THE INCI LIST: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO READ IT?
April 15, 2024
HOW TO TRANSITION FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SKINCARE ROUTINE
When dresses get shorter and the daytime is longer, you know that the sunshine season is definitely in! So, get your cute summery outfits out and begin packing for those picnics and trips to the beach. But, to tweak the Peter Parker principle, “with great fun comes great responsibility.” The hot, sultry weather doesn’t just give you a frolicking’ good time – it can also be tough on your skin. Thus, you need to switch from your winter skincare regimen to a more summer-appropriate one. If you’re not quite sure how to go about it, here are our tips for pampering your skin in summer:
As much as we love the fun times that summer can bring, we sure don’t want the sun damage that can come with them. Exposure to UVA rays can lead to wrinkles, leathery skin, and premature aging. On the other hand, UVB rays can cause sunburn and wreak havoc on our DNA.
Thus, you must shield yourself from the sun by wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, slacks, and a wide-brimmed hat (whenever you can, of course). And most importantly, wear sunblock with at least an SPF of 30 and re-apply every two hours, especially when you’re out in the sun. For sustainability, opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that doesn’t harm corals and marine life. Just make sure to apply at least 30 minutes to allow them to be absorbed by your skin before you head outdoors.
Perhaps you’ve always known water to be indispensable to your health, regardless of the season. However, the summer heat can cause you to sweat more, making you lose more body fluids than you normally would. Even indoors, you’d want to ramp up your air conditioning. This can draw moisture from your skin, making it dry.
Keep the skin well-hydrated with your ever-reliable H2O. Water helps you replenish lost fluids. It also enhances blood circulation, allowing more efficient delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to repair and regenerate cells, including your skin cells. On top of that, it helps support your kidneys in flushing out toxins from your skin, allowing a more even and healthy skin tone.
Eat your way to fabulous skin with skin-loving foods that are great-tasting too. For instance, strawberries (and all other berries), tomatoes, red bell peppers, and citrus fruits are some excellent sources of vitamin C. The water-soluble nutrient is essential in fighting skin-damaging free radicals, repairing damaged cells, and boosting collagen and antioxidant levels. However, watch out for fruits with a high glycemic index such as mangoes, raisins, and dried fruits.
Indulge in refreshing beverages, like hibiscus tea, rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C. Enjoy salmon and mackerel to get enough omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and protect against sun damage. Don’t forget your leafy vegetables, like spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts, with vitamin E and folate that protect and renew cells.
Summer calls for everything bright and light—and that includes your cleanser. Unlike in the winter, when you tend to go for a creamier facial or body wash, you’ll need something more lightweight for hot and humid days. Choose water-based gel cleansers that can help your skin stay hydrated. There are also foaming cleansers that can be equally effective in removing the most stubborn makeup without drying out your skin. These non-irritating skincare products will help you get rid of skin impurities while helping you maintain a clean and fresh complexion.
Serums are commonly considered nice-to-haves, especially in sweltering weather. However, in reality, they are year-round essentials, most especially during the summer months.
The excessive heat can dry out your skin, causing wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and rough, leathery texture. Ward off unwanted skin conditions with serums. These are lightweight fluids that efficiently deliver potent ingredients into the skin like no typical moisturizer can. These include vitamin C, which amps up your collagen supply necessary for a smooth and supple complexion. Cure dry skin with serums containing hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture from the air and drenches our skin with it. Other beneficial molecules can also be antioxidants and vitamins A and E that target discoloration and improve the skin’s overall appearance. For best results, use the serum after cleansing and before moisturizing.
In the winter months, it’s perhaps logical to lay on the thicker, oil-based creams. However, the dog days of summer require a lighter hydration strategy. You’ll still want to use moisturizers because it’s easy to get dehydrated in hot and humid weather. Additionally, moisturizers can provide that extra layer to shield your skin from environmental toxins and chemicals that can irritate and harm your skin.
The key is to know your skin type. If you already have oily skin, you may want to have a daily moisturizer with sunscreen instead of using two separate products. Or you can select a gel-based moisturizer to ensure your acne-prone skin stays hydrated without clogging your pores. A bonus is that this doesn’t leave you with a sticky or greasy feeling. You can also use water-based moisturizers if you have normal or combination skin. Finally, if you have dry skin, you can opt for lighter but still cream-based products with glycerine, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, cucumber extract, or avocado oil.
Wearing heavy makeup in the summertime is like putting on a heavy coat in a tropical climate. Too many layers of beauty products can keep your skin from breathing. And that doesn’t help when all the sweat and excess oils are already accumulating and blocking your pores. This can lead to skin problems such as inflammations and breakouts.
Instead of full-beat makeup, consider multi-purpose items such as a tinted lip balm (rather than lipstick) or a tinted moisturizer with SPF (a good alternative to foundation).
Our Instant Lip Plumper and our Eyelash Enhancing Serum can help you enhance your natural beauty, giving you plumped lips and full lashes even without lip gloss or mascara!
Instant Lip Plumper (€21.95) and Eyelash Enhancing Serum (€76.95) are available at www.beautical.com.
And you, what are your summer tips?
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