summer skincare edit
as i was loading my sephora cart with summer skincare staples, it dawned on me that this is a topic worth discussing. when it comes to your skincare routine, you should always take seasonal changes into account. if you thought upping your SPF game was the only switch you needed to make, think again
how to transition your routine for the hot summer months...
the most obvious being extra sun protection
while it's a no-brainer to wear SPF no matter what time of year, you should always go the extra mile during the summer. exposure levels are much higher and especially damaging during summer months thanks to spending time at the pool. always use a broad spectrum "mineral formula" that contains zinc oxide. it's the safest and most effective UVA/UVB filter and won't clog your pores or cause an allergic reaction. mineral sunscreen is not absorbed by the skin, but designed to sit on the surface to reflect the sun's rays
we know the constant pressure to apply (and reapply) SPF can be daunting, so we're sharing the steps that have made it easier to avoid the biggest aging enemy...
for the face: carry an SPF makeup setting spray. it will keep your makeup in place while ensuring your skin stays protected throughout the day
[show_shopthepost_widget id="3169649"] for the lips: don't dismiss the damage that can be done to the lips. the sun can be extremely drying, so always keep your lips moisturized and protected with an SPF lip balm[show_shopthepost_widget id="3169652"] for the bod: your arms, shoulders, and legs are all on display, and the sun is just waiting to toast them. we combine SPF with our daily body lotion in the morning and also carry a spray for the body to reapply throughout the day[show_shopthepost_widget id="3169654"]
*you should reapply SPF every 2 hours*
up your antioxidants
SPF and antioxidants are a power couple when it comes to fighting sun damage. when harmful rays hit your skin, SPF absorbs them while antioxidants neutralize the free radicals created by them before they cause damage *always apply an antioxidant serum underneath your SPF. look for products containing vitamins C & E*
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prevent summertime acne
while acne can happen anytime, it's more common during hot & humid summer months. as temperatures rise, your skin produces sweat to cool off, which creates an oily environment for bacteria to thrive. sweaty skin gives irritants like dirt, dead skin cells, and oil a chance to clog pores, making it the perfect breeding ground for breakouts
chemical exfoliation: if you aren't exfoliating, dead skin cells start to accumulate on the surface, which can clog pores and result in a dull, lifeless complexion. most people are under the impression that scrubbing your face with beads/granules is the way to go, but we believe this method can cause more harm than good. mechanical exfoliation = any abrasive material that physically removes cells from skin (including a clarisonic). they can be very damaging and are a surefire way to spread bacteria. chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, facilitate the removal of dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds that hold them together without running the risk of damaging/tearing your skin *stick to no more than 2-3x/wk post cleansing*[show_shopthepost_widget id="3169657"]lighten up your makeup + skincare routine: in the same way your wardrobe becomes less bulky during summer months, so should your makeup and skincare. ditch your heavy face cream for a lightweight moisturizer. we also recommend getting rid of heavy foundations in general. not only are they less skin-friendly, but they're also more likely to give you that sweaty/melted look during summer months. we prefer using a tinted moisturizer or cc cream. although it provides less coverage, when layered on top of a tinted SPF, it does the job[show_shopthepost_widget id="3169659"]don't let sweat sit too long: if you notice you're working up a sweat, be sure to shower/wash your face as soon as possible. any excess oils on the skin increase your chances of clogged pores and breakouts