Summer Skincare: Protect & Perfect Your Skin
Summer Skincare: Protect & Perfect Your Skin
I've always adjusted my skincare routine seasonally because, simply put, climate affects the condition of your skin. As we shift into the hot, sunny months of summer, it's important to include a mix of products that protect, hydrate, and encourage the skin's recovery process. From choosing the right SPF to dealing with hyperpigmentation, these are the steps I recommend in a summer skincare routine.
Protecting Your Skin from Sun Damage
If you are exposed to the sun for more than 20-30 minutes, make sure you're applying sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful rays. Any SPF over 30 does not provide any additional sun protection so keep that in mind when choosing a sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection from UVA, UVB, and infrared rays.
Antioxidants and physical coverings are my next line of protection against the sun during the summer. They can't replace SPF, but antioxidants work great in tandem with sunscreen to help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. We all know by now that UV rays can cause premature skin aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals produced by the sun, which can damage your skin cells.
One of the most powerful antioxidants for the skin is Vitamin C. I especially love Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA), found in our C+ Serum, because it does not oxidize and penetrates the skin's dermis, where elastin and collagen synthesis occurs. It helps prevent hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin for an even glowing complexion without causing irritation or sun sensitivity.
The most effective way to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare is by using serums. You can also get antioxidants from your diet by consuming fruits like blueberries, green tea, salmon, walnuts, and spirulina.
Hydrating Your Skin
The most significant shift between winter and spring skincare is switching to a lighter moisturizer due to increased humidity in most climates. Most people can continue using lightweight lotion throughout the summer, especially during the day.
Hyaluronic acid serums and water-based moisturizers are ideal for hot and humid conditions. If your skin is on the oilier side, you will want to make this switch. But if you're in a desert climate with temperatures above 100 degrees, you may still prefer a richer formula. You can't forget air conditioning, which is extremely drying. It actually pulls moisture out of the air. So depending on your surroundings and whatever suits your skin, you can start with a light cream and always adjust to a thicker formula as needed.
Skin loses more moisture towards the end of the day, and during sleep, so I often advise using a thicker formula for your nighttime routine, especially if your skin has encountered the abovementioned elements.
Hydrating skin doesn't end with lotions and creams. With the higher temps, we sweat more, which dehydrates us from within. Drinking lots of water and moisturizing your skin will keep you hydrated inside and out.
Preventing Damage Caused by Extreme Heat
UV rays aren't the only thing that can damage your skin during the summer. Extremely high temperatures can cause uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, triggering inflammation and causing melanocytes to produce more pigment.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your skin from heat damage. Just like with UV rays and sun damage, preventative measures are the key to staying clear of any adverse effects. Our Cream’s unique blend of ingredients, a tetrapeptide and antioxidant defense complex, prevents and repairs skin from UVA-induced DNA damage. I recommend this to my clients before saunas, hot yoga, and during the hottest days of summer.
If you're prone to uneven pigmentation, keeping your face shaded with a hat can also help your skin from getting overheated while you're outside during extra sunny days — even if you're wearing sunscreen. Lastly, a refreshing dose of cold therapy will constrict blood vessels and stop inflammation from increasing. Try our Facial Massager cooled down in the fridge or an ice cube over a soothing face mask.
Soothing and Repairing Your Skin After Sun
A summer well-lived means time in the sun. Thankfully you can soothe and repair your skin after a little too much time outside. My Soothing Serum is an incredible after-sun treatment: anti-inflammatory pepper berry extract and a bio-ceramide complex calm red, stressed skin.
I mentioned antioxidant superhero vitamin C, but you can incorporate many more potent antioxidants to defend your skin against free radicals. Environ's Antioxidant Defence Creme has vitamin C, vitamin E, and rosemary leaf extract to help protect and repair your skin.
Taking care of your skin during the summer months takes a little extra planning to prevent damage caused by UV rays and extreme heat. With the right summer skincare routine and a bit of shade, you'll be ready to enjoy the best time of the year.
Joanna Czech Skincare
The Cream
