If you're living in Toronto like us, you know far too well the muggy challenges we've been faced with on the daily. Sticky, humid weather = sweaty, oily skin glands (not cute). That's why we want to help your skin survive this climate change. You know, before summer weather slips through our fingers. So here's how you can transition your skincare for summer weather and survive it.
Since we all sweat more throughout the summer, you may feel inclined to cleanse your skin more frequently. Although midday cleanses may feel super refreshing, they could contribute to stripping your face and body of some essential oils. Look for a gentle cleanser that will help you retain moisture in your skin post-wash. You'll also want to use a lighter moisturizer to boost hydration while allowing your skin to breathe.
For those summer nights when your skin needs some significant TLC, we recommend applying a pore-refining clay mask. You'll want to use something that will not only refresh and plump up the skin but also cleanse and tighten your pores.
One common misconception we hear frequently surrounds the use of retinoid products during the warmer months. The concern is that because retinoids make your skin more photosensitive (sensitive to light), you should skip them altogether during this season on account of the sunshine. Applying a retinol treatment is totally doable in the summer, however, as long as you're diligent with your sun protection. You'll also want to stick to applying your treatment at night since it's said that the UV rays can make the retinoids less effective.
Speaking of sun protection... We couldn't possibly talk about summer skincare survival without the most important skincare step, sunscreen! Sunscreen for your face and body is crucial throughout all weather conditions, but the summer sun definitely did not come out to play this year. We always recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 45 or higher to make sure you're covered. And don't forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you're out and about all day long. One area on our body we somehow always forget to apply sunscreen is our lips! Look for an SPF-infused lip balm for easy application throughout the day. Oh, and don't forget to slather some onto your hands too. Basically, any part of your skin that's frequently exposed to the sun should get SPF.
In sum, surviving summer is about light layers of skincare, thoughtful timing of active ingredients, and being extra mindful of sun protection. So get out there and bask in the glow of the warm sunlight while you glow back with your rejuvenated skin.