Girls Just Wanna Have Sun: Summer Skin Care Practices We’re No Longer Gatekeeping

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As the seasons change, it's important to not only switch up your wardrobe but also your skincare routine. In the cooler months, skin tends to become drier, which can lead to redness, cracking, and itching. To combat this, invest in a humidifier and slather on a luxurious moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh and supple. Your skin craves plenty of hydration, oxygen, and antioxidants, especially during the fall and winter.

When the sun's shining, the heat is on, and the humidity is up, your skin is bound to feel like it's in a greasy spoon diner. Your sebaceous glands are working double-time to produce more sebum, leading to stickiness, grease, and clogged pores. And let's not forget about that summer glow – those UV rays can give you a tan that would make J-Lo jealous! But with all the beach parties, BBQs, and outdoor fun, who's got time for skincare? We get it, but neglecting your skincare routine can lead to some serious consequences. Here are four essential skincare tips from Haute Beauty expert and celebrity esthetician Lana Mar of Face Fit Bar to keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer:

1. Look for skincare products with antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredients.

In the summer, sweat can easily cause breakouts on both the face and body. To combat this, look for skincare products with antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredients. For melasma and discoloration, applying an antioxidant serum can be helpful. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin tone, reducing abnormal skin pigmentation such as hyperpigmentation and melasma. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants, but there are different forms available, such as ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It's essential to choose the right form for your skin type to avoid irritation. For sensitive skin, 3-0 ethyl ascorbic acid is an excellent option. It's highly stable and potent but non-irritating and has excellent brightening properties.

2. Switch to a water-based ultra-light moisturizer.

During the summer, it's best to switch to a water-based ultra-light moisturizer, as heavy creams can be too much for the skin. Look for a bouncy texture that will help your skin absorb the hydrating ingredients, leaving your complexion looking plumper than ever.

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3. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin to cool off.

On a hot day, you may be tempted to apply ice directly to your skin to cool off, but this can cause cold burns, irritation, or discoloration. Instead, try using cryotherapy tools like ice globes, ice rollers, and cryo spoons. These tools work by causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels, reducing redness and puffiness, promoting lymphatic drainage, and giving the skin a luminous glow. Cryo spoons are especially useful as they can hold the cold for up to two hours without requiring pressure.

When using facial rollers or Gua Shas, avoid freezing jade or rose quartz rollers. Instead, use them at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator. These rollers can help with fine lines and wrinkles, improve lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, and improve skin tone and texture. Jade is believed to be more detoxifying for younger skin, while rose quartz is better for combination and sensitive skin. Incorporating these cryotherapy tools into your skincare routine can provide a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for your skin.

4. Double down on sunscreen and consider an organic spray tan or bronzer.

Although we all love a sun-kissed summer look, it's important to remember that sun damage is the leading cause of aging and many other skin conditions. To protect your skin, double down on sunscreen and consider using an organic spray tan or bronzer. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading out and reapply every two hours. Sunblock and sunscreen are two different types of sun protection that work in different ways. Sunscreen filters the sun's UV rays, while sunblock reflects them away from the skin. Both forms are effective at preventing sunburn and protecting the skin, so choose whichever you prefer.

Remember to have fun and enjoy the different seasons, but also take care of your skin! A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin all year round. So go ahead, try out some new products, and see what works best for you. Who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite that you'll use for years to come.

For more information, visit Skin Sports Society's social media: