As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, our skincare needs shift. It's time to bid adieu to heavy creams, harsh exfoliants, and active correctives and welcome lighter, protective options. We need to switch gears to nourish our skin and prevent damage to maintain a healthy glow throughout the summer months. So, let’s dive in and explore our essential summer skincare needs.
Summer-Safe Formulas: From Correcting to Preventing
Exfoliation: Gentle Yet Effective
Regular exfoliation is key to maintaining smooth, radiant skin year-round but is especially important during the summer months when sweat, sunscreen, and oil can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Swap harsh physical and chemical exfoliants for enzymes to gently slough away dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion without irritating or drying out your skin. Read more about enzymatic exfoliation here .
Antioxidants: Boost Your Protection
Protect your skin from environmental damage and premature aging by incorporating antioxidant-rich serums or treatments into your summer skincare routine. Look for ingredients such as vitamins C and E, niacinamide, green tea, and superoxide dismutase to neutralize free radicals, brighten your complexion, and promote overall skin health. Read more about these mighty defenders in our blog.
Boost Hydration: The Power of Humectants
Lighten Up: Switching to Lightweight Formulas
Keep It Cool: Add Soothing and Calming Ingredients
SPF: All Day, Every Day
Sun protection is non-negotiable, not only all year but especially during the summer months when UV rays are at their strongest. Be sure to incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and don't forget to reapply throughout the day, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Find out how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type here .
Favorite Summer Skincare: AOS Must-Haves
- iS Clinical Brightening Complex: This mighty serum is filled with summer-safe brighteners, including vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root, and even has humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and happy.
- Rhonda Allison Brightening Pigment Tonic: This brightening skin refresher is a must in your summer lineup to keep pigment at bay, boost antioxidants, and reduce inflammation with bellis perennis, thermus thermophilus ferment, and glycerin.
- GlyMed Plus Hydrating Masque With Enzymes: This nourishing, exfoliating mask is a perfect summer option as it works to detoxify the skin and boost hydration with firming benefits for dry or dehydrated skin. It uses gentle enzymes from papaya and pineapple with natural soothers such as aloe, lavender, and calendula.
- Sorella Apothecary Pomegranate Acai Antioxidant Serum: This antioxidant powerhouse is loaded with vitamin C, pomegranate, lycopene, and retinyl palmitate (stable, safer form of vitamin A) to boost your protection. It also has licorice root for brightening and squalane to increase hydration.
- GlyMed Plus Skin Recovery Mist: This refreshing, hydrating spritz utilizes hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into the skin, along with vitamin B and aloe to soothe the skin and bring down inflammation. The perfect skin pick-me-up on a warm day.
- Sorella Apothecary Main Squeeze Hydrating Serum: This ultra-hydrating, lightweight serum pulls double duty by upping the moisture in the skin, using hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom, with firming and plumping benefits from peptides.
- IS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40: This ultra-protector helps you up your summer game by providing superior sun protection and added antioxidants with proprietary extremozymes. It finishes like a wonderful moisturizer and comes in both sheer and tinted formulas.
