SUMMER ARTICLE: My Tips for Summer Skin Care
As an esthetician and high-end skincare spa owner for 23 years, I have
treated many people who want to look and feel their best as they visit the
beach or pool. With the excitement of summer comes sometimes oily skin
and clogged pores from changes in weather patterns and high humidity
coupled with drying air conditioning.

Here are some important steps to follow in order to enjoy the summer while
keeping your skin clear and bright

CLEANSE TONE AND HYDRATE
During the summer the skin changes and can become oilier than in fall
or winter months, so it’s important to cleanse the skin morning and night.
Others might need to clean during the day depending on outdoor activities.
Cleansers and toners might need a little boosting as well.

For normal to oily skin, look for a cleanser that has salacylic acid, and for dry or sensitive skin, latic acid is great because is non-drying at the same time it does
not strip the skin of its natural oils. So many women remove cleanser with the
palm of your hands. That is a NO NO... in my book. The proper way to use
a cleanser is to apply it all over the face, then remove with a damp face cloth
or sea sponge using lots of warm water to rid the skin dirt and dead cells.
DO NOT FORGET THE NECK!!

Toners should be applied directly after cleanser and can also be up-graded
to a non-alcohol toner or an astringent for oily skin. Toners should be applied
with a cotton ball using circular movements all over the face and neck.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS? Tightens closes pores and removes any
excess of dirt on the skin.

MOISTURIZER IS YOUR FRIEND
While its tempting to want to grab some rays, always use a sunscreen!
Seek a SPF 20 or higher. If you’re of darker skin tone, then 15-30 is fine.
If you are of lighter skin tone, try to use a SPF 30 or higher.
Sunscreen should be applied everyday. If you are planning a day at the beach,
make sure to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before and reapply every hour,
and DO NOT FORGET YOUR EYE AREA. The eye area is thin and sensitive
so it’s important to use protection, or use a hat to guard against the ultra rays.

For darker skin tones or skin with sunspots or pigmentary problems, if you
are using any kind of lightening creams or AHA’S, use it only at nighttime.
Any peels or lightening products with hydroquoninne is not advisable
to use during the summer months and should be used at nighttime ONLY.

FACIAL MASK
I am a big fan of facial masks especially in the summer time and you
should be, too: WHY? Masks can be nourishing or healing for the skin.
Cream mask will add moisture to your skin that was taken away from the sun.
Look for a mask with hyaluronic acid, which is rich in moisture. For oily skin,
look for a mask with Aloe Vera gel, goldenseal or salicylic acid.
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GO PROFESSIONAL
It’s ideal to seek the help of a professional Esthetician every 4-6 weeks
for regular skin treatments to maintain that healthy look. Skin treatment
can vary depending on the condition of your skin. If the skin is problematic with
uneven skin tone, lactic/glycolic or microdermrabrasion peels are valuable
treatments for the skin because they help to smooth the texture, remove
dead cells and smooth out deep wrinkles and help with the production of
new collagen cells.


WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING INTO YOUR BODY
As they say, you are what you eat! The skin reflects what you are eating and
drinking. Studies have shown that eating essential fatty acids found in foods
such as salmon, tuna, nuts and seeds creates a huge benefit, improving the
condition of hair and skin. General good health can be maximized by eating
fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Do not indulge in junk food, but don’t deprive yourself either. A small treat
is fine, keeping in mind portion control is the key.

LIMIT ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE
Drink caffeine only in moderation, and stick to one cup in the morning.
Even half decaf and half regular is a bonus!
For those of you who drink more than one cup a day, try drinking an extra glass
of water to flush out some of the toxins. Some studies have shown that
caffeine dilates the blood vessels, which can make for a rosy glow –
but limit your intake because in some, it can cause redness as well. Alcohol consumption especially during the summer months can cause dehydration on
the skin and cause wrinkled, crepey appearance. Eat, drink and be merry --
but in moderation.

GET YOUR GROVE ON
Keep up the exercise- your body shows it if you are keep moving! Start a
regular exercise routine at a health club or outside and you’ll be on your way
to better circulation, which will help your skin from the inside out.

In terms of your body physiology, when you work out, you sweat- thereby
eliminating lymphatic fluid and toxins which are your body’s way of natural
boosts of endorphins, the “feel good” hormone!

REMEMBER: Summer is for a few months, but good skin can last you a lifetime
if you follow these easy tips.

Stick these tips on a bulletin board or tack onto your fridge to help you stick
with these suggestions. Follow the above guidelines, and your summer
will be happy and relaxed.


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