Q: Why does my skin breakout more during the summer months? What can I do?
Licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
A: Skin breakouts are definitely one big summer bummer. In a matter of weeks, your skin can go from springtime fabulous to a summer disaster. All of a sudden you have an increase in oil, sporadic pimples and…where did these blackheads come from?!
The brutal summer heat and humidity do more than make you want to stay indoors with the AC blasted and an ice-cold smoothie in hand. They also trigger the sebaceous glands in your skin, which produce oil, to go into overdrive. Excessive sweating, changing temperatures (cool AC to outdoor heat) plus environmental pollutants all contribute to clogged pores that can lead to blackheads and breakouts.
To keep your complexion clear, try these skin-saving tips:
1. Commit to cleansing
On a hot and humid day, you can step outside and immediately feel the need to go back inside to re-shower. To control increased oiliness, make a habit of cleansing regularly morning and night. Washing away dirt, debris and other nastiness is the first step in a healthy, balanced skin care regimen. But a cleanser’s job doesn’t have to stop at cleaning. Look for a cleanser that offers antioxidants and skin-benefiting nutrients.
One of my summer favorites is the MyChelle Apple Brightening Cleanser, which gently cleanses away the look of discoloration and sun damage while refining and smoothing the surface of the skin. Malic Acid and polyphenol-rich apple help maintain healthy elastin while reviving youthful tone and texture. Belides™ Daisy Flower, Applephenon™ and plant-derived gallic acid help brighten the complexion, alleviate discoloration and support skin’s self-repair. For a smooth, luminous complexion, gently massage a dime-size amount onto skin with warm water. Rinse completely and follow with your treatment, serums, mist, nourishing cream and sun protection.
2. Do a detox
Skin can really benefit from a good detox session, and the best way to do it is through exfoliation. Exfoliants gently slough away the top layer of dead skin and release the intercellular glue hanging onto those cells, thus exposing newer and healthier skin cells. Exfoliation also unblocks pores—which in turn leaves them open and more receptive to whatever topical products (serums, lotions, etc.) you choose to apply next. So, not only does exfoliation have its own benefits—it also makes your other skin care treatments more effective!
Incredible Pumpkin Peel is a fortifying treatment that rejuvenates while clearing pores and aiding in detoxification. For healthy summer skin, apply a thin layer 1 to 2 times per week after cleansing. Avoid your eye area, leave on for 1 to 3 minutes and then rinse with cool water. This treatment is loaded with antioxidants working to rejuvenate and support cellular integrity while purifying pores and encouraging detoxification. Skin is left feeling incredibly soft, smooth and clean, with a renewed healthy glow.
3. Less is more
Less is more, at least when it comes to moisturizer. We still need to hydrate the skin, but just like your wardrobe changes, your skincare routine should too. Use a lightweight moisturizer during the summer months, and if it has an SPF, that’s even better.
Daily Defense Cream SPF 17 is a great everyday moisturizer for the summertime. This easy 2-in-1 product saves you time in your morning regimen but also keeps your skin safe and hydrated. A non-opaque zinc oxide provides natural broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB while astaxanthin (BioAstin®)protects collagen and coenzyme Q10 provides intensive antioxidant actions. For daily use, apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and allow the product to absorb completely before applying makeup.
4. Spot on!
Blemish-prone skin can be classified by a variety of situations. Maybe you’re a teen constantly facing breakouts or perhaps you’re an adult dealing with those always inconvenient, once-in-awhile blemishes. Either way, breakouts can make inflammation, redness, pores and skin congestion more visible, which definitely isn’t ideal. Take charge by keeping oil-controlling and blemish-fighting products on hand at all times.
Clear Skin Spot Treatment is an ultra-clearing and calming spot treatment that counterbalances oil and other problems associated with blemishes. Six percent sulphur purifies, unclogs pores and dries excess oil while zinc aids repair and speeds skin’s recovery. Totarol™ purifies deeply to reduce and avert blemish-prone disturbances, helping skin stay in a healthy, balanced state. To use, simply dot on affected areas morning, night or anytime for a clear, balanced complexion. For best results use before your nourishing cream and, of course, follow with sun protection.
5. Beautify from the inside
BBQs, fast food and dining out can be really tough on our bodies as well as our complexions. This summer, load your diet with leafy green vegetables packed with vitamin A, antioxidant rich seasonal fruits like blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, and swap the sugary drinks for polyphenol-rich green tea or skin-nourishing H2O. Avoid greasy, fattening, highly processed foods, which can turn a good complexion into a mess.