Your Summer Skin Survival Guide

Summer is here! Let’s celebrate with simple skincare tips to help keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the season.

1. Hydrate: Heat and sweat can leave your skin dehydrated. When dehydrated important enzymatic actions that take place in the skin shut down. The enzymes that signal the body to slough off excess dead skin cells “fall asleep” when we are not taking in enough water creating a cascade of damaging effects on the skin, pores become clogged, skin building and repair functions are inhibited. The result is an increase in skin inflammation and breakouts. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day keeps the body hydrated and helps the skin function properly.
If you are not a fan of water try this cooling and refreshing recipe.

Lemon Cucumber Infused Water
2 whole lemons sliced
1 cucumber thinly sliced
5-10 mint sprigs
2 liters of water

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Let the ingredients infuse in the water for 1 hour to over night. Sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Lemons are high in vitamin C which boosts immunity and helps your body make collagen and elastin which are the key to youthful skin. Cucumbers are high in antioxidants like vitamin C and pantathenic acid (vitamin B-5) which helps create healthy smooth skin cells. Mint is cooling and also contains some vitamin C as well important minerals like calcium and magnesium which are important healthy skin building blocks.

2. Exfoliate: With an increase of dead skin cells accumulating during the summer it is important to exfoliate. One of the main reasons your skin can look dull is because of dead skin cells which as we discussed above can compound and intensify already existing skin problems. It’s important to exfoliate correctly. If you are planning to spend the day in the sun I recommend that you temporarily stop using exfoliating acids like glycolic, salicylic or Retain A, these products can create sun sensitivity and make you more prone to burning or sun damage. Stop using Retin A a week before you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun. Stop using glycolic or salicylic acids two to four days before any planned sunny excursions. Use this simple and gentle skin buff recipe twice a week to create a healthy glow!

Rose and Almond Skin Buff
1tsp Rosewater
1/2tsp Almond flour or finely ground raw organic almonds.

Mix ingredients into a paste, apply to skin using gentle circular movements for 1-2 minutes then rinse with cool water.

Rosewater helps to maintain the skin’s PH balance and helps control excess oil. Rosewater is also anti-inflammatory and nourishing to the skin. Almonds are naturally high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage from sun and other environmental factors. The natural oils in ground almonds also help to keep skin hydrated.
The gentle circular motions increase circulation and encourage the removal of dead skincells without damaging or irritating the underlying skin cells that are not ready to be pulled away. It also stimulates cell turnover which is beneficial for the skin renewal process. Don’t over do it! Over scrubbing can cause redness, inflammation and breakouts. The key to using granular scrubs is using gentle pressure on the skin.

That’s all for today, be sure to check tomorrow’s blog post for more summer skin tips and skin saving recipes.

Facials are a great way to help skin transition into the hot summer months, simply click the schedule now button below to book your summer skin treatment today!

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Be Well
Tracy