With Summer officially here, I wanted to share the importance of a consistent Summer skincare routine with you. The information below will teach you how to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, maintain its hydration, prevent breakouts, and adapt to the unique challenges of the season. By taking care of your skin during the summer months, you can enjoy healthier, more radiant skin all year round.
Here are my top tips and product recommendations for healthy skin this Summer. I promise it’s worth the read!
Don’t forget your sunscreen: The sun's UV rays are stronger and more intense during the Summer months. Exposure to these rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of your body, including your face, neck, hands, and feet. Don’t be shy about asking a family member or friend to help with the hard to reach areas like the back and shoulders. Reapply every two hours, or more if you are sweating or swimming.
The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer is my go-to SPF. It protects the skin with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB SPF, enhanced with Vitamin C-rich lilikoi ( passionfruit). The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 uses zinc oxide to provide sun protection. This formula also contains cocoa seed extract and satsuma mandarin peel, which helps improve the look of skin exposed to environmental stressors like blue light and pollution. Perfect year-round, especially for the beautifully sunny Summer days.
Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. This helps maintain your skin's elasticity and prevents dryness. When you are feeling snacky, choose fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. If you are not a big fan of plain water (like me), using store-bought water enhancers or adding slices of lemon, lime or cucumber can make drinking it more tolerable. You will want to aim for 8 glasses or more per day.
Exfoliate your skin gently: Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, allowing your skin to breathe. However, make sure to be gentle when you are exfoliating in the summer as your skin may be more sensitive due to increased sun exposure. Choose a mild exfoliant like my favorite, the Stone Crop Fizzofoliant. I love this exfoliant because you can adjust the strength based on your skin's needs. I like to add a few shakes into my cleanser and cut down on the time it takes for my own skincare routine. Use once or twice a week for the best results.
Give your skin a good cleanse: Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature, but it can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts. During summer, it's crucial to cleanse your skin regularly to remove the excess sweat, oil, and dirt that accumulates during the day. The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser is a milky-gel cleanser that is perfect for your Summer routine. It does double duty not only cleansing the skin but gently exfoliating as well. And it smells amazing!
Moisturize appropriately: It's important to moisturize during the summer, even if your skin tends to be on the oily side. Moisturizing helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance and prevent excessive oil production. Choose a lightweight moisturizer like the Mangoteen Gel Moisturizer from Eminence Organics. This unique pore-minimizing, hydrating formula begins as a dewy gel then beautifully melts into the skin for a smooth, matte finish. It is one of my all time favorites!
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Protect your lips: Don't forget that your lips need protection from the sun as well. Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent them from becoming dry, chapped, or sunburned. Make sure to reapply regularly, especially after eating or drinking.
Wear protective clothing: Along with sunscreen, wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts can help shield your skin from direct sun exposure. Try to stay in the shade when possible, especially during the peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Avoid excessive heat exposure: Excessive heat can be harsh on your skin, this can lead to irritation and dehydration. Try to limit your time in extremely hot environments, such as saunas or hot showers. Use lukewarm water when bathing/showering and avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can dry out your skin.
Be mindful of chlorinated and saltwater: If you're taking a dip in a chlorinated pool or saltwater, make sure to rinse off afterward. Chlorine and salt can be drying and potentially irritating to the skin. Showering and applying a moisturizer as soon as possible afterward can help restore your skin's natural balance.
Cool down your skin: If your skin feels overheated or sunburned, take a cool shower or use a cold compress to soothe and calm the skin. Avoid using hot water or harsh soaps that can irritate your skin.
Take care of your entire body: Facial skincare is essential but don't forget about the skin on the rest of your body. Apply your sunscreen to all exposed areas, moisturize regularly, and exfoliate gently to keep your skin smooth and healthy all over.
Practice good after-sun care: If you do get a sunburn, apply aloe vera gel or a soothing after-sun lotion to help relieve the discomfort and promote the healing process. Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your body and replenish lost fluids.
Don’t forget that everyone's skin is unique, so it's important to listen to your skin's needs and adjust your routine accordingly. If you have specific skin concerns that you would like help with, be sure to book yourself a time to come into the spa in Guelph and chat with me. Let's transform your skin together!