before bed and in the morning, every single day.
Two cleansers we love are Clarity Sensitive Foaming and Clarifying Foaming Cleanser. The Sensitive Foaming Cleanser contains Evodiox, a redness-reducing agent, and the Clarifying Foaming Cleanser is perfect for congested (acnetic skin) removes all impurities from pores, leaving a clean, fresh base for nutrients.
Other gentle cleanser options include La Mer’s The Cleansing Foam, which is designed to soothe skin and remove any excess oil; Joanna Vargas’ Vitamin C Face Wash, which gently cleanses and keeps skin from drying out; and SkinCeuticals’ Gentle Cleanser, which calms and cleanses while eliminating impurities.
2) Add antioxidants.
Antioxidants are the substances that fight back against free radicals in the body, which can cause premature aging. Free radicals come from environmental stressors and toxins including cigarette smoking, UV rays, unhealthy foods, and other sources everyone is exposed to daily. Using an antioxidant serum is crucial because it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier against these intrusions. It’s even more important during hot, humid weather which can cause breakouts.
We love our Clarity Brightening C Antioxidant Complex with the power of vitamin C inthe form of L. Ascorbic Acid. It helps defend skin against environmental hazards and is safe to use morning and night on clean skin daily. Using ferulic ester, a powerful plant-based antioxidant, along with vitamins C and E, it stimulates collagen production, brightens the complexion, reduces hyperpigmentation, increases firmness and replenishes lipids to reduce wrinkles.
Other great products include SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, which protects against environmental toxins and minimizes the look of fine lines, enhancing firmness; La Mer’s The Brilliance Brightening Essence, which uses vitamin C to brighten, hydrate, and minimize the look of dark spots; and Joanna Vargas’ Rescue Serum which evens out skin tone and improves texture.
3) Use moisturizer.
Even during hot temperatures, you still need to make sure your skin stays hydrated. Sweat doesn’t equal moisture! But instead of using anything heavy like you might want in the winter, switch to a lighter moisturizer like Clarity Light and Tight, which reactivates collagen for skin that is firmer and more supple. There’s also Cosmedix Mystic moisturizer, which offers light hydration, perfect for the summer season, or La Mer’s The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, which provides cooling, refreshing moisture.
Or, you can continue using whatever moisturizer you already have but apply it with a lighter touch, adding moisture only to areas where you need it most.
4) Apply sunscreen religiously.
Don’t even think about skipping sunscreen! It’s a must-do, every single day, and the key ingredient in your anti-aging arsenal. Not using sunscreen means you’re exposing your skin to dangerous UVA and UVB rays. That can cause tanning (which actually damages your skin) and potentially sunburn, which increases your risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer affects more than 3.5 million people every year — and you don’t want to be one of them! If any new spots or moles show up, be sure to have them checked by a dermatologist.
Statistics also suggest that up to 90% of skin aging is due to the sun. That’s one of many great reasons to slather that sunscreen on every morning.
As far as choosing a sunscreen, there are two kinds: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen is your best bet, as it provides barrier protection against the sun’s rays. We love Elta MD sunscreens because they provide superior physical protection with zinc oxide. They’re formulated for all skin types, from dry to oily to sensitive to aging.
5) Exfoliate.
Exfoliating your skin once a week helps to shed dead skin and lift impurities to help keep the texture smooth and pores clear. Don’t over-exfoliate, however — stick to once a week for the ideal balance.
There are lots of great exfoliation options, including the Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask that uses enzymes to help brighten your complexion; La Mer’s The Replenishing Oil Exfoliator that uses sugar and sea salt to scrub away dead skin cells and leave a refined complexion; and SkinCeutical’s Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which moisturizes and improves the overall texture of skin.
You can also make a DIY scrub with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. A tablespoon of melted coconut oil mixed with two teaspoons of sugar or salt, for example, makes a terrific scrub. Add a few drops of essential oil for some sensory stimulation. Apply to your face in a circular motion for 5 minutes, then rinse clean.
6) Dial back on retinols.
Derived from vitamin A, retinols are a fantastic tool for anti-aging and keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful. But if your skin is prone to sensitivity, they can actually exacerbate the issue. That can lead to breakouts and/or damage to the skin, so reduce your frequency of application of retinols during the summer months. You don’t have to stop altogether (as long as you’re wearing daily SPF), just stagger.
7) Protect yourself outdoors.
While sunscreen is the crucial first step, protecting yourself against the sun’s harmful rays also means being vigilant in general. Sunscreen isn’t just for the face — it’s also important to protect the rest of your body. When outdoors, in addition to sunscreen, you can wear a hat, try UV protective clothing if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time, and opt for an umbrella when the sun is particularly strong.
If you do happen to get a sunburn, all is not lost! After-sun care can minimize the damage done. In this case, aloe vera is your BFF. This skin-soothing plant extract is perfect for calming the redness and making that burn feel better. Cool showers, taking an aspirin to minimize swelling and redness, and drinking more water can all also help.
READ MORE: Too Much Fun in the Sun this Summer? These 3 Treatments Can Help
Stay Safe in the Summer Sun
While summer is the season of fun, it can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not careful, causing long-term damage that can’t be easily fixed. But follow these tips and you’ll ensure your skin looks gorgeous and radiant all year long. If you are interested in Clarity’s skincare line, please schedule a consultation. A member of our team will meet with you, in person or virtually, to discuss your options and get you set up with the right regime.
Please note, results may vary. Your treatment options will be clearly reviewed with our medical professionals during your complimentary consultation.
