Summer Skincare: Skin Rejuvenation And Renewal

Summer can bring its own set of challenges when it comes to skin care. Rising temperatures cause pores to expand and product excess oil, prolonged sun exposure can cause sun damage and skin can get dried out from the combination of the dry heat and even drier AC air. Here are 3 tips to rejuvenate and restore summer skin:

1. Exfoliate to reveal smoother, clearer skin.

There are two types of exfoliators – chemical and physical.

Chemical exfoliants with AHA’s like glycolic or lactic acid break down dead skin cells that clog pores and cause the skin to become congested. Exfoliation Accelerator can be added to your daily routine to gently exfoliate and promote epidermal renewal with a glycolic + lactic acid complex.

Physical exfoliants buff away dead skin cells and other debris, while the motion of exfoliating has the added benefit of promoting better blood circulation to the face, an added holistic approach to flush out toxins from the body. Exfoliating Polish uses ultra-fine magnesium crystals that are safe to use on the skin and for the environment. Use a physical exfoliator 2 to 3 times a week, to smooth skin tone and texture.

Both methods of exfoliation are beneficial to the skin and exfoliating regularly will give your skin a beautiful, radiant glow.

2. Control oil and breakouts for a clearer complexion.

Make sure to cleanse AM + PM to remove any excess oil, makeup, sunscreen or impurities from your skin. Oil and sebum can clog pores and cause inflammation and breakouts so it’s important to choose a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to help control excess sebum and oil on the surface of the skin.

Those with especially oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from using Complexion Clearing Masque a couple of times a week—10% sulfur reduces sebum and calms irritation to treat and prevent acne. When blemishes or painful breakouts arise, try to spot-treat these areas without picking at them to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

3. Use retinol-free solutions for a more even tone.

During the summer, we spend a lot of time under the sun exposing our skin to damaging UV rays. With prolonged sun exposure, you may notice the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Since retinol causes skin to become photo-sensitive, during the summer opt for a retinol-free skin brightener instead. Skin brightening products promote cell renewal to reveal a brighter, and more even skin tone. Brightalive® is a ZO® favorite for those who prefer a non-retinol treatment.

Another go-to skin brightener this summer is Vitamin C, an antioxidant that improves the appearance of dull-looking skin. 10% Vitamin C Self- Activating can visibly help brighten the skin and soften the appearance of redness, dark spots and skin discoloration for a more radiant skin tone.

Glowing, clear skin is just a couple of steps away. Take the time to change up your skin care routine to better serve you during these summer months. To find out which products are best for your skin, consult with a ZO® physician near you.