BEAUTY

BEYOND SUN SAFETY: THE BEST SUMMER SKINCARE (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

AUGUST 1, 2019

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COURTESY of BRAND

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by GRACE GARRAHAN

Summer is a time for beach vacations, rooftop romps, and living life to the fullest. The last thing you should be doing during the summer is worrying—especially when it comes to your skin. We all know that wearing sunscreen is integral, whether you’re en route to the Hamptons or the office. However, your skin needs more than just an SPF 30 and a splash of water. Just because you’re sweating, doesn’t mean you’re moisturized. 

There are various challenges your skin faces during the summer. If you live in a metropolitan area, your skin should be protected from pollutants in the air. Your body needs lotion to repair it after spending hours soaking up the sun. Of course, cleansing your face from dirt, oil, and sweat will keep it fresh all season long. Here are our suggestions for body lotions, moisturizers, cleansers and toners, serums, and—of course—sunscreens to incorporate into your summer routine. 

BODY TREATMENTS

With the focus on skincare routines entering popular culture, more and more people are slapping creams, toners, and serums on their faces. However, a perfect, wrinkle-free face only goes so far if your body is aging. Anti-aging lotions and body treatment oils can work to restore skin’s elasticity, which gives the appearance of firmer, smoother skin.

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Aging Body Cream contains oils to diminish signs of aging and antioxidants to actually protect the skin’s cell membrane from free radicals. Its quick-absorbing, hydrating formula will leave skin feeling supple without feeling greasy. Lancome’s Nutrix Royal Body butter protects the skin from climate changes, which is ideal for summer’s ever-changing conditions, and aids skin’s natural production of lipids to retain moisture. The Clarins Contour Body Treatment oil is imbued with essential oils to reduce toxins, which leads to a smoother, slimmer appearance. 

MOISTURIZERS & SPF

The need for facial moisturizers and creams is obvious in the winter, when harsh winds and extreme cold temperatures dry out the skin. However, oil production does not equal hydration. In fact, it is just as important to properly moisturize and hydrate oil-prone skin. Otherwise, your face will produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness. It sounds counterintuitive, but trust us. The added benefit of SPF should go without saying.  

Some good options include the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 42, which is a sweat- and water-resistant daily sunscreen that absorbs excess sebum for a smooth, healthy finish. For those preoccupied with anti-aging, their Future Solutions LX Total Protective Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Struggle with an uneven skin tone? Clinique’s Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 brightens dark spots and prevents future damage from the sun. Finally, for indoor use, consider Kiehl’s Rose Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream, which just might be able to reserve the damage we did with tanning oil in the 90s.