Esthetician-Approved Summer Skincare Solutions for an Impossibly Fresh Face

Fun in the sun can be grim for the skin. It’s hot, you’re sweaty and UVA/UVB rays are more damaging than any other time of year. This summer you’re probably also adding a mask to the mix. 

Not to worry. You keep doing your part to flatten the curve and protect your community, and we’ll help protect your skin from summer maskne (mask acne). 

Enter: the ESTIs. Though you wouldn’t know it to look at them, estheticians have to work just as hard as the rest of us to keep their skin clear and aglow during this sunny season – mask or not. They’ve shared some tried and true tips you’ll want to add to your summer skincare routine immediately.   

1. Adopt a light and bright routine. 

Treat your summer skincare routine like you do your wardrobe. When the mercury rises, swap out heavier products for a more breezy bunch. Think: gentle foaming cleansers, dual-purpose moisturizer with SPF 30+, plant-based toners, etc. 

2. Continue to moisturize. 

If you’re used to layering with oils and serums in the a.m., try moving the ones you really like to bedtime hours instead. Put a pause on heavier moisturizers, but be sure to follow each and every facial cleansing with a season-specific salve. Even if your face feels oily, skipping out on moisturizing altogether can throw off your skin’s pH. This reliably leads to increased oil production and, you guessed it, breakouts. 

3. Invest in a quality Vitamin C. 

This year-round basic is essential in summer. Whether you’re looking to correct hyperpigmentation from rays gone by or prevent sun-fueled fine lines and wrinkles, it’s a must-have. But repeat after us: not all Vitamin Cs are created equal. They’re known for being highly sensitive to light and air, both of which can oxidize even the most expensive serums prematurely. At minimum, look for one that’s highly stabilized and comes in a darkened bottle. Bonus points if you can keep it in the fridge and away from direct sunlight. Apply daily between cleansing and moisturizing; especially on days you’ll spend lots of time outdoors.

4. Increase your exfoliation.  

Ask any ESTI and they’ll tell you over-exfoliation is a big no-no. But in this season of sweat and swelter, it’s A-OK to gradually increase the number of days you (gently) slough off skin. Skip the scrubs, which can be especially irritating for sun-kissed skin, and opt for a more gentle and effective alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) solution. 

5. Step up your SPF. 

We couldn’t get through a ‘summer skincare’ guide without tipping our sunhat to this all day, every day fundamental. It’s the most critical element of your entire routine, and in the summer months you need to be downright vigilant. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply every couple hours. Be sure to include your face, neck, chest, hands, ears, and lips. Go with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Consider investing in one that has a light moisturizer built in to avoid clogging pores. If you struggle with breakouts, try applying a swipe of rose water between applications or using a powder sunscreen (yes that’s totally a thing!) for the reapplication.

Remember that these are just the start of taking care of your skin during summer. You can also build some simple solutions into your day to help these tips really take shape like drinking plenty of water, keeping hot showers under 5 minutes, and seeking shade any chance you have. Get in the habit of building these summer essentials into your skincare routine and it’ll be smooth sunning from here until the leaves start to change.

xoxo,

Gina

This article does not contain medical advice and the information herein should not replace a consultation with a physician. See your doctor or a professional esthetician for skin care assistance personalized to your needs.

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