Are You Having A Summer Skin Freakout?

Summertime is an amazing time of year, but it isn’t always great on your skin. There's the obvious increase in exposure to UV rays. On top of that, hot winds and moisture-depleting air conditioning make the perfect recipe for dull, dehydrated, sensitive, and thickened skin. You don’t need to completely overhaul your skincare routine to protect your skin this summer, but it is a good idea to make these six easy tweaks so your skin glows from within—even if it’s 100 degrees outside.

1. Cleanse your skin twice at night

For clear skin, the rule of thumb is to cleanse twice at night: first to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt; and second to address the skin and the pores. Using a cleansing milk or oil is ideal because it will bind to excess oils and makeup when applied on dry skin, which you then emulsify with water and rinse away. Foaming cleansers can disrupt your protective acid mantle, stripping the skin of vital moisture that may already be depleted by sun exposure. Personally, I love Dr. Hauschka products and recommend Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk to my clients. It contains plant oils, loess clay, and an extract of fermented grain for a cool, gentle, and highly effective cleanse.

2. Exfoliate, but don't overdo it

During summer, excessive sweating and increased oil production—coupled with layers of sunscreen and multiple makeup touch-ups—can lead to congested pores and frequent breakouts. Exfoliating is absolutely key, but be cautious of scrubs or over-exfoliating, which can be harsh and abrasive on the skin. Also be wary of enzymes, which can irritate and dehydrate sensitive or sun-affected skin. This can lead to more breakouts, redness, and dryness.

3. Don't go 100% oil-free, even if you're oily

The skin has a different set of needs during summer, and choosing the right moisturizer will play a big role in the texture and comfort of your skin throughout the day. Picking a lighter moisturizer for the summer months makes sense, but don’t go completely oil-free. Your skin can sense the level of oil on the surface of the skin. If depleted, it can kick your sebaceous glands into overdrive, leading to excess shine or congestion. I like to recommend a moisturizer with gentle plant oils that will help to keep your natural oil production in check.

4. Go easy on the makeup

A full face of makeup isn't always ideal for a day at the beach, camping, or even running errands in the heat. In the summer I switch to a  Translucent Bronzing Tint. This is my hero product for summer. The light, mineral-based liquid bronzer can be added into any moisturizer, sunscreen, or body lotion to smooth imperfections and add a kiss of color. (At CB, we also love Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi.) Mineral pigments add color and glow, and the green base of chlorophyllin copper complex will help deflect and minimize redness. If you’re a victim of too much sun, this can also diminish the appearance of “lobster” face!

5. Incorporate EFA, H₂O, and antioxidants into your diet

You already know that your skin is related to your diet—it's a reflection of your internal state—and you will notice a difference in the texture of your skin when you stay hydrated and regularly tuck into juicy summer fruits, leafy greens, and foods rich in essential fatty acids. As an Aussie, I am advising you to quite literally throw a shrimp—or fish—on the barbie. A diet and skincare regimen both rich in antioxidants and healthy fats will result in a radiant glow and clarity to the skin, and you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term skin health and a youthful appearance by neutralizing damaging free radicals.

6. Don't forget body lotion, especially after a beach day

The health and beauty benefits of mineral-rich ocean water have been touted for centuries, but sometimes you can have too much of a good thing! If your skin is starting to feel dry, try using a hydrating body lotion low in oils so it won’t trap in heat.  

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