June 11, 2020
Today we’re going to walk you through what your summer skincare routine should look like! That includes how to transition from your winter and spring routines, breaking down which products to use and which to avoid.
With the arrival of Summer comes higher temperatures and more humidity- a drastic change from the previous seasons. We’re guiding you step-by-step through the ideal summer skincare routine below!
By: Kaitlyn Hunter, FNP & Alison, LE
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Kaitlyn: So right now, because you’re coming out of dry weather, you may be using a gentle cleanser. Alison, what changes do you think that everyone should make with their cleanser in their summer skincare routine?
Alison: So I would definitely say, going off what you’ve already said- it’s hot, it’s humid, it’s sticky. Your face is also producing more oils, so you want to switch to something that’s more exfoliating.
So something like a scrub or product containing salicylic acid is going to help with all that summer humidity attacking your skin.
Kaitlyn: Now if someone is pregnant or breastfeeding, they obviously cannot use salicylic cleansers. So what other ingredients could they look for that’s still going to benefit their skin in the summer?
Alison: Yes- avoid salicylic acid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding! Willow bark is actually a good ingredient to look for. It’s similar to salicylic acid, but it’s not as harsh, so pregnant women can use that.
We do have EltaMD’s Deep Pore Cleanser that pregnant or breastfeeding women can use and get really great benefits from.
Kaitlyn: Okay so glycolic and lactic acid are still safe for them to use?
Alison: Absolutely!
Click here to check out our blog “Skincare While Pregnant or Breastfeeding” where to we break down which products and treatments are safe to use!
Kaitlyn: So typically, the second step after cleansing is apply some sort of toner. What are your thoughts on that?
Alison: Personally, I don’t love toners, but that doesn’t mean everyone else should feel the same! Everyone has their own preferences with products.
For me, I would suggest doing a double cleanse if you’re still feeling oily and congested. It really helps get that layer of makeup off as well.
Kaitlyn: Definitely, so if you don’t like using makeup wipes, you can instead do a double cleanse to get everything off. So you would cleanse once to get the makeup off and then cleanse a second time to actually clean your skin.
If you do like using a particular toner, go ahead and keep using it in the summer as the second step in your routine after cleansing!
Kaitlyn: So in the morning, after you cleanse and then either use a toner or cleanse again, are there any important treatment serums you’d suggest for the skin?
Alison: Vitamin C, especially in regard to summer skincare. This will help to protect your skin from all angles.
Kaitlyn: That’s right, because Vitamin C does protect against UVA, UVB, and even HEV light- which is all over the place. So even if you’re going to be inside working, you’re still exposed to HEV light! You have your cell phone, you have computers- you want to make sure your skin is protected.
Kaitlyn: Okay so after Vitamin C, what do you suggest using?
Alison: Moisturizer! I’m sure most are going to have been using something a bit thicker in the winter or spring. When transitioning into the summer, however, you’ll want to switch to something that’s more water-based and thinner.
The reason being that you don’t want to trap all that congestion or any black heads in your face. Water-based moisturizers are going to let your skin breathe more during the summer.
Kaitlyn: Yeah, you probably are using just a really thick moisturizer and it’s acting almost like a barrier on the skin. So you don’t want to trap things in your skin, you want it to breathe like Alison said!
Kaitlyn: Now after moisturizing, what’s the final and most important step?
Alison: SPF!
Kaitlyn: Yes! And you should already be using sunscreen, so this is really not anything that needs to be changed. With that said, in the summer it’s important to be more aware and mindful in applying SPF.
You are exposed to UV rays a lot more, so make sure you are reapplying throughout the day. Try to do it every 2-4 hours.
Be sure to check out our other blog breaking down chemical vs. physical sunscreens- click here!
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We hope these tips will help you transition into your summer skincare routine!
If you need a little guidance or help, we always offer free skincare consultations in our MedSpa! Just give us a call at (513)-791-9474 ext. 2 to get that scheduled.