With the warmer days of summer and more time outside there are some adjustments that should be made to your skin regime. Here are the top 5 we recommend.
SPF Rules!
Sunscreen should be worn every day (365 days a year) but it’s especially important to wear it faithfully in the summer as you’re likely to be out side more. Higher SPF’s protect your skin more but can feel heavy, clog pores or cause break-outs. If you buying from a local drug store we recommend going to CVS Pharmacy as they have set standards for skin care safety and effectiveness. Those sunscreens that are unsafe or ineffective have been eliminated from their assortment. You can search details on sunscreen on the CVS site – lots of options for sorting based on your concern/need. I have sensitive skin so I like the Neutrogena Ultra sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen. I find it to be lightweight but effective and absorbs quickly into my skin so I can place my makeup over it easily. It can be daunting to find the right sunscreen but it’s worth the effort. We recommend you research on line and/or chat with friends who have similar skin needs. It’s worth finding what works for you as the SPF base in the single most important change to your summer skin regime.
Tip: When it comes everyday use – be sure to apply the sunscreen to your face, neck, decolletage, hands and ears. Yes, I said hands and ears. It is crazy but earlobes and hands can get lots of sun and skin damage. These are also places that show your age over time so try to get in the habit of using sunscreen each day.
Makeup with SPF is critical. We recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. There are lots of lightweight summer foundation options. If you worry about the weight of the foundation try a tint foundation for a lighter summer look.
Tip: Try a combination of the tint foundation with bronzers that have a shimmer. This will give you the summer glow without a heavy feeling.
Lip makeup should have SPF as well. Find a lipstick or balm that has some SPF. If you are skipping lipstick be sure you use a lip balm that has SFP sunscreen in it. Most of them range from an SPF of 15-30. The lips tend to get forgotten but they get just as much sun as your face.
Lighten Up
Switch to a lightweight, oil-free cleanser. Your skin is likely going to produce more oil in the summer heat so an oil free cleanser will help maintain the balance and health of your skin.
Try a lighter weight moisturizer for the summer months. You should seek a lightweight and oil free moisturizer for the daytime. Okay, I hear you saying – “I love my nighttime moisturizer and don’t want to change it”. You may be able to keep using your thicker night time moisturizer as most environments are air-conditioned. Try the lightweight moisturizer in the daytime and your favorite current night creme in the evening and see how your skin reacts. You can always switch it up if your skin begins to breakout or change for the worse.
Go Faux
Everyone wants that summer glow and tanned skin but if you’re going to tanning salons or baking in the sun it can be achieved at a very high price. A sunless tanned look can be reached with self tanners as well as spray tans. You can also opt for faux glow makeup. There are tons of bronzers, cremes and foundation options for your face. There are also numerous options for arms and legs ranging form Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs $12 to Guerlain Terracotta Spray $64 The makeup options are great for special occasions or everyday use. Remember, very few are waterproof so you don’t want to wear leg makeup to the pool!
Tip: Don’t use self-tanner on your face. Yes, there are special formulations for your face but its tricky to get it right. Bottom line; there are so many makeup options for your face you just don’t need to risk using the self tanner and having it go wrong.
Don’t forget your eyes
I moved from Boston to Florida years ago and one of the best beauty tips I learned was the importance of wearing sunglasses every day! The sun can be brutal on the fragile skin on your eyelids and around your eyes. Not wearing sunglasses also causes you to squint – which will over time increase wrinkles around your eyes. Apply restorative cremes to the eye areas at night and day as needed.
Tip: Be sure your sunglasses have 100% UV protection otherwise you’re wasting your time trying to protect your eyes. They will cost more but are worth it as you should get used to wearing sunglasses year round.
Stay Cool
Change your shower setting to a cooler temperature. I love a super hot shower but they are really not good for your skin. A cool shower on a hot day will feel refreshing and give your skin a break. Don’t worry, we aren’t saying it has to be ice cold but try adjusting the settings a little bit – it will be a nice summer change and one you may want to stick with year rounds. For a quick cool down try a facial mist. A quick burst will provide hydration and relief from the heat. There are small bottles that you can take with you as you head out this summer.
Tip: try placing the mist in the refrigerator, you’ll get an extra refreshing mist.
We are 10 days from the official start of summer! Enjoy each and every summer day with the confidence that your protecting and nurturing your skin.
