The best season (summer) is officially here! That means more day parties, beach mornings, nights out, and sitting pool side. This also can mean sun damage, increased alcohol intake, and compromised skin barrier due to all that plus lack of sleep. A damaged skin barrier can really ruin a good summer and ruin your selfies. A good and healthy barrier is crucial to preventing acne flare ups, skin irritation and inflammation. If you know exactly what to do to modify your skincare routine to align with the summer time while keeping your skin barrier intact, that’s amazing and I love that for you. If you don’t have a clue or need a refresher, this Summer Skin Guide is here to help you stay pretty. 

1. Use a lighter moisturizer

You'll want to do this with Sky Cream in the *daytime* especially if you have oily or acne prone skin. With warmer weather and increased humidity, you’ll want to keep your skin breathable and use products that are noncomedogenic to keep pores as clean as possible. Less is definitely more during this time of year. At night you'll want to stick with a rich moisturizer to help protect your skin barrier as you sleep.

2. SPF is now more important than ever  

Sunscreen needs to be the final step of your morning skin routine and reapplied every 2-3 hours for best results and maximum benefits. 

3. A face mist is your best friend 

Something cooling, soothing, and hydrating like Aloe Water on a hot summer day or warm summer night is exactly what you’ll need to get through these next couple of months. One containing SPF would be a plus. Still Water SPF has a refreshing fine mist for easy palm-free reapplication and is convenient to tote around in your bag every day. 

4. Exfoliate a few times per week

As we soak up the sun, our skin tends to accumulate dead cells more quickly. To properly regulate this, exfoliate your skin a few times a week to remove the dull, outermost layers of dead skin. Opt for manual exfoliation like a facial scrub or a dermaplaning session, especially on a hot sunny day. Chemical exfoliants and skin peels are encouraged during cooler months and are more cohesive with indoor activities. 

5. Hydrate 

 Always drink your water yes, but also hydrate topically. Do this with cooling, and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, glycerin, etc. These hydrate and quench the skin. Look for these on the labels of summer skincare staples. 

Expect increased sun exposure and lifestyle changes during this time as we dive into this summer season. It’s crucial to prioritize hydration and a healthy skin barrier. Remember to reach for a lighter moisturizer especially during the daytime. This’ll allow your skin to breathe and minimize pore-clogging. Most importantly, don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from UV rays. A refreshing face mist can provide much-needed hydration and soothing relief on hot summer days (Still Water SPF mist combines the two). Exfoliating a few times a week will help remove dead skin cells and promote a fresh, glowing skin. Lastly, prioritize hydration both internally and topically by drinking water and using products that contain hydrating ingredients. By being mindful of all these things, you can enjoy the hot weather and outdoor activities while keeping your skin looking its best and ready for all the memorable moments and picture perfect selfies. Happy summer 🥂