With the arrival of the solstice, summer is officially here, and the season is going to be epic. There’ll be fun, sun, and getting together with loved ones, strangers, and everyone in between, because now, officially, you can—if you’re vaxxed, anyway. Hotter weather and higher humidity can mean more sweat and grime, though, so clarifying, cleansing, and proper exfoliation are paramount this time of year.
Start the day with a proper cleanse
“In the morning, I keep it refreshing with a pump of our Superfood Cleanser and massage it into my skin for about 30 seconds to a minute before rinsing with cool water,” says Youth To The People’s Director of Education, Laura Cline. Throughout the day, Cline reaches for the Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist. “It feels absolutely amazing, soothing, and provides hydrating benefits and antioxidants in a super lightweight form,” says Cline. Hot top: this ultra-fine mist won’t disrupt makeup, so feel free to mist in the morning after cleansing, and all day long.
Choose the right moisturizer
Lightweight moisturizers are key for staying hydrated without feeling greasy in the heat and humidity of summer.
“Personally, I use our Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream year-round. I am a combination skin type and live in a low-humidity climate, so my skin feels comfortable and hydrated,” says Cline. But even if you’re someone who opts for richer creams or oils throughout the rest of the year, you might want to switch it out for something lighter.
“Primarily, the moisture step in a routine is determined by how comfortable your skin is and what skin type you are,” says Cline, “The Superfood Cream is ideal for a combination of oily skin type, but can feel really comfortable for all skin types during warm months.”
Targeted mask treatments
High-performance masks can do wonders this time of year, too, because with increased sun exposure comes increased sunscreen use.
“I tend to layer on sunscreen more often in the summer, so I really like to get a deep cleansing mask going throughout the week to keep my pores extra clear,” says Cline. “I reach for the Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask to get a detox and treatment for blemishes.”
The right time to use a toner
When it comes to toner, many people are used to applying it as part of their daytime routine, but Cline has some new info to keep in mind. She suggests that you use the Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner at night, especially since one of its core ingredients is AHAs.
“If you’re going to be out in the sun more often, be mindful not to use toners with AHAs in the daytime because they tend to make skin more sun sensitive,” she says. Instead, she recommends using exfoliating AHA toners at night and always wearing SPF during the day. Best practice: apply the Kombucha Toner to cleansed skin as part of your nighttime routine, and follow it up with the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask for an extra dose of skin-firming vitamin C that pairs beautifully with the Kombucha Toner.
At the end of the day
“I am a fan of a double cleansing to get off all of the sweat and SPF of the day,” says Cline. “I want to rinse the day off of my face and clear my pores before I go to sleep. Get in those targeted treatments for blemishes that might pop up and help your skin heal from the day with a dose of antioxidants and moisture overnight.” Just be sure to space out exfoliation treatments, leaving at least 24 hours between whichever you choose.
Written by Faith Cummings for Youth To The People
