by: Elizabeth Velez, PA-C
In the summer it is wise to make slight changes to your skincare routine. We want to think about two factors: sun exposure and heat. Our recommendations would be to focus on lighter weight products and products that protect you against harmful UV rays. Here are some amazing products we carry below that would help complete the perfect summer routine.
Cleanser:
You can’t go wrong with a gentle cleanser, Dr. McNeill’s antioxidant cleanser is a great option for those with normal skin who want a calming gentle cleanser. It features green tea extract which can help calm redness. If you find you are on the oily side, consider our Brightening Clearing Cleanser instead, which features glycolic and salicylic acid, for some gentle exfoliation and oil control.
Serums:
Adding in a Vit C serum in the morning is a wise choice for long summer days. When applied in the morning, the antioxidant properties of Vit C can actively protect against the sun’s harmful rays and help brighten sun spots which can pop up in these summer months. We carry two in the office which both contain L-ascorbic acid for all your brightening needs.
Moisturizer:
Summer months in Southern California are often warm and sweaty. Depending on your skin type, your thick winter moisturizer may be too much. If you are acne prone or have an oily skin type, we will want to incorporate a gentle moisturizer such as our oil-free Face Quencher.
SPF:
Obviously, we can’t forget the most important step of all, sunscreen. SPF is vital for protecting against UV rays. I hope we all know by now that daily application of SPF helps prevent aging and helps protect your skin against UVB rays that increase your risk of skin cancer. Options will vary depending on your needs, but the common denominator is getting a SPF that you like and will use daily, and that has Zinc Oxide in it. If you are acne prone or oily we recommend Elta MD UV Sheer. If you are looking for a more moisturizing mineral only SPF we recommend ISDIN (preferably tinted if you deal with pigmentation issues). For re-application we recommend ColorScience Sunforgettable SPF brushes. Bonus points if you take the supplement Heliocare prior to a long beach day. This is a powerful antioxidant supplement with evidence proven to protect the skin and prevent sunburn. Great for anyone in the sun for a prolonged period of time, especially during these months when our time outdoors increases greatly.
Hope this is helpful! We want you to feel confident and protected all summer long.
