7 Summer Skincare Tips You Need to Know

As humidity and stronger UV rays kick in, it’s time to make adjustments on our skincare routine to prepare for the summer. Under the unyielding sun, we are more prone to experience many skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, compromised skin barrier, and, most commonly, sunburn. Even for skincare enthusiasts, said struggles are universal when we are combating heat, UV rays, and humidity all at once. So, here comes the question: what can we do to protect ourselves from skin damage? Here are seven skincare tips to keep your skin healthy while having your summer fun.

 

1) Switch to a lightweight moisturizer.

Just as you switch your wardrobe from winter to summer, you ideally would do the same with skincare. Switch your thick moisturizer to a more lightweight and breathable texture. The Deep Sea Water Cream from Purito is lightweight yet delivers deep hydration for supple skin. This cream contains 2% niacinamide to enhance moisture for skin barrier, and humectants such as hyaluronic acid, and panthenol (Vitamin B5) to keep your skin hydrated. Together, they prevent the loss of hydration from skin to open air also known as transepidermal water loss.

 

2) Hydration is key! 

 

 

Since we sweat more in the summer, it is important to restore hydration and moisture for skin. One of the oo35mm senior employees, Winnie, recommends the Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner. This toner contains 91.9% Barberry root extract to soothe and cool your skin in a mist form, leaving no stickiness. You can use this toner to prep your skin during your routine or use it on its own to give your skin small bursts of hydration. This mist is also great to use over makeup. The versatility and simplicity of this toner makes it friendly to all skin types and a summer must-have!

Bonus: Drinking water is imperative as it replenishes hydration from inside out. Water makes up about 55-65% of an adult body, and the skin contains 64% water. Hence the trope, water is life. If consistently drinking water is not your forte, try adding chia seeds to your smoothies. Chia seeds are able to absorb water up to 10x their weight in liquid form in addition to providing health benefits. Himalayan sea salt with water is another great combo to replenish hydration and electrolytes. Electrolytes are necessary to the basic functions of our bodies, so recharging your electrolytes contributes to improving your overall health.

 

3) Wash your face day AND night.

 

 

Our skin tends to produce more sweat and oil from the heat during summer, even during the nighttime. If you are experiencing heavy greasiness, consider washing your face with a water-based cleanser in the morning as well with the Low PH Morning Gel Cleanser, an oldie but a goodie from CosRx. The combination of BHA and tea tree oil in this product removes oil and grime without being overly stripping while giving your skin gentle exfoliation to even out the skin’s texture and complexion. This cleanser brings down the skin’s pH to its ideal level of 5.5, a slightly acidic environment to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Overall, this cleanser is gentle yet effective.

 

4) GENTLE exfoliation. 

Are you experiencing more breakouts during the summer? Exfoliation could be the solution. The AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Toner is a staff picked toner for people who are more prone to texture and breakouts during the summertime. This toner contains AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) that give mild chemical exfoliation to your skin without damaging the skin barrier. The AHA helps to even out skin texture, and the BHA clears pores and reduces sebum buildup. Regular exfoliation helps your skin to remove the dead skin cells on the outermost layer of skin, giving your skin a brighter complexion. Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like kiwi extracts and Hylocereus Undatus Fruit extract, in this toner brightens skin and fights free radicals. This is a wonderful choice to make the best out of your hot girl summer!

 

5) Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!

 

 

Sunscreen is a must all year round, not just during the summertime. The Verdio UV Moisture Gel is a good summer staple. It’s SPF50+, PA++++, a common standard for Asian sunscreens. This sunscreen utilizes both chemical and physical filters but leaves no white cast on the skin. Not only does it contain ample plant extracts to protect the skin from environmental stressors, but its texture and setting effect also create an ideal base for makeup. To top it off, it’s water and sweat-resistant which makes it one of our favorite sunscreens for outdoor activities.  

Bonus: Try to reapply your sunscreen at least two finger lengths every two hours to your face and neck (don’t forget your ears). The main purpose of sunscreen is to prevent the development of skin cancers such as melanomas, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas, just to name a few. In the United States, sunscreen is FDA regulated and considered as an OTC (over-the-counter drug); sunscreen is an anti-cancer drug. Sunglasses, hats, and UPF (Ultraviolet Protective Factor) clothing are also necessary for protection from UV rays in addition to sunscreens. The skin on our body is the same skin on our face and neck. With overexposure to sunlight being the number one cause of skin cancer, suncare is essential for our health.

 

6) Calm your skin from the heat and irritation.

 

 

Our skin can be more prone to irritation in the summer heat and sweat. The I’m From Mugwort Essence is an excellent essence–unanimously agreed by all oo35mm members–to soothe and calm irritated skin while offering deep hydration. Mugwort is popularized in Korean skincare for its anti-inflammatory properties, offering abundant antioxidants to combat free radicals. There is a touch of bounciness to the texture and a faint smell of mugwort giving your skin a sensorial experience. This essence contains one and only one ingredient–Artemisia Princeps Extract–delivering its full strength to benefit your skin. 

 

7) Use potent antioxidants.

 

 

A good vitamin C is a noble add-on to provide your skin with a second layer of defense against environmental harms (Sunscreen being the first). Vitamin C is a well-researched antioxidant that is proven to lighten hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of acne scars, and fight free radicals (environmental pollutants). Regular use of vitamin C can reduce UVA damage to the skin. The Timeless 10% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a potent vitamin C serum that contains additional antioxidants to support the skin. Vitamin C in conjunction with sunscreens makes a strong combo to protect your skin from UV damage.

Note: There is a Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum with a higher concentration of vitamin C. Try out both serums and see which one works best on your skin!

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References:

1. Skincare Chemistry: How to pick out humectants | Lab Muffin Beauty Science
2. The Water in You: Water and the Human Body | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
3. Electrolytes - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
4. Chia Seeds | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
5. Why the pH Balance of Your Skin-Care Products Really Matters | Allure
6. Sunscreens in the United States: Current Status and Future Outlook - PubMed (nih.gov)
7. Sunscreen - The Skin Cancer Foundation
8. Skin Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
9. Vitamin C in dermatology - PMC (nih.gov)
10. Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging - PMC (nih.gov)