A skincare routine is always important, but summer weather and seasonal activities call for serious prioritization. Sun, saltwater, and sweat are all wonderful – until they wreak havoc on your skin. For the record, salt water has actually been proven to be therapeutic to the skin, but chlorine will result in dry, irritated skin. Spending time by the pool, taking vacations, and moving your workout outdoors are all great for the mind and body as long as you prepare accordingly. Here are some of my favorite skincare tips and products to get you through the summer...
Look for a non-toxic sunscreen, or a moisturizer with SPF, such as Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer! Using a natural and non-toxic sunscreen brand is ideal because instead of adding harmful chemicals onto your skin you’ll be adding nourishing multipurpose oils, vitamins and minerals. I personally love this Juice Beauty moisturizer because it provides your skin with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and Vitamins C, E, and B5 which is essential to quench the skin and maintain elasticity on top of SPF 30. It is a medium weight moisturizer so it won't dry out easily, and also won't feel to thick - plus its oil free!
In the event of a sunburn, aloe vera will always do the trick. OSEA Malibu Organic Seaweed Toning Mist is a mineral spray containing aloe, so it will double to sooth overexposed and inflamed skin while neutralizing with vitamins from seaweed and Dead Sea Salt. Facial mists have been gaining popularity lately, and this is my favorite for summer because of its cooling properties. Depending on whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, OSEA has a variety of vegan and cruelty free products.
Summer usually means hazy, hot, humid days that can result in sweaty, clogged pores and often lead to breakouts. Due to the heat conditions, exfoliating daily in the summer is important for healthy, clear skin. This goes for the whole body as well, so try to incorporate dry brushing or a sugar scrub. I love this Coco Rose Body Polish from Herbivore Botanicals - all of their products are vegan and free of parabens, sulfates, preservatives and artificial colors.
Don’t forget your lips! Try using a lip scrub to get rid of dead skin or be sure to use a lip balm with nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and mango butter. Ilia Balmy Nights Lip Exfoliator is a nourishing night time treatment that buffs away dead skin cells and checks all of those boxes while being clean and cruelty free!
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer is ideal for those who want to wear minimal makeup in the summer, but still want a light layer. This tinted moisturizer is 5 in 1, comes in four shades, and provides SPF 30 protection. Some ingredients include organic aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber and green tea to help keep you hydrated while protecting from the sun. This is a clean-beauty summer staple!
Finally, be sure to take a supplement to support your goals... the skin is the body's largest organ after all. The "Red Carpet" pill from HUM Nutrition is a great choice because it contains omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) which is the ideal fatty acid for hair, skin and nails. In addition, this pill supplies the body with Vitamin E to support a glowing, clear complexion. The "Red Carpet" pill is vegan friendly and free of dairy, fish, egg, gluten, soy, sugar and artificial colors or flavors. As a whole, keeping your diet in check is always important for a radiant complexion. Try eating in season fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, watermelon, avocado, and coconut water. The beauty with these foods is that not only are they lower starch and higher water content, but they have anti-aging properties to benefit the skin from the inside out. Getting enough Vitamin C is necessary for proper collagen production, and healthy fats will promote smoother skin.
When shopping for skincare, try to stay away from sulfates, parabens, artificial colors and preservatives. Vegan and cruelty free products usually contain fewer harsh chemicals and more vitamins. Just be sure to read labels and choose what works best for you individually! Prep your skin accordingly, take your vitamins, and incorporate hydrating fruits and vegetables into your diet. Enjoy the outdoors, but do not forget "everything in moderation."
Cheers to a summer of glowing skin :)