The Ultimate Summer Facial Skincare Guide

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, our skincare needs change to adapt to the summer climate. Just as we adjust our wardrobes for the season, it's essential to tweak our skincare routines to keep our skin healthy and radiant. Here's how to revamp your skincare routine for the summer months:

SWITCH UP YOUR CLEANSER

In the summer, sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Opt for a lightweight cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils.

We suggest using a cleanser with avocado oil. This powerful active ingredient absorbs easily into the skin, making it an efficient source of oleic acid. This is important, as shown in a clinical study, avocado oil applied topically to stressed and irritated skin can help reduce inflammation.

DON’T FORGET TO TONE

There are many benefits to using a facial toner, which plays an essential role in any skincare routine, especially during the summer months when excess oil and sweat can lead to clogged pores.

Because toners include water and humectants, they help dampen the skin barrier which allows it to absorb moisturizing products more effectively. Therefore, applying a toner before moisturizing will help give your skin extra the hydration it needs during hotter periods.

ADD A LIGHTWEIGHT SERUM

Dr. Abigail Waldman, instructor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, suggests that serums can help protect against aging because they are a “really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,”. This is particularly important as our skin becomes more exposed to the sun over longer durations.

However, Dr. Waldman cautions using serums containing retinol, which when combined with other acidic products may irritate the skin barrier. Instead, use a serum with alt-retinol like moth bean extract, which can help stimulate cell turnover from sun exposure without being inflammatory.

HYDRATE WITH A LIGHT MOISTURIZER 

While it's tempting to skip a moisturizer in the summer, especially if you have oily skin, it's essential to keep the skin hydrated to maintain a healthy moisture balance.

Choose a lightweight, lotion-based moisturizer that includes water in its formulation to lock in extra hydration, and add a drop or two of facial oil for an extra kick of moisture when needed.

Alternatively, opt for a dry oil-based moisturizer containing oat oil. Its hydrophilic properties attract and retain moisture, crucial for skin hydration in various environments. Oat oil also reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), creating a barrier that keeps skin hydrated and prevents dryness.

PROTECT YOUR LIPS

According to dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang 'lips are a special type of skin that is very thin and delicate (and) dries out 10 times faster than the rest of the skin on our face.'

Some of the remedies Dr. Piliang suggests:

• Use a lip butter morning, outdoors and at bedtime...many people sleep with their mouths open which can seriously dry out your lips.
• Don't lick your lips ..once saliva is on the lips it actually dries them out faster (plus) enzymes in saliva meant to digest foods are irritating to the lips.

ADJUST EXFOLIATION TO YOUR SKIN TYPE

Exfoliation is crucial year-round, but it's especially important in the summer when sweat and sunscreen can lead to clogged pores and dull skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, people with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin should consider using a mild chemical-based exfoliant. Look for a product with alpha-hydroxy botanical acids that promote cell renewal. A word of caution: always ensure you have adequate sunscreen protection after applying.

The AAD also recommends that if you have oily skin, consider using a mechanical exfoliant like a clay-based facial scrub.

Regardless of the exfoliant you choose, make sure you follow-up with a toner and moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, and never exfoliate if your skin in sunburned.

DON'T FORGET A SUNSCREEN 

Dr. Mathieu Powell, dermatologist at McGill University Health Centre, recommends using a mineral-based sunscreen (containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) with an SPF of at least 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days, especially when exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Reapply every two hours, particularly when you're spending time outdoors or swimming.

HYDRATE INSIDE AND OUT

We all know how important it is to make sure we drink at least 8 cups of water per day and we can, of course, supplement that with some yummy 'iced' decaffeinated herbal tea during sunny summer days. If you're using a dehumidifier in your home, you'll likely be drawing moisture from your skin along with what's in the air. All the more reason to stay hydrated inside and out!

Discovering and transitioning into a new skincare routine over the summer can help give your skin that TLC it needs to not only look, but also feel its best during beautiful, warm, and sunny Canadian summer months.

Here's to a summer of radiant skin!

Jacqui@ROCIA 💚