VANESSA GIBSON | 2 MIN. READ

Nood

Just like the seasonal shift in weather and our moods, our skin also acclimates to the temperature and activity change. While it’s easy to neglect your skin come summer and just focus on the good times, if we don’t accommodate our skin’s needs, we’re in for a summer full of burns, rashes, chafing, and even seasonal acne. 

 An increase in sweat and oil means more chances of clogged pores. While exposure to sun, salt, and chlorine is a recipe for dehydration and irritation. You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine, but a few tweaks here and there will ensure you’ve got that healthy glow going all summer long. To help with the seasonal skin switch, we’ve compiled a round-up of key takeaways you’ll want to make to your skincare routine.

Cold Morning Boost

It goes without saying that your skin needs a cooldown during the hotter months. Our go-to? Morning facial cold plunges to get your skin prepped and primed for the day. Plunging your face into a bowl of ice water instantly energizes the skin and relieves inflammation and redness. The cold temps also assist in cell turnover by removing dead skin cells and stimulating fresh ones in their place. It’s best done in the morning since the icy water helps prevent makeup products from absorbing into the skin, so you get a smoother application.

How to

Fill a large copper bowl, like this one from Nichole-Rhea, with water and ice, then submerge your entire face for 20 to 30 seconds. The copper bowl elevates this skincare ritual with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping speed healing and kill harmful bacteria. Copper – used in meditation practices and sound baths for transmuting negative energy into positive energy – also starts your day off on a good vibe.

Ice Bath Tip: Add cucumber slices for bonus antioxidants and the Fachie Organic Face Oil for added moisture and a natural glow. 

Hot Summer Nights

At night, utilize heat to prep the skin for better product absorption. After cleansing with a lightweight gel cleanser, reach for the Aira Steamer to naturally detox the skin (amazing after a long day outside), boost circulation, and make your skin more receptive to your evening skincare treatments. Top your routine off with the Noni Skin Elixir, concocted with the purest noni fruit and soothing aloe vera to alleviate summertime skin irritation: sunburn, windburn, dryness, and more.

Daily SPF

The most essential product to have in your summer skincare routine is SPF. If you were lax with your SPF application during the winter, summer is the time to get back on track. Increased sun exposure means you’re at a higher risk of burning and skin damage. Sunscreen application (and re-application), especially on exposed areas like the face and chest, is essential for preventing premature aging. 

The key with sunscreen is finding one you want to apply daily. Ones like Kinfield’s Daily Dew SPF 35 provides broad-spectrum mineral protection and fits seamlessly into your skincare routine like a hydrating moisturizer. Tinted sunscreens, like this one from La Roche Posay, double as a protective SPF and lightweight foundation.

Slip into something lighter

Just like you hang up your chunky knits for summer, putting those heavy moisturizers to the side is a must once the sun comes out. Thanks to the increase in humidity, our skin retains moisture better in the summer than in fall and winter. Switching to a lightweight moisturizer keeps skin hydrated and dewy, and you don’t have to worry about clogged pores or suffocating underneath a thick cream. The water-like texture of Dr. Ceuracle’s Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream is perfect during the summer as it calms and hydrates, all while balancing oil production.