July 14, 2020
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Confused about the best skincare for the summer months? The good news about skincare is that after age forty, concerns like acne and excessive oiliness are less common. Instead of needing to control shine or oiliness, many women become concerned with hydration to keep the complexion smooth and youthful.
Use these easy clean skincare tips to create your own routine for a healthy, glowing complexion this summer!
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Oil based cleansers are multi-taskers that cleanse, remove makeup and nourish your skin. Oil may seem like the enemy if you have or had oily skin when you were younger, but oil is actually an effective, thorough cleanser for all skin types.
Gel cleanser might make you feel extra clean, but thee can strip or over clean and weaken the natural moisture barrier. Personally, I found that the redness in my skin decreased dramatically within days of switching to oil-based cleansing.
Clinical Cleanser Dry/Sensitive is the perfect option if your skin is dry to normal, or if you often experience redness. Redness usually indicates irritation or inflammation. If your skin is pink, red or feels irritated, you cannot go wrong using this cleanser.
In fact, this is my personal daily cleanser. After years of gel based cleansers, I am now a loyal fan of oil based cleansing. Organic green tea and squalane oil (from olives) leave your face feeling smooth, clean and moisturized in just one step.
If your skin is still oily, you may want to alternate use of Face & Body Bar Cleanser with Clinical Cleanser Oily/Combination. During warmer months or after working out, this mild, ultra pure bar leaves skin with a super clean yet moisturized feel.
Both of these 302 cleansers are available in the Smart Beauty Store. To access product prices, please register first (as the brand does not allow any pricing to be published on the internet).
Both products clean well without disturbing the skin's natural barrier. Instead of stripping out oils which can end up increasing oil production, they cleanse and moisturize for healthy look. Both products are fragrance and detergent free.
302 Skincare's original product-still a bestseller and ideal for all skin types
Masks can be excellent for exfoliation, cleansing or refining. If I'm traveling, my pores are congested or I need to remove heavy make-up, I often use Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mask ($16).
Salicylic Acid has refining and brightening benefits, but is milder than glycolic acids. It's especially useful if you have blocked or congested pores. It's probably best to use masks a couple times a week or less to avoid irritation.
If your skin is oily but also inflamed or sensitive, stick with a soothing mask like 302 Professional Skincare's Calming Mask Rx.
Save the chemical peels, IPL or laser sessions for cooler months with less outdoor time and less UV exposure.
While these treatments are relatively non-invasive, they each have some down time, during which skin is healing and thus more sensitive. For a medium-depth peel like the VI Peel or Perfect Derma Peel, manufacturers advise minimizing sun exposure for at least a few weeks post peel.
If your sun exposure is minimal and you take precautions, you should be fine. But if you are super active outdoors - surfing, running, sunning or boating, you will be better off waiting until the winter when days are shorter and temperatures are cooler.
If possible, avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm. It's best to always use a high quality SPF 30 daily, and add a hat if you'll be in direct sun for longer periods of time.
Coolibar is a fantastic place to shop for sun protection options for the whole family. You'll find SPF rated clothing and swimsuits, gloves, hats and more.
Don't forget to cover your chest, neck, hands and arms, or use plenty of mineral based SPF 30 or higher on your body as well.
There are quite a good mineral based SPF products available these days through many retailers. The key is to find one that feels and looks good on your skin, since regular use is the key to protecting your face. Taking the time to find one you love will pay off in the long run!
Many doctors now recommend mineral based SPF, as it is considered safer. you can read more about mineral based SPF at EWG.org. Some of these leave a white cast on the skin, but there are several elegant formulations that are clear and feel light on your face.
All MDSolarSciences SPF products are top-rated by the EWG. They are non-comedogenic and coral reef-safe.
These products are also free of parabens, sulfates, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Mineral based SPF is a safe choice for all skin types and especially suitable for dry, sensitive or mature skin.
Elta MD is another well respected, popular line many doctors endorse. There are many options from SPF 30 to SPF 46, tinted and clear formulas.
Personally, I like the Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin, which is oil free.
The texture of this SPF is lighter than MDSolar, so for women with oily or combination skin, it feels cleaner. However, the MDSolar is fantastic for dry, mature skin types as it also offers smoothing and hydration.
Choosing a clean, pure make-up base is important for every woman. However it is even more critical if you experience redness, inflammation, acne or rosacea.
Many foundations contain ingredients that irritate your skin and over time can cause inflammation. Unchecked inflammation ages skin prematurely. Choose well or better yet, don't wear foundation on a regular basis.
Hush and Dotti's
Organic Liquid Foundation is a clean skincare brand with excellent foundation make-up. It's not easy finding a silicone free make-up that goes on so smoothly.
The color range is a bit limited, but you will love the look and feel of this medium coverage foundation.
Finally, Jane Iredale is a long standing, well respected brand that offers both mineral liquid and powder foundations. I often use Liquid Minerals.
The texture is a bit different than most, and may take time to get used to. It can come out a bit watery. However, the coverage is amazing and the ingredients are pure and safe.
I hope these easy steps will help keep your skin beautiful and balanced this summer! If you have questions, please let me know in the comments below.
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Please note: I only share products I’ve used personally and wholeheartedly recommend. All products are Cruelty-Free.
Michelle Ray is a skin care brand consultant with 13 years of experience in medical aesthetics sales, product development and marketing. She is also a former yoga teacher/massage therapist and a lifelong beauty-product junkie.
Michelle operates the Smart Beauty Rituals website where she shares honest, accurate information about quality products that can make a real difference in your skin's health and appearance.