Hi my beauties!
I’m excited to share my ultimate summer skincare guide to help you maintain healthy, radiant skin during the sunny months.
As someone who loves the beach and spends a lot of time in the sun, I understand the importance of protecting and caring for your skin, especially during summer.
While enjoying the sun, it’s crucial to be smart about photoprotection to keep your skin youthful and glowing.Let’s dive into why your skincare routine needs adjustment for summer and how you can adapt it for optimal skin health.
Watch the corresponding YouTube video for a deep dive on my summer skincare advice.
How the summer can affect your skin
During summer, several factors affect your skin’s behavior:
- Longer Days and Higher UV Index: Increased sun exposure means more UV radiation, which can damage your skin.
- Humidity Changes: Depending on where you live, humidity levels can rise or fall, impacting your skin’s hydration and barrier function.
- Environmental Toxins: Heat increases the presence of environmental pollutants, which can harm your skin.
Given these changes, it’s essential to modify your skincare routine to protect and nourish your skin effectively.
Step-by-Step Summer Skincare Routine
- Switch to a Gel-Based, pH-Balanced Cleanser
Using a gel-based, pH-balanced cleanser during summer is vital because:
- Barrier Function: The hydration status and keratinization of your skin cells change in summer. A pH-balanced cleanser helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier without over-stripping it.
- Removing Impurities: Heat and humidity lead to more sweat, oil, and debris on your skin. A good cleanser removes these impurities, preventing clogged pores and inflammation.
MDAiRE Recommendation:My BioCleanse 5.5 is a gentle, gel-based cleanser with a pH of 5.5. It contains natural fruit extracts from papaya, pomegranate, and pineapple, which brighten and detoxify the skin while maintaining its natural moisture.
- Gentle Exfoliation
Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal, but it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
- Types of Exfoliation: Mechanical (using scrubs) and chemical (using acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid).
- Benefits: Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores, promotes a healthy glow, and enhances the effectiveness of other skincare products.
MDAiRE Recommendation: The Exfoliating Cloud Polish from my line is a gentle exfoliant with natural pumpkin and pomegranate extracts. It provides both mechanical and chemical exfoliation, packed with antioxidants to detoxify and renew your skin.
- Importance of High Quality Antioxidants
Antioxidants are your skin’s best defense against free radicals and environmental damage, which are heightened in summer.
- Key Antioxidant: Vitamin C, particularly in the form of L-ascorbic acid, is powerful but challenging to formulate due to its instability.
- Benefits: Protects against UV damage, brightens the skin, and supports collagen production.
MDAiRE Recommendation:: My Vitamin C-FKcontains 15% L-ascorbic acid along with other potent antioxidants like kojic acid and niacinamide. It’s engineered to remain stable and effective, providing visible results within days.
- Hydration and Moisturization
Even in summer, keeping your skin hydrated is essential- factors like air conditioning can strip skin of moisture.
A good hydrator helps skin retain water, essential for maintaining a healthy barrier and preventing transepidermal water loss. Avoid heavy creams that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Selecting the Right Hydrator: Opt for products with peptides, ceramides, and natural moisturizing factors. These ingredients help skin cells retain water and improve skin texture.
For mature skin, a ceramide-rich cream can provide extra hydration without being overly greasy.
For those new to retinol, mixing it with a hydrator can help mitigate irritation.
Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide sufficient hydration without feeling heavy.
MDAiRE Recommendation:From my line, I would recommend our NMF Hydrator Barrier Repairfor a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. This moisturizer is perfect for the summer as it allows the skin to maintain its natural moisturization factors. For more mature skin, you can opt for our NMF intense.
- Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. I prefer mineral based sunscreens.
My favorite line is ColoreScience, which you can purchase directly from the MDAiRE website.
- Diet and Lifestyle
In addition to topical care, maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. Foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens help combat free radicals from the inside out.
Adapting your skincare routine for summer involves understanding how the season affects your skin and choosing the right products to address these changes.
By incorporating gentle cleansing, careful exfoliation, powerful antioxidants, proper hydration, and diligent sun protection, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
Remember, you don’t have to use my products exclusively. The key is to look for the right ingredients and formulations that suit your skin’s needs.
Should I quit my Retinol in the summer?
There's a common misconception that retinol should be avoided during the summer months due to its potential to cause photosensitivity and break down in sunlight.
However, summer is when your skin can benefit most from retinol, given the increased environmental stressors.
The key is to choose a formulation that is both effective and gentle.
MDAiRE Recommendation:From my line, I would recommend our NMF hydrator barrier repair for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. This moisturizer is perfect for the summer as it allows the skin to maintain its natural moisturization factors.
Understanding Retinol and Its Effects
Retinol works by promoting cell renewal and collagen production, crucial for maintaining skin's youthful appearance.
Many retinol products, however, cause sensitization, leading to dryness and peeling.
This happens because these formulations often lack a sophisticated delivery system, allowing the retinol to disperse outside the cells, causing irritation without delivering benefits.
Look for a retinol that's engineered with a smart delivery system.
MDAiRE Recommendation:From my line, I would recommend our RXR Retinol Anti Aging Serum .Our RXR retinol utilizes a micro-encapsulation method, ensuring the active ingredient reaches the cellular level where it stimulates collagen production without causing unnecessary irritation.
Unlike many over-the-counter retinols that may degrade in sunlight, a well-formulated RXR retinol remains stable and effective even during the day.
Summer Application Tips:
The frequency of retinol use depends on your skin's condition.
Beginners should start with a low concentration, such as 0.5%, and use it once a week, gradually increasing the frequency as the skin builds tolerance.
For seasoned users, applying retinol twice daily can offer maximum benefits.
Always listen to your skin and adjust usage to avoid irritation.
Internal Sun Protection
In addition to topical sunscreen, I take Heliocare, a supplement containing a fern-based enzyme that offers DNA protection and other health benefits like immune support and neurodegenerative protection.
It contains Polypodium leucotomos, a fern extract that helps protect skin from UV damage. While it is said that heliocare is the equivalent of 8 spf, it is NOT a replacement for topical sunscreen.
Benefits of HelioCare
HelioCare acts as an antioxidant, providing internal protection against UV radiation.
While it’s not a substitute for topical sunscreen, it offers additional defense.
The standard HelioCare supplement can be taken twice daily, with advanced options available for added benefits.
Summer Eye Protection
The skin around the eyes is delicate and more prone to damage from UV light and environmental stressors. Proper care can prevent premature aging in this area.
Eye Serum Essentials
Choose an eye serum that includes ingredients like green tea polyphenols, caffeine, and DNA repair enzymes.
These help protect against collagen breakdown, reduce puffiness, and brighten the under-eye area.
Products like the MDAiRE Regenerative ECM Eye Complex are formulated to support the unique histology of the eyelid skin, providing comprehensive protection and rejuvenation.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen for Eyes
Wear polarized sunglasses to protect against UV rays and minimize melanin production that can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Apply a mineral-based sunscreen around the eyes, ensuring it’s non-irritating and safe for this sensitive area.
SPF: The Summer Essential
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using SPF, especially during the summer months. While SPF is crucial year-round, summer's increased sun exposure makes it even more vital.
Start your day with a good base layer of sunscreen.
I highly recommend products like Colorescience, which you can find on the MDAiRE website.
For my kids, who are avid surfers, I use Neutrogena Kids Zinc Oxide Stick. It stays on well, even during their intense water activities. They reapply using timers on their Apple Watches.
For adults, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is crucial, especially if you're outdoors and active
Reapplying Sunscreen Without Ruining Makeup
To reapply sunscreen without disturbing makeup, consider using a sheer mineral powder, like those offered by Colorescience.
These powders allow for easy, midday touch-ups. However, if you're involved in water sports or exposed to intense sunlight, a full lotion reapplication is necessary every two hours.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, with at least one of these ingredients being 7% or higher.
These sunscreens are better for the environment and provide superior protection by reflecting light rather than absorbing it.
Everyday Sun Protection
Even if you're not outdoors, UVA rays can penetrate through windows and contribute to skin aging and hyperpigmentation.
So, it's important to reapply sunscreen if you're exposed to indirect sunlight or blue light from screens.
My Sunscreen Routine
On vacation or during any outdoor activity, I set a timer on my phone to remind me to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
This diligent routine allows me to enjoy my time in the sun without compromising my skin's health.
I'm almost 50 years old, have spent my entire life in the sun, and can attest that smart sun protection is worth the effort.
Sunscreen at a glance:
- Prioritizing SPF
- Always use SPF, especially during the summer.
- Morning Routine: Apply a good base layer of SPF in the morning.
- Recommended Products: Colorescience (my personal favorite)
- For Kids: Neutrogena Kids Zinc Oxide Stick for water sports and daily sun exposure.
- Reapplying Sunscreen:
- Frequency: Every 2 hours, more often if in water or intense sunlight.
- Makeup Concerns: Use a sheer mineral powder SPF (like Colorescience) for reapplication over makeup.
- Active Outdoors: Set a timer to remind you to reapply.
- Additional Protection:
- Heliocare: Take as a supplement for additional sun protection. It contains fern-based enzymes that protect DNA and offer other health benefits.
- Blue Light Exposure: Reapply SPF if working near windows or using devices, as blue light can affect the skin.
- Sunscreen Types:
- Mineral-Based: Prefer zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (7% or higher) for better skin and environmental protection.
- Waterproof Options: Essential for water activities. Reapply frequently.
- Misconceptions and FAQs:
- Sunscreen in Makeup: Not enough on its own. Always use additional SPF.
- Cloudy Days: UVA rays penetrate clouds and can cause damage. Apply SPF even on overcast days.
- Laser Treatments: Safe in summer with proper photo protection. Clear and Brilliant lasers are great summer options.
Lip Hydration
Chapped, dry, cracking lips are a thing of the past when you take proper care of your lips during the summer.
It’s important to hydrate from within (water and electrolytes) and use sunscreen on your lips, but for added protection and hydration, you can implement the use of a well engineered lip peptide mask.
Our MDAiRE Lip Peptide mask is enhanced with anti-aging polypeptides and hydrating actives to keep your lips skin hydrated, protected, and soft through the heat of the summer.
Takeaways:
Living a sun-filled life is possible with diligent photo protection and skincare.
I'm a dermatologist who loves the beach and spends a lot of time outdoors. By using the right sunscreens and skincare products and reapplying regularly, you can enjoy the sun without fear.
Don't let the sun scare you away from outdoor activities. Instead, be smart about protection and continue to live your best life.
Summer skincare requires smart choices and consistent routines.
Using a stable, effective retinol and vitamin C, maintaining hydration with the right products, supplementing with internal sun protection, and giving special care to the eye area can keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Remember, it’s not just about the products but how you use them and how they fit into your overall skincare regimen.
Make sure to watch the corresponding YouTube video for more details.
