No. 6 – A Conversation With: An Esthetician Guides us Through Healthy Summer Skin
If you're anything like us, most of the winter months are spent slathering on thick creams before even daring to walk outside and face the snow. Now that the ice has melted, we're ready for Mayor Lightfoot to let us off punishment so we can go to the beach and really enjoy some sun. But with great fun comes great responsibility. That's why we sat down with esthetician, spa owner, and beauty therapist Alina Karin to talk about summer skincare woes, revamping your beauty cabinet, and staying hydrated and congestion-free in the heat.
The Seasonal Switch-up
SE: Why is summer skincare so important? How should someone's routine adjust to the warmer months? It's about more than just sunscreen!
AK: You're right...it's about more than being mindful of sun exposure and really looking at things like gut health and lifestyle factors when it comes to skincare. Usually, I recommend seasonal facials to my clients here in Chicago, but that may vary depending on how extreme the climate changes are where you live. I recommend them because of the seasonal skincare transition that they'll have to make. Adapting your routine with the seasons target different concerns that may arise during environmental change. For summer, as we (hopefully) approach more of an outside lifestyle—dining, drinking, beach hopping—the visible effects of our activities start to show on your skin.
Hotter Days Does Not Equal No Moisturizer
Our favorite battle to get into is the age-old debate of who needs to use moisturizer…everyone. The answer is everyone! In the summertime, the predicament of moisturizing comes with the increase in oil production and breakouts, but don’t let that stop you. Go ahead and push those heavy winter creams to the back and make room for lighter weight nourishment. “When they stop using a moisturizer, it actually increases oil production and breakouts. You want to prevent moisture loss no matter the weather!”
Listen, you don't have to take our advice, but you sure should take Alina's. She also recommends moving to a cleanser that will provide a deeper clean to really wash out that extra sweat and dirt, as well as incorporating Vitamin C into your routine. "This antioxidant helps protect your skin from environmental factors, such as the climate or any pollution you may be exposed to if living in a big city. This is one of my daily morning essentials!"
3 Ways to Update Your Skincare Routine for the Summer
Switch up your cleansing routine. Nab a deeper clean with the Chilean Rosehip Face Serum. Use before your usual cleanser to remove any makeup, sweat, dirt, and debris that may prevent your skin from getting the clean it deserves. Rosehip oil is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. Rub in a generous amount and wipe off with a clean cloth before moving on to a gel or foam-based cleanser.
Yes, you still need to moisturize! The nice thing about the General Salve is that it has a very buildable formula and allows for a heavier or lighter application depending on the season. To get the most out of your tube of in the summer, we recommend rubbing the product in your hands and pressing it into the skin, rather than massaging across in a thick layer as we would in the winter. Pressing it in the skin avoids any slickness that could occur with regular application.
Never forget sun protection. SPF should be used year-round no matter the weather, but it is especially important in the summertime to protect your skin against the sun's rays. Fewer clouds and longer days mean more exposure to the sun! The All-Heal (Prunella Vulgaris) Face Serum contains Rosmarinic Acid. It will not only calm any skin irritations and redness caused by environmental factors, but also works to protects skin against UV rays.
“Nothing will happen overnight. With consistency, the right routine, great products, and being kind to yourself—your skin will flourish!”
Alina Karin is a licensed esthetician and owner of Wicker Park spa Embrh. Specializing in all things skin, her passion is focused on ingredients and helping others embrace the process of learning about and combating skin dilemmas rather than feeling embarrassed by it. “I am a firm believer that what you think will show up! So changing your mindset towards your skin is the first step and a huge, huge part of the process.” Book a virtual skincare consultation with Alina to learn more about what you can do to protect your skin this summer!