Summer Skin Care Products By Alex the Cosmetic Scientist
The sun has officially come out. For how long? Well, that’s another story. But in the meantime, we hope expectantly that the sun will stick. So, it’s time to exchange the boots for sandals; coats for summer dresses; and winter skincare routine for your summer one. Now, if this is the first time you’re hearing of a summer skin routine then you should stick around.
As the weather begins to change your skin needs changes as well. Here are some products you should include in your summer skin routine.
1. A good sunscreen
My favorite sunscreen at the moment is Bondi Sands SPF 50 - (I prefer the fragrance- free version) This sunscreen uses organic filters rather than mineral filters however this doesn’t mean chemical filters are superior to mineral sun filters. Minerals sun filters perform just as good when formulated well.
Some people may find the Bondi sands a little greasy and heavy so a good alternative is the Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract.
2. A lightweight essence or hydrating mist
Hydrating essence or mist is another product that I think should be a staple all year round, so great for summertime. It is super important to hydrate and replenish the skin with moisture to keep the skin feeling hydrated, plump, and smooth. Elemis Kefir tea mist - is my favorite at the moment it just gives your skin a shot of hydration and it’s a very fine mist so application is a breeze.
A cheaper alternative would be the Superdrug vitamin E mist (my day one) and the essence: Haruharu Wonder Black rice Hyaluronic toner
3. Try Glycolic acid
Another product which I have seen be popular is the glycolic acid from the ordinary - I don’t be using it as it’s not my favorite toner but people are using it under their armpits. People are using it as an alternative to deodorant as it stops/reduces odor. another benefit it does helps brighten dark patches under your armpit. - but use with caution as it can be irritating
4. Serum for dark spots
Another great product that targets dark spots, discoloration, and unevenness is Faded by my topical (black female-owned)
It has really strong actives to target discoloration, dark marks uneven skin tone. Some of the actives are Tranexamic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, niacinamide Azelaic Acid, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Melatonin, and kojic acid
(but lowkey I don’t think she needed to use all these actives in my opinion but it’s been working for peeps)
5. Cleansing balm
Finally, I love a rich luxurious cleansing balm, as the first step to your cleansing routine. Double cleansing is when you first use an oil base cleanser and then a surfactant base cleanser. A cleansing balm helps to break down makeup or even help break down any excess sebum which you may have built up during the day.