Exfoliate... Tan... Hydrate - 3 Summer Skin Care Tips You Need For The Sun
Who doesn’t want to have that smooth, sexy and glowing skin with just enough of a tan to convince others you have actually been outside or some far off and enchanted vacation? Achieving those results are easier than you think. All you need to do is follow these tried and true steps and that illusive summer glow can be yours.
I’m not sure about you, but I tend to ignore the body parts that aren’t required to make an appearance during the winter months. After all, they created tights for a reason, right? When I unveil them in late spring, I'm usually shocked at what happened during what I like to refer to as "winter skin hibernation". I really should not be shocked as this process. It repeats year after year. Even though I am getting better at moisturizing (my dry skin really hurts sometimes and I'm lucky enough to try most of the amazing products we carry here), I tend to skip shaving or waxing my legs for most of the winter. While this is not recommended, I know I am not the only one. C’mon fess up! The good news is that there are a few tricks to getting those forgotten “parts” back up to snuff.
STEP 1: EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on your skin's outermost surface. Your body tries to do this process on it's own, but helping it out with shaving or dry brushing or specially designed gels or creams helps can seriously combat those icky flakes that sometimes stick inside your tights and fly out like your very own snowstorm. You can exfoliate your skin either mechanically (by hand or tool) or chemically (by the proper ingredients that won't damage your other layers of skin).
This is a really important step. Why would you want to just slather some moisturizer on top of old scaly skin? If you do, you are wasting a lot of money as most of it will not absorb into your deeper layers. Additionally, you could potentially create a "trap" for old skin and oils and cause some major clogging of your pores.
So what are your choices?
I find a good place to start is a "dry brush". The good news is that with a dry brush you can accomplish two things at once. Studies have shown dry brushing not only helps exfoliate skin, but also helps lessen the appearance of cellulite. While this by no means a "miracle cure", every little bit counts, right?
Here are some of our favorites:
Urban Spa Cellulite Bamboo Brush
This easy to use brush is made of natural bamboo and the handle helps to reach hard places like our middle back. Its a simple and effective way to treat cellulite and exfoliate as well.
This is another simple and effective remedy to take care of the skin on your back. You can also swap out the "Sponge-Ables" and use it to apply moisturizer or sunscreen.
Exfoliating Mesh Bath Sponge Shower and Bath Poufs
If you want to just reach for something easy, you can grab one of the Cleanlogic Expliating Mesh Bath Songe Shower and Bath Pouf to deeply cleanse and detoxify without irritation!
Urban Spa The Body-Loving Bath Mitt
FOR THE FACE While dry brushing is great for your body, you may want to try something a bit more gentle on the more delicate skin on your face. We recommend:-
Jane Iredale Magic Mitt® Makeup Remover
This mitt really is magic because it quickly and completely removes makeup using water only. The mitt promotes the health of the skin because it does not affect the acid mantle. When this beneficial barrier is intact, it aids the skin in protecting itself from harmful and invasive bacteria. The mitt is made from a new generation of specially knitted micro-fibers that are many times thinner than a human hair and are able to penetrate oil films. This allows it to break the surface tension of the oils that bond makeup to the skin while the fibers gently exfoliate. The combination of warm water and micro-fibers turn your makeup into an emulsion that is easily swept away by the mitt. It will even remove mascara (not kidding!!!)
Kind on the skin, these specially woven Muslin Cloths are made from 100% cotton to gently exfoliate and help to improve blood circulation, cleanse and tone leaving the skin exceptionally soft, smooth and better prepared for the application of serums and creams. Better yet, they are 100% cotton, soft as anything you can imagine, and machine washable!
or
Comodynes Easy Peeling Exfoliating Action 20 Towelettes
Formulated for maximum dermal and ocular tolerance. Mild even with the most sensitive skins. These towelettes are guaranteed by the strictest tolerance tests. These towelettes are infused with plant extracts to soothe and decongest your skin while providing maximum comfort. They stimulate micro circulation while delivering immediate moisture and freshness to your skin. Pack a few in your bag and go!
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION:As we age, our bodies slow down the processes that keep our skin looking plumped and dewy. We can help our skin along with some of these tricks...
FOR THE BODY:
Malin and Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub
This refreshing foaming gel scrub synthesizes peppermint with amino acid-based, hydrating exfoliation. Mixing bamboo and pumice helps shed dead skin, stimulate cell renewal, and soothe without irritation, drying, or stripping. Rinses free of residue for smooth, even skin.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Nourishing Body Scrub
This body scrub with Honey, Sugar Crystals and Precious Oils is a real 2-in-1 care product: it exfoliates and nourishes the skin. The skin's texture is refined, the skin is nourished and appears visibly more beautiful. This delicious body scrub has a floral-honey scent and a balm texture in a unique oil that envelopes your skin in a luxurious and nourishing protective veil.
Trilipiderm Hydrating Exfoliant Cleanser Body
This perfect Hydrating Exfoliant Cleanser for your body is great for daily use especially after a workout or part of your nighttime ritual.
"Vegan friendly" Anthony Blue Sea Kelp Body Scrub
This deep cleaning formula that will rejuvenate your skin and prepare it to absorb moisture. This scrub eliminates rough, flaky patches and polishes your body, leaving a smooth and even surface.
Avène Eau Thermale Gentle Body Scrub For Sensitive Skin
This Gentle, non-abrasive scrub for body exfoliates as it nourishes, hydrates and provides antioxidant protection. It reveals softer, more radiant skin with two sizes of biodegradable, non-abrasive cellulose beads and jojoba wax beads to ensure optimal exfoliation. It refines skin's texture with a soap-free formula and is infused with a relaxing fragrance of rose, jasmine and bergamot.
FOR THE FACE:
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (Exfoliating Facial)
For those of you with skin that is used to exfoliating, you will love this product. Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.
This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
Lixirskin Soft Clay Rubber a Hardworking and Multi-Tasking ‘No Bits’ Exfoliant and Mask in one. This fun to use rub-off formula combines enzymatic and mechanical exfoliation to leave the skin impeccable. Formulated with enzymes and supreme skin-saving white clay, Soft Clay Rubber purifies, refines and tones the skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, leaving it looking clear and smoothed.
FOR THE FEET:
Révérence de Bastien Black Diamond Scrub
This mineral foaming scrub combines black diamond, particles of mother of pearl and black volcanic sand. It permits a vigorous natural exfoliation of the foot, helping to clear away dead skin cells, leaving your feet smooth and silky. The black volcanic sand with its bigger beads, made of quartz, allows a natural mechanical exfoliation of the dead skin cells while essential oils of Thyme and Sage help the epidermis stay healthy thanks to their purifying properties.
Baby Foot Moistuizing Foot Mask
Baby Foot contains 17 kinds of natural extracts which have a high moisturizing power and astringency, thus the sole becomes silky smooth after peeling. Baby Foot not only peels the dead skin cells from your feet, it also maintains the grain of the skin and adds moisture to the skin. This is an easy three-step process: apply, soak, then wash away. It takes approximately one week to remove the dead skin cells from the sole!
Good Old Fashioned Epsom Salts
I also like old fashioned epsom salt soaking for any callouses and dry skin on my feet. I soak my feet in Epsom salt for about 10-15 minutes and then use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin. After I dry my feet, I apply oil or moisturizer. I like doing this before bed. If I put on a lot of moisturizer, I wear socks to bed. This allows my feet to moisturize all night and when I wake up they are silky smooth.
STEP 2: TAN
Now that your skin has a smooth and even base, you are ready for some color!
We all know that prolonged sun exposure can lead to many unwanted things like wrinkles, dark spots, premature aging and other issues including melanoma! So if you plan to tan, do so responsibly.
We love these sunscreens:
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with Cellular Response Technology SPF 50
Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 provides super broad spectrum sun protection for face & body in an oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion. Powered by potent antioxidant-rich Cellular Response Technology, this lotion preserves and protects skin’s youthful glow. Ideal for a day of play, this feel-good formula is moisturizing, lightweight and fast-absorbing.
COOLA FACE SPF 30 CUCUMBER MATTE FINISH
Give your skin an immediate line-smoothing matte finish and fight signs of aging caused by the sun with this Farm to Face® sourced, antioxidant-infused, broad spectrum SPF 30 mineral sunscreen. This Cucumber scented formula is made with natural Rose Hip Oil which is rich in free radical fighting Vitamin C. Naturally calming Evening Primrose and Flax Seed Oils deliver abundant Omega-3 and Gamma-Linolenic Acid to improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture. Natural Shea Butter smoothes and hydrates while the phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates skin. Formulated for all skin types and tones, including those that are especially sensitive or oily.
Darling Addicted to Sun High Protection SPF 30-50
Darling Sun high protection is recommended for sensitive skin. It is scented with the the heavenly Monoi de Tahiti heavenly perfume. The Monoi, produced in Polynesia, follows an ancient local tradition: they let the pulp of coconuts dry out under the sun for a period that can last up to three weeks. After that they extract the coconut oil that will macerate with Tiaré flowers to create the exotic fragrance typical of Darling Sun products. Anti-aging effect thank to Vitamin E, that protects from UV rays and stops the skin aging process, and to the presence of Allantoin: anti-age antioxidant and moisturizer. Apricot oil is a further protection against UV rays, emollient and anti-wrinkles, it gives more elasticity to your skin. Equisetum leaves help the prevention of wrinkles and skin aging.
Do Not forget the little ones!!! We love:
Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen Baby 30+
I love this one because Blue Lizard® Australian Baby Sunscreen’s patented BPA-free 5.0 oz Smart Bottle™ turns pink in the presence of harmful UV rays, reminding you to cover up. The deeper pink the bottle becomes, the more UV rays are currently present. Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen Baby 5.0 oz uses only high quality natural minerals, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, for broad spectrum UVA and UVB skin protection. Pediatrician-recommended and specially formulated for everyday protection on face and body, involving no potentially irritating chemicals, Blue Lizard Australian® Baby Sunscreen is ideal for Baby’s sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ For Children Milk Sunscreen
This super strong sun care is especially formulated for babies. Contains extremely high SPF50+ to defend delicate skin from UVA/B rays. Developed with just the right amount of ingredients for safety. Combines naturally derived Shea Butter to strengthen skin barrier. Helps moisturize soothe & protect skin. Velvety soft texture & comfortable to wear. Hypoallergenic & dermatologically tested.
For those of you who are super responsible and prefer to fake that tan - we highly recommend these self-tanners:
Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tinted Tan Mousse
Achieve a nice deep color with this phenomenal 2-3 Week Tinted Tan Mousse by Vita Liberata is a super fast acting and easy to use tan mousse with pHenO2 technology for instant color and a natural-looking tan that lasts up to 2-3 weeks. With odor remove technology for zero smell, moisture locking hydration and certified organic botanicals.
We recommend you apply with a tan mitt. A tanning mitt is great for applying any tanning solution to your body face and neck. Here are a couple of our favorites!
St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse
This dark formula, inspired by the St.Tropez's best-selling mousse, is an easy-to-apply advanced formulation that contains innovative melanin technology that ensures your tan is tailored to your individual skin tone. Simply sweep on with an Applicator Mitt for a beautiful even tan.
Anyone looking to get an intense, streak-free tan that dries in an instant. Whether you have pale or dark skin, the Dark Bronzing Mousse will tailor itself to your skin tone to give you a gorgeous natural-looking self tan. Whether you’re a first-time tanner or a total pro, the dark-tinted formula will ensure you know where to apply your tan for a perfect application, every time.
St Tropez Dark Self Tan range is designed to provide the darkest, most intense color yet. Extra skin conditioners and protective ingredients provide an even, streak-free color that evens out your skin tone and lasts for longer without patchiness. This mousse contains Aromaguard TM fragrance technology that helps to virtually eliminate the tell tale self tan aroma by up to 70%.
Exfoliate with St. Tropez Body Polish the day before you tan. Moisturize any dry areas (elbows, knees, ankles, and feet) thoroughly with St. Tropez Body Moisturizer. Protect light areas at eyebrow and hairline with extra moisturizer. Pump the velvety mousse into a mitt and smooth from top to toe, making sure you’re well covered. Wait until touch dry before dressing. Avoid getting wet or exercise for at least four hours, leave on for eight hours or more for best results We recommend a patch test is carried out at least 24 hours prior to use. If there are any adverse reactions do not continue to use. Don’t apply to broken, irritated or sensitive skin and stop using if your skin becomes irritated.
Hampton Sun Airbrush Bronzing Mist
With Hampton Sun's Airbrush Bronzing Mist, enhance skin year round with a warm, radiant tan whenever you want it. This unique mist gives a natural looking, streak-free tan for a professional airbrush salon look right at home. This formula gives skin an instant sun-kissed glow and features natural ingredients that improve skin’s quality, while allowing you to customize your own perfect tan. This stunning product imparts a golden veil of sun-kissed color that applies evenly and dries quickly to a silky powder finish. Infused with natural sweet almond and macadamia oils for a moisturizing and luxurious feel. Keep a Hamptons glow all year round without having to worry about the UV damage caused by indoor tanning and the sun’s rays. The results are temporary and commitment-free. Wash it off, reapply for a tan anytime.
STEP 3: HYDRATE
Keep your color longer and keep your skin plump, resilient, and looking younger. Remember to always drink extra water on hot days. Hydration inside and out keeps those dreaded wrinkles away
COOLA ENVIRONMENTAL REPAIR PLUS® RADICAL RECOVERY® AFTER-SUN LOTION
Save the skin you’re in with this ultra-moisturizing and deep-soothing lotion that uses organic Agave’s natural moisture binding mechanisms for environmental defense and calming sunburn. This miracle plant provides superior hydration and promotes collagen synthesis while offering UV protection and clinically proven relief from sunburn. Rich with organic ingredients, Radical Recovery™ After-Sun Lotion will nourish, repair and keep skin youthful and naturally glowing all year long.
Hampton Sun Hydrating Aloe Mist
The oil-free formula penetrates quickly, hydrates deeply and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. Application couldn’t be easier with our non-aerosol 360º dispenser. Spray at any angle for complete, even coverage without damaging the environment (or your environmental conscience)!
Simply spritz on your skin for an instant opulent experience. Powerful Aloe and antioxidant Vitamin E work with menthol to send moisture deep into the skin and calm its surface. Hampton Sun’s Hydrating Aloe Continuous Mist with Menthol naturally cools, heals and rejuvenates skin after time spent in the sun’s rays or to quench skin’s thirst any time your body could use a natural pick-me-up!
In Conclusion, it is easy to get your skin dewy and glowing with three easy steps. Exfoliate, Tan, and hydrate.