Tag Archive for: Summer skin

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Summer Skincare Do’s and Don’ts

Before summer begins, there are a few tips that we always recommend going into a season with arguably the most potential for skin damage. We spoke to our co-founders Lauren and Lisa Goldfaden to get their must-do practices to keep skin looking fresh, youthful and sun-damage-free.

DO:

Invest in a Vitamin C serum. This must-have vitamin brightens skin by reducing the appearance of brown spots (especially prominent in the Summer months due to increased sun exposure), boosting healthy collagen production, calming inflammation and neutralizing free radicals with its antioxidant benefits. My favorite is our Brightening Elixir – an advanced brightening and antioxidant serum that aids against free radical damage while leaving skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant.

Add exfoliation into your regimen: Exfoliation in the Summertime is particularly important to slough off dead skin cells and prevent oil build-up – which results in congestion. AHA acids (my favorite is Lactic!) are perfect for Summertime because they are a more gentle form of exfoliation which essentially softens the dead skin away which increased overall brightening. Lactic acid has an added benefit that helps improve the skin’s natural moisture factor or the way the skin keeps itself hydrated (it’s the base of our Fresh A Peel product!).

Do moisturize. I like to lighten up my moisturizer in the Summertime so that I don’t neglect this important step. With higher temperatures, the skin gets parched and can lead to dryness so it’s important to lock in hydration and create a barrier of protection with your moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation. Try our Vital Boost which hydrates and nourishes skin complexion.

Don’t:

Don’t underestimate the importance of SPF! This is a “don’t-leave-home-without” for me and in the Summertime it is even more important as the days are longer and we’re in the sun more. I always carry an SPF mist with me so that I can easily reapply throughout the day too. A favorite is Soleil Toujours Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30.

Avoid heavy makeup. Humidity and heat (along with a heavy layer of makeup) impact the ability of your skin/pores to breathe which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Consider lightening up (at least in the daytime!).

Don’t forget about your BODY (and LIPS): Oftentimes, we are so concentrated on just our face, but it’s equally important to care for your lips and body too. Check out our Bodycare Collection and NEW Lip Therapy Restoring Lip Treatment.

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Dr. G weighs in on summer skin issue: Facial Redness

Are you red in the face? The culprits that generally cause facial redness especially during the summer can be annoying but are possible to manage and/or even avoid. Certain topical skincare products as well as warm temperatures, exercising outdoors, certain foods and drinks can encourage facial redness. Dr. G breaks down the culprits with tips and tricks to try this summer.


Exercise induced redness:

  • Occurs when the small capillaries widen to send more oxygen to the muscles
  • Facial redness generally affects those with fair skin more than others
  • Occurs due to the body temperature rising as extra blood rushes to the surface of the skin as a result of working hard

Solutions:

  • Try running indoor at the gym with the AC on
  • Take a cold shower post workout. Not only does cold-water help with redness it cools your body down fast
  • Keep a cold bottle of water and towel with you and use as a compress

Product induced redness:

  • Retinol is a necessary powerhouse but absolutely has side effects. Vitamin A (the ingredient that makes up Retinol) can cause redness, dryness and sun sensitivity
  • If you want to stay on your Retinol regimen, cut back on the number of days you use these types of products
  • ALWAYS wear an SPF + HAT
  • Limit acids, Glycolic, and aggressive exfoliators (go gentle on the scrubbing)

Alcohol + Food induced redness:

  • All alcohol can cause facial redness but wine tends to be the worst due to sulfites, tannins and histamines. * try mixing in a sparkling water or skip the alcohol all together
  • Caffeine (especially if you have Rosacea) but the heat of the coffee may add insult to injury of already redness prone skin
  • Spicy food * Dr. G says “reach for hydrating fruit instead”

Dr. G says increase anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing ingredients /foods

  • Red Tea (Rooibos)
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Green Tea
  • Oatmeal
  • Cucumbers

If excessive redness does happen, try applying a cool compress, splashing your face with very cold water, going indoors and allowing your body to cool off. Wearing a little concealer on areas that do tend to get red can help too.

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Beauty and the Beach: What you need to know

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; so don’t take yours for granted. Proper sun care includes protecting the eyes with sunglasses and proper products. Not only can the delicate eye tissue of the upper and lower lids get sunburned but the actual eye cells can be damaged from years of overexposure to UV rays. Below Dr. G suggests a few solutions for keep the eyes youthful looking and safe.

photo via @margoandme

Dr. G recommends:

Sunglasses

  • The bigger and darker the better
  • Sunglasses should cover the entire eye- think Jackie O!
  • The darker the lens the more protection
  • Wrap around shades if exercising or working in direct sun

SPF

  • Eye tissue is 15% thinner than facial skin-protect it!
  • SPF must be worn around the eye area
  • 10% of skin cancers are around the eye area
  • Crows feet love sun damaged skin

After sun products

The kiddies

  • Children have larger pupils than adults which allows more sun in
  • Encourage hats
  • Choose a clean SPF and apply everywhere
  • Encourage kids to wear sunglasses (Velcro wrap around glasses)
  • Goggles in the water as eye can be susceptible to UV rays off the water reflection

 

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