We want a radiant glow this summer...not a sweaty, greasy mess! With a few clever tweaks to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking dewy, sunkissed, and fresh all summer long.
Here's some tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
First things first, hydration is key! Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking plump and healthy. (And no, cocktails by the pool don't count as hydration — sorry!) Don't like plain ol' H2O? Try jazzing up your water with some tasty infusions like sliced strawberries, cucumber, lemon, or mint. Not only will it make your water more enjoyable and refreshing, but it'll also add some extra nutrients and antioxidants to your hydration routine. Just make sure you change it out after a day or that lemon water will be extra tart. 😝
Drinking enough water is essential, but don't forget to give your skin some extra love with hydrating skincare products. One of my favorites is hyaluronic acid - it's like a magic potion that helps your skin retain moisture and stay plump, hence my collection of HA Facial Potions, making it the perfect addition to your summer skincare routine. Check them out here.
Customize Summer Skin Ritual
When it comes to summer skincare, remember that your skin is as unique as you are. To make the most of your summer skincare routine, consider these tips based on your skin type:
- Oily skin: Think lightweight, water-based, and mattifying products to keep that shine under control. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract – they're your skin's personal trainers, helping to reduce excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. This might be the time to nix any heavier facial oils in your morning ritual and save those for your nighttime regimen. Consider adding one of my clay masques to your routine a couple of times a week to help with excess oil, or even my Flawless Gel Cleanser with sulfur, which is a rockstar for oily and blemish-prone skin.
- Dry skin: Your skin craves hydration and nourishment, so pamper it with hydrating, emollient-rich formulas. Ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and evening primrose oil can work wonders for dry skin. To give your skin an extra boost, consider incorporating my Vitamin C Facial Potion. Vitamin C not only helps brighten your complexion but also works synergistically with sunscreen to provide added protection against sun damage. For an extra layer of nourishment, our Freya Facial Oil, packed with CoQ10 and squalane, can help replenish your skin's moisture barrier and restore its natural glow.
- Sensitive skin: For those with sensitive skin, it's crucial to carefully read ingredient lists and patch test products before full application. While everyone's sensitivity is unique, opting for gentle products can be a good starting point. Our Soothing Cream Cleanser is a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as it's designed to cleanse gently without causing irritation. Remember, listening to your skin's needs is key to maintaining a healthy and happy complexion.
Sunscreen: Your BFF
IYKYK, and if you don't know, I'm an SPF diehard. I can't stress enough how important it is to protect your skin from those harmful UV rays. Using sunscreen isn't just about avoiding sunburns (although that's super important too) — it's about preserving your skin's health and ensuring that all those fancy skincare products you've invested in can actually do their job. Skipping sunscreen is basically throwing all your hard earned cash in the trash.
Should you use a mineral or chemical sunscreen? That's really up to you! The best SPF out there is the one YOU like and will use everyday.
Now, I'm not saying you need to live your life like Count Dracula, unless you're really into that sort of thing, but limiting your sun exposure during peak hours (10am-2pm) and sporting some stylish sun-shielding accessories like hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing can help protect your skin from those pesky UV rays. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your skin looking healthy.
Don't forget that SPF can also be found in some foundations and other makeup products. While these can be great for layering on extra protection, they shouldn't replace your regular sunscreen application. Remember the "3 Finger" rule when applying sunscreen to your face — use enough product to cover your index, middle, and ring fingers, which is about the right amount for adequate protection.
Read here about why I won't make my own sunscreen, and you shouldn't either!
Exfoliate Away!
Exfoliation is an important step in your skincare routine, as it sloughs away dead skin cells and helps your skin better absorb products. But remember, gentle is the name of the game. That's why I've created products like my AHA toners (with lactic acid and glycolic acid), my Twilight Glow jelly masque (featuring natural AHAs from fruit enzymes and sugarcane), and my powder face masques (which you can mix with water or your favorite liquid for a customizable, gently exfoliating experience). No need for harsh scrubs — these products will give you that smooth, glowing complexion without the risk of overdoing it. One to two times each week is all you need!
Masque It Up
Treat yourself to a refreshing face masque once or twice a week. Whether it's a hydrating masque, a brightening masque, or a soothing masque, your skin will thank you for the extra TLC. (Plus, it's a great excuse to relax and unwind!)
With these easy tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving that summer glow. Remember, skincare should be fun and enjoyable, so don't stress too much about it. Just find what works best for you and your skin, and enjoy the process.
