SonyaSummer months are here and that means it’s time to revisit the skincare cabinet and take a closer look at what we are using. Is it time to switch out some of the products we’ve relied on during the winter months? For someone like me who has sensitive skin and prone to going from dry to oily, I need to pay close attention to what I use to help minimize flare ups and of course, protect my skin from sun damage all year round.
We all know the drill about sunscreen. It’s a must all year round! YOU WEAR IT RIGHT?But we have a few more questions about summer skincare! We checked in with Lindsay Barras, Education Manager for Dermalogica Canada to get some helpful answers.
We all talk about wearing sunscreen all year round but is there anything we should be aware of when it comes to when we use other skin care products? For example, I use serums with Retinol.
Yes, sunscreen should be worn all year round, even when it is cloudy outside!
It is even more imperative to wear sunscreen if you are using chemical exfoliants in your skincare routine (Glycolic acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinol, etc). When you exfoliate your skin, your skin is a bit more vulnerable to sun damage so it is important that we are protecting the new skin cells that have come to the surface of the skin!
Remember, if you are working to CORRECT any current damage that you may have – hyperpigmentation, aging, acne – it is important that you are protecting your skin because sun exposure is the leading cause of damage. Your corrective products will be fighting an uphill battle if you are not protecting your skin everyday!
Specifically, Retinol can break down when exposed to light, this is why we always recommend only utilizing any Retinol at night time. We suggest the use of SPF during the day to provide critical protection for your skin against harmful UV rays that can increase dark spots and skin aging.
There’s always a debate over what order we should be using our skincare products. Can you help us with that? And do we need to wait in between applications?
Double Cleanse the skin. First with an oil based cleanser like Precleanse to help lift any debris, make up or pollution from the skin, the use a skin specific cleanser to help thoroughly deep cleanse the skin and prepare it for further treatment.
Tone the skin. Apply your spritzable toner to your skin and leave the toner damp on your skin, you will thank us for the glow later!
Moisturize the skin. This may vary from season to season. In winter you may want something richer and more oil based to protect and nourish your skin. In the warmer months something lighter that will saturate your skin with hydration.
Finally SPF. This is your crucial daylight defense for every skin. This will protect you from harmful UV rays that can accelerate skin aging and cause uneven skin tone
Ideally you are able to wait 30 seconds – 1 minute between layers of your skin care routine, however not imperative!
Can we skip the moisturizer step during the summer?
It’s always suggested to replenish any lost oils or water with a moisturizer. The amount will vary based on your skin type. Consider opting for something lighter weight and ultra hydrating if you find your skin feeling oilier in the warmer months.
Speaking of humidity, what tips do you have?
Keep it light! Vitamin C in the morning, a hydrating moisturizer if needed, and your sunscreen is all you need!
Incorporate a double cleanse into your skincare routine every day, twice a day to remove any build of pollution, debris or make up from your skin.
We’re still worried about “maskne” especially in the summer. Any advice?
Totally understandable! You can still apply a light weight serum to help combat any breakout activity. Dermalogica’s AGE Bright Clearing Serum is fantastically light weight and aids in decongestion. Ensure you’re double cleansing your skin every day and applying light weight, hydrating products in the morning and at night.
HOT TIP: you can spritz your toner into your mask!
With the many oils, serums and scrubs on the market it can be overwhelming and costly to determine what works for our individual needs. I always look for specific ingredients to address my needs like sunspots, Melasma, and keeping wrinkles at bay.
The experts at Dermalogica have highlighted five skincare ingredients are worth looking into and what you should to know before adding to your skincare routine.
Hexylresorcinol
Inhibits the enzyme that produces melanin which restores skin pigments and has been known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase protection against UVB and UVA rays, and improve the skin’s barrier against pollution and sun exposure. Found in Dermalogica’s Power Bright Dark Spot Serum and perfect for your morning routine. (I’ve been using this product for well over a month now and LOVE IT).
Adaptogenic Ashwagandha
You may also know this ingredient as Indian Ginseng. This particular botanical will smooth and deliver antioxidant benefits, fighting free radical damage. This ingredient works naturally with the skin – by nature anything that is considered an adaptogen helps the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.
Argan, Rosehip Seed, and Golden Jojoba oils
Deliver lightweight, skin-friendly phytoactive lipids to soothe and nourish the skin. These soothing oils can be found in Dermalogica’s Retinol Clearing Oil.
Activated Binchotan Charcoal
Charcoal powerfully adsorbs impurities to help balance skin. This is helpful is you are trying to pull toxins out of your skin. A product like the Active Clay Cleanser is perfect for this.
Snow Mushroom
This super ingredient holds 450x its weight in water – infusing skin with hydration, antioxidants and Vitamin D. Treatments like the Hydro Masque Exfoliant give your skin a burst of hydration that can be really helpful if you have dry skin.
Amazonian Camu Camu
This ingredient is sourced sustainably from Peru and helps prolong radiance. Often called the “youth berry,” this superfruit contains 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange and has been wild-harvested by indigenous tribes for more than 700 years to maintain health and longevity. It is a hidden gem but you can find it in Dermalogicas Phyto Nature Firming Serum.
Prebiotics
Glycerol delivers powerful prebiotic benefits, stimulating skin’s natural defences and providing “food” to help skin’s good bacteria flourish.
Chlorella Algae rebalances the microbiome to feed the “good bacteria” S.Epidermidis and diminishing bacteria that contribute to skin dryness.