That time of the year has arrived where everyone enjoys warmer weather and the outdoor activities that come along with it. As much as we love the outdoor fun it's not time to slack on your skincare routine. Our skin is not fully equipped to manage the increased exposure to hot summer sun. UVA/UVB rays are harmful all year long, but are especially damaging during the summer months when our exposure levels are higher. The powerful rays can potentially damage the skin with premature aging and hyper-pigmentation. Our skin needs extra TLC to keep it looking fresh and glowing during the summer months.
“The challenge many of my clients have with the warm summer season is the battle of the heat, sun and humidity with their skin,” says Sonya Dakar. “It triggers a number of problems such as rashes, acne, burns, eczema and other skin concerns”. But not to worry... here’s a list of things you can do to prepare, protect and perfect your skin during the hottest season of the year.
1. Exfoliate
Basic skincare 101: you need to exfoliate. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. During summer, the conditions of sun, beach and pool increase the amount of dead skin cells. By buffing away the top layer of dead skin cells, you’ll be exposing new glowing skin below.
For The Face: Depending on how sensitive your skin is use a gel based exfoliator 1-3x a week. If your skin is on the oilier side, you can use a traditional scrub or polish 1-3x a week. Just make sure the exfoliating grains are super fine so they will not scratch or damage your skin.
Sonya’s Pick: Flash Facial or Omega Polish Activator Duo
For The Body: Use a body scrub 2-3x a week in the shower. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular motions on your entire body from the shoulders down. If your scrub has lactic or salicylic acid allow it to sit on your skin for a few minutes . Rinse for a good, clean, fresh finish.
2. Switch It Up
It’s always a good idea to update your skincare routine from season to season. This is extra important during the warm summer months. Hot humid weather increases sebum and oil production in your skin so you will want to add a deep pore clarifying product to your routine to keep skin clear and blemish free. Sun and salt exposure can be very dehydrating to your skin. When this happens you will need some great post sun exposure recovery products to replenish depleted skin. Balms like the Blue Butterfly Balm are not only hydrating, but increase skin’s barrier function as well and reduce irritation and inflammation you may experience.
Sonya’s Pick: Super Clear and Blue Butterfly Balm
3. Protect Your Pout
Since lip tissue is extremely delicate with no oil glands to protect them, the lips are highly susceptible to being chapped or burned when overexposed to the sun. Keep your lips hydrated, beautiful and protected by using a nourishing lip balm with added SPF sun protection. Look for natural healing and hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Hemp Seed Oil.
4. Fight the Sun From the Inside Out
According to researchers at The University of Manchester, taking a supplement of Omega-3 Omega Glow will boost your protection. The team has just carried out the first clinical trial to examine the impact of the Omega-3 on the skin immunity of volunteers. Results of the study found that taking a regular dose of fish oils boosted skin immunity to sunlight. Specifically, it also reduced sunlight-induced suppression of the immune system, known as immunosuppression, which affects the body’s ability to fight skin cancer and infection. The findings have been published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Take the recommended dose in the morning if you know you’ll be outside for long periods of time, though they still recommend to use sunscreen.
Sonya's Pick: Omega Glow
5. Love your Locks - SPF for Hair
Just because it doesn’t have nerves, doesn’t mean your hair is indestructible. So treat it with care. By stepping outside without protection, you’re putting your hair at risk for faded color due to oxidation, lack of moisture, and overall distress. These environmental elements can make your hair look and feel dull and dehydrated, with less volume. The summer also brings wind, chlorination and salt water that attack the hair fiber. These harsh seasonal foes weaken the hair’s integrity, putting you at risk for an overall withered, brittle appearance. Couple that with loads of heat styling and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Apply a quality lightweight sunscreen (avoid oily or alcohol) with UVA and UVB protection.
