A new season is upon us. Warmer weather means that we will be swapping out our sweaters and jeans for tanks and shorts and toques and scarves for baseball caps and sun hats - but does this mean we should also be switching out some of our skincare staples? Seasonal changes can certainly impact your skin - whether it be in the form of dehydration, the appearance of hyper-pigmentation or an increase in sebum production - the elements undoubtedly effect our largest organ - but overhauling your skincare routine is not always necessary - especially if you are someone who is not noticing any detrimental changes. That being said - most of us will be spending more time outdoors in the summer sun and anti-aging heroes like retinols are known to increase sun sensitivity. For that reason, many choose to taper down their use of these actives or shelf the product until the fall.
Below are some of our favourite skin care swap-outs for the summer.
Putting Retinol on Pause
Why do people love retinol? Retinols increase skin cell production, they help to exfoliate your skin, increase collagen production and give your skin a fresher, plump appearance - they can also help to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. If pigmentation and brown spots are a top concern, we suggest trying Brightalive by ZO Skin Health. Named one of the Best Dark Spot Correctors by Harper's Bazaar, Brightalive is a non-hydroquinone and non-retinol skin brightener, clinically proven to increase luminosity, visibly improve skin clarity and fade the appearance of dark spots for a more even complexion. Similar to retinol, if you are someone who is diligent about sun protection and limiting your time outdoors, you can safely use hydroquinone if you have melasma throughout the warmer months, but speak to your provider as you should only be actively using for a few months at a time. Another great way to breakup melasma or unwanted pigmentation in the warmer months is with a series of micro-needling treatments. Paired with Brightalive Accelerated Serum that you get to take home after your treatment, your skin will be even-toned and glowing all summer long.
Get Skin Ready, With A Few Tweaks
Your foundation for good skin does not change just because the weather has. Cleanse, exfoliate and tone are all necessary steps, but you might need to change out your starting line-up if you are someone who is experiencing skin changes. If your skin no longer requires a Hydrating Cleanser in the summer, then consider swapping to the Gentle Formula through September. Finding yourself a bit more oily? Maybe move up to the Exfoliating Cleanser from the Gentle one a few months to help combat any extra oil production.
Never Compromise With The Barrier
The skin barrier is vital to human life. Physically, it protects from external threats such as infectious agents, chemicals, systemic toxicity and allergens. Internally, the skin helps to maintain homeostasis and protects from enhanced loss of water from the body. Prioritizing a healthy skin barrier is essential in your skincare routine. In the winter months, a product like Renewal Creme is a great option because of its additional hydration benefits, however in the summer months, we recommend opting for a more lightweight formula like Daily Power Defense or Illuminating AOX Serum which are both clinically proven to strengthen skin’s protective barrier while defending against environmental stressors and premature signs of aging.
SPF All Day Everyday
Yes SPF should be a part of your skincare routine everyday, but you should consider upping your protection in the summer, along with having easy and efficient options for re-application. The Sunforgettables Powder SPF By Colorescience is our favourite way to touch up and strengthen your protection whether you are at the beach, at the park or like Dr. Hemsworth and on a bike ride home from work.
Add To Cart (and your routine)
No one wants a 15 step skin care routine, nor does anyone need it, but we may benefit from adding a few targeted products into our routine when the temperature rises.
10% Vitamin C: helps to brightens skin, promoting a more even skin tone and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances your SPF protection.
Pore Refiner: this lightweight serum minimizes the appearance of pores and features a dual-action formula which works to eliminate surface shine for an instantly matte finish. Consider it like a mattifying primer and the perfect base for any make-up application.
Exfoliating Accelerator: glycolic and lactic acid complex that aids in the removal of dead skin cells while providing calming and soothing benefits with an aloe, green tea and chamomile blend. Suffer from keratosis pilaris? Applying Exfoliation Accelerator to these pesky bumps on your arms is Nurse Barb's favourite hack for smooth summer skin.
Complexion Clearing Masque: natural, clay-based masque that cleanses pores and absorbs excess oil that can lead to future breakouts, while hydrating the skin to combat dryness. Perfect for full face oil control or to spot treat on a stubborn blemish.
Consider this your guide as opposed to a bible. Even if your skin does not change in the warmer months, your lifestyle likely will, so it's important to understand that what you are putting on it, might increase your sensitivity and risk of adverse reactions. Before making any additions or removals, we suggest touching base with your skincare specialist to advise you of the best swaps or add-ins for your skin right now, and as always, if you'd like to book in for your own personalized skincare consultation, you can do so by clicking here.
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