Summer Skincare Routine
- CLOTHESMINDEDLIFE
- Jul 9, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2020
By no means am I a dermatologist or a skincare expert, but I like to pride myself in taking care of my skin and knowing what products my body responds positively to. If I had to describe my skin in three words it would have to be hormonal, sensitive, and dry. I have always struggled with pretty dry skin but it tends to lean more on the "combination" side during the warmer weather. In addition to being dry and sensitive to many things including strong fragrances, I also suffer from mild hormonal acne, especially around that time of the month. If you are reading this and have found yourself relating to all (or some) of my struggles, then please continue reading. I have found the perfect skincare routine for the summer months that has kept my skin happy and healthy!
Step One: Cleansing
Before I start any other part of my skincare routine, I need to make sure I remove any makeup or dirt that has been on my face throughout the day. I tend to reach for makeup remover wipes such as the Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes but have been reaching for micellar water more recently. The one that I have been using, Yes To Cotton "Comforting Micellar Cleansing Water", is great for ultra-sensitive and allergy-prone skin and is very gentle yet effective.
I like to follow up with a foaming cleanser to really make sure that I have gotten rid of every last bit of makeup and impurities. I have been using the Drunk Elephant "Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser". This cleanser takes off all of my makeup, and I was especially impressed with how easily it removed my stubborn waterproof mascara. This cleanser makes my skin glow and leaves me feeling super clean and fresh without feeling completely stripped of moisture. I highly recommend this product for the summer months.
Step Two: Exfoliate
The Kate Somerville "Exfolikate" intensive treatment is by far one of my favorite skincare products. Many people say that it is comparable to a Hollywood facial, and this product has worked wonders for me. It is a pretty gentle exfoliator and I only use it twice a week. It is very effective at removing dead skin cells and always leaves my skin looking soft, smooth and there are noticeably fewer blackheads. This product is totally worth the investment for the whole year, not just the summer.
Step Three: Toner
For the longest time, I had such a bad relationship with toners. I had only tried ones that burned, left my skin red, and dried me out. My aunt has been using Witch Hazel as a toner for quite some time and turned me onto this product that I have now incorporated into my routine. The Dickinson's "Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner", is an awesome natural product that helps to tighten pores without being as drying as other leading toners on the market. I use this toner once a day right after cleansing and exfoliating my skin.
Step Four: Serum
Serums are so important to include in your skincare routine because they contain a much higher percentage of active ingredients compared to most moisturizers. They help to hydrate your skin and strengthen your skin cells. Once I started to use a serum, I noticed an improvement in my skin texture almost immediately. I have been loving the Valjean Labs "Glow" facial serum that has Vitamin C & Magnesium. These ingredients are used in order to achieve firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.
Step Five: Moisturize
When I am moisturizing my skin, I use two different products depending on if it is day time or night time. I have skin that leans on the dry side, so I like to use products that are super hydrating, light, and moisturizing. During the daytime, I use the Mario Badescu "Honey Moisturizer". I love how gentle this product is for my sensitive skin and how the fatty acids are particularly moisturizing. My skin soaks up this product super quickly so it doesn't feel too heavy under makeup or on its own throughout the day in the heat.
When it comes time to go through the steps of my skincare routine at night, I swap out the Mario Badescu moisturizer for my Laneige "Water Sleeping Mask". This product is great to lather on right before bed and works for all skin types. I have found that the gel consistency is very cooling and refreshing after using a handful of products that might leave my skin irritated. It is super hydrating and awesome at sealing in my serum before bed. I wake up with my skin feeling super supple and looking plump. It's also a really great product to use under your makeup if you suffer from super dry skin.
Step Six: Eye Cream
I have finally incorporated an eye cream into my skincare routine after learning the importance of this step and how it is never too early to start using one. While many people use them for anti-aging purposes, they can also be formulated to decrease puffiness and improve dark circles which is something I struggle with. I have been using the Lancôme "Rénergie Eye Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Cream" which has helped to firm the area as well as decrease puffiness and improve the coloration under my eyes.
Step Seven: Spot Treatment
I am a huge Mario Badescu fan and the first product I had tried that turned me on to the company was their "Drying Lotion". This stuff has performed overnight miracles for me whenever I feel a break out coming on. I just use a q-tip to get a small amount of product to dab onto any spots I want to treat in order to dry them out. This is always my final step in my skincare routine as it is harder to complete the previous steps with spot treatment already on your skin.
In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are a few key rules to follow that will help you achieve glowing healthy skin for the Summer. First of all, it is so important to protect your skin from the sun. Using SPF either in your moisturizer or just on its own is going to protect your skin from sun damage and will help to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. Additionally, I like to pamper myself with a facial or face mask at least once a week, but doing them more frequently will leave you with better results. Make sure to only do a clay mask once or twice a week max. They can be a great treatment for your skin, however, overdoing it can really draw out too much moisture and over-dry your skin. Furthermore, don't forget to drink about 2 liters of water a day, throw away expired makeup products, and ritually clean your makeup brushes and your pillowcases. These little changes may seem tedious or small but will make a huge difference in the way your skin will feel and look!
XO,
Sabrina
@ClothesMindedLife
Comments