4 Things to Add to your Skincare Routine This Summer
It should come as no surprise that our skin is affected by a bevy of different factors, from diet and age to genetics and sun exposure. But what a lot of people forget is that, as the seasons change, so too might our skin's needs. Summer presents its own unique challenges to our skin and, as such, it might be necessary to tweak your skincare routine to get it through the dog days of summer. But what exactly should you change?
Dr. Julia Tzu, medical director at Wall Street Dermatology in New York, recently sat down with Insider to discuss the changes that she's making in her own skincare routine this summer.
Noting that summer is "a critical time" of the year to make sure your skincare routine is on point, she adds that "good sun protection will make a huge impact on the overall beauty and health of the skin," and although sunscreen should be work year-round (the sun doesn't exactly stop radiating over the winter), the Insider article notes that "summer is the time when we are most at-risk for irreversible sun damage with long-term effects, such as discoloration and wrinkles."
Overall, here are four changes that Dr. Tzu makes to her summertime skincare routine:
1. Make Sure You're Always Wearing SPF 40 and Above.
While she tends to stick with SPF 30 in the winter, she makes sure that she's always wearing SPF 40 and above during the summertime, adding that "all skin types are equally damaged by UV rays, so increasing SPF is a good idea for everyone to protect against sun damage and skin cancer when UV rays are strongest."
EDGE Recommends:
ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Fast-absorbing and ultralight, this sunscreen protects skin from the sun while simultaneously repairing existing sun damage using a patented DNA Repairsome technology. Lightweight with no white cast, this is an effective sunscreen with a gorgeous finish that will work on all skin types. $60, isdin.com.
2. Exfoliate More
While regular exfoliation is a standard part of most people's skincare routines, Dr. Tzu doesn't exfoliate in the winter because it's too irritating for her skin. In the summer, she exfoliates once a week because sweat, oil, and deal skin cells can accumulate and cause breakouts. In the fall and spring, she exfoliates about once every two weeks, so listen to your skin find the best exfoliation schedule for you.
EDGE Recommends:
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
We sing this product's praises every chance we get, and that's because it's simply the best there is. Whether you're looking to exfoliate daily, every other day, weekly, or bi-weekly, this is the product that will give you the glass skin you've been searching for. Trust us on this one. $88, sephora.com.
3. Increase the strength and Frequency of Topical Retinoids
Whether you're using a prescription retinoid or an over-the-counter option, summer is a great time to be taking advantage of all the benefits of a retinol product. In the winter, Dr. Tzu either reduces the strength of her retinol or only uses it every few nights. But in the summer, she uses it every night, which helps to decrease clogged pores and increase cell turnover.
EDGE Recommends:
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum
If you don't have a retinol prescription from your dermatologist, there are still a slew of effective options that you can pick up yourself, like this powerhouse formulation from Peter Thomas Roth. Combining 10% granactive retinol with a 5% peptide complex, this product does a great job of reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it contains ceramides and lipids to restore moisture and minimize the potential for irritation and dryness. $110, peterthomasroth.com.
4. Use a Lighter Moisturizer at Night
While Dr. Tzu uses a thicker cream at night during the winter months, she prefers to switch to a less suffocating lotion during the summer. This might not be the best approach for those with very dry skin, but for those with oily or combination skin, switching to something lightweight can help your skin maintain its optimal balance of moisture.
EDGE Recommends:
Malin + Goetz Advanced Renewal Moisturizer
One pump is all you need of this lovely, effective moisturizer. Meadowfoam seed oil locks in hydration, linseed extract plumps, and antioxidant-rich apple stem cell provides protection against environmental aggressors. Furthermore, a complex of moisturizing ingredients help to soften the appearance of lines. Best of all, it's great for all skin types. $76, malinandgoetz.com.