A Complete Guide to Summer Skincare, According to Nantucket Experts
Although Labor Day is just around the corner marking the unofficial end of summer, it’s important to continue protecting your skin from the sun and other environmental factors. And proper protection extends well beyond your face and the products you’re using (although those are important, too). To get to the bottom of how you should be treating your skin when it comes to sun protection and other environmental factors, we enlisted Nantucket’s finest skincare experts to elaborate: Melanie Perkins BSN, RN of Glistn, Alexa Nicholls Costa, NP of LexRx, and Julie Almand of The Verdant Maiden. Below are their top tips.
Wear SPF Year-Round, But At Least SPF 50 During Summer
By now, most know that it’s important to wear SPF daily, summer or not, indoors or outdoors. But the warmer seasons (especially with more time under the sun) call for added SPF of at least 50, according to our experts. “At LexRx, we have many different facial sunscreens (all 50 SPF) for different skin types (tinted sheer, tinted full coverage, oil-free, and moisturizing),” says Nicholls Costa. “We recommend using these SPFs as a part of your morning cleansing and/or makeup routine. We also have a body SPF that is easy to apply before spending the day outside or on the go!”
“Use a Mineral SPF instead of a chemical sunscreen,” adds Perkins. “Mineral sunscreens use UV filters that sit on top of the skin, specifically zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, effectively blocking rays from penetrating the skin’s surface. They are great for acne-prone and oily skin as they don't penetrate into the layers of the skin like chemical sunscreens do.”
Choose Less Over More
When applying your skincare during any season, layer from thinnest consistency to thickest. Over warmer months, maintain the same routine but opt for lighter formulas. “Summertime on Nantucket is humid so I like to suggest lighter layers. (But always layers!),” says Almand. “Focus on lightweight, yet sufficient, hydration. For me, this means chilled facial mists (keep them in the door of your refrigerator) and lightweight serums and oils. If oils aren't in your routine, mix your serum with a little bit of face moisturizer.”
Exfoliate Everywhere
It may seem counterintuitive to exfoliate during more humid seasons when your skin isn’t as dry or flaky, but our experts insist on its year-round benefits.
“With the increase in humidity, there is an increase in oil production which can cause our skin to feel congested, greasy, and more breakout-prone so don't skip out on exfoliation just because it's summer!” says Perkins. “Use a gentle cleanser daily and don't be afraid to incorporate a gentle exfoliating cleanser a couple times a week as well. With the increase in humidity and sweating, there is an increase in dead skin buildup so exfoliation is super important during the summer months. I recommend using an exfoliating cleanser that contains AHA/BHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and Beta-Hydroxy Acids).”
Exfoliation doesn’t stop at your face—extend the care to your entire body. “Once a week is sufficient,” says Almand. “Exfoliate with something gentle, like a sugar scrub, and slough off any dryness due to sand and saltwater. A pre-shave exfoliation is always the best idea. Getting into this practice before shaving will ensure a close shave and maximum absorption for whatever you put on afterward.”
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
All of our experts agree that hydration is key to healthy skin. Almand recommends cucumber and/or lemon water with a hint of sea salt to make your daily water a little more interesting and effective, as well as peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus teas as natural options.
Get Your Beauty Rest
There’s a reason they call it “beauty rest.” “During deep sleep, your body enters repair mode and regenerates skin, muscles, and blood and brain cells,” says Perkins. So if you needed an excuse to slow down, consider this it.
Don’t Smoke
For obvious reasons extending beyond skincare, all of our experts agree: don’t smoke. When it comes to skincare, however, smoking strips the skin. “Smoking narrows the blood vessels found in the outer layer of the skin,” says Perkins, “which reduces blood flow and exhausts the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to remain healthy.”
Consider Sunless Tanning
Sunless tanning has evolved over the last few years to be a proper alternative to a real tan, sans damage (although it’s not a substitute for sun protection). “If you are dying for a sunkissed summer glow that is safe and won't damage the skin, consider getting a spray tan,” says Perkins. “Gone are the days of orange or overly-bronzed spray tans; spray tan formulas now give a much more natural look and many are vegan, paraben, GMO, and sulfate-free. I recommend checking out Tantucket and Nantucket Island Glow for a natural, glowy, beautiful tan.”
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