Summertime is all about enjoying the warm weather and long days with friends and family in the beautiful outdoors. If you're like us, your days will be spent traveling, in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and of course, practicing plenty of outdoor yoga.
With all these activities on the agenda, the last thing you'll want to spend time on is a complicated skin care routine. Straightforward and natural products are the best way to maintain healthy skin while keeping your passions a priority.
But before you start applying the first products you see, you'll have to consider the change in humidity levels and the sun's harmful rays. But what products best accommodate these changes?
Read on as the YUNI experts share their top summer skin care tips and products for glowing skin.
Never forget to wear sunscreen
No summer skincare routine is complete without sun protection. Not only should you apply sunscreen on your face, but also on any exposed skin across your entire body.
Broad-spectrum SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays and comes in either mineral (also called physical), chemical sunscreens, or a combination of both. Broad-spectrum formulas block out both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn. To ensure you're fully protected, make sure to look for labeling that says "broad spectrum" or "full-spectrum" and an SPF of at least 30.
Of course you want to prevent premature aging, sun damage, age spots, and even worse skin cancer, but is mineral or chemical the better choice for sun protection?
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens are the best option for those who prefer natural products or have sensitive skin. They are also a great choice for children and those who are pregnant. Mineral sunscreens work to physically block or reflect the sun's rays using ingredients like titanium dioxide or the healthier option, zinc oxide. It's important to note that physical sunscreens should be the last step in your skincare routine, whereas you can apply chemical sunscreens first.
Chemical sunscreens
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens work by using, you guessed it —chemicals— as the active ingredients. Components like avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone absorb UV rays before they make it to the skin. Although chemical sunscreens go on invisible and are usually more affordable, it's important to be informed about any risks.
One ingredient, in particular, oxybenzone, is especially problematic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found "That 97% of Americans are contaminated with a widely-used sunscreen ingredient called oxybenzone that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage." Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the body through the skin. So just like the beauty and personal care products you use regularly, it's essential to do your research.
Since UV rays are powerful and sunscreen loses potency after a few hours, it's wise to wear sun-protective clothing and seek shade as a backup.
Cleanse your skin every night
During the summer months, our skin is exposed to more elements than the rest of the year. The winter is colder, and the days are shorter, so you may be spending most of your time inside. But, the warmer months bring more dirt, pollution, and sun exposure. Therefore, a good cleanse to erase the day is essential to keeping your skin clear.
It's also easy to forget that you applied sunscreen all those hours ago, but SPF isn't like your usual moisturizer. You need to wash it off at the end of the day; otherwise, it can clog pores.
If you happen to find yourself with sunburned skin and can't seem to figure out how to care for the inflamed areas, remember to proceed gently. Conventional face wash typically contains harsh ingredients like alcohol that can dry and irritate sensitive skin. So instead, opt for a gentler solution to clean your skin, like a non-foaming cleanser or an oil-based cleansing balm, such as our YUNICORN Celestial Jelly Cleanser. Non-foaming cleansers don't have sulfates, the harsh chemicals that foam up when they come in contact with water. Whereas cleansing balms gently yet effectively break down dirt and makeup and even dissolve excess oil on the skin — all without stripping your face.
Exfoliate regularly
Even those with sensitive skin will benefit from a natural, plant-based exfoliator. A gentle scrub one to two times a week will reveal a natural glow, smoother skin, and an even skin tone.
Exfoliating is also an effective way to deep clean your skin and clear clogged pores. As we just mentioned, your summer skin is having a lot more fun, which means more dirt, sunscreen, and debris left behind.
We love physical exfoliants because they are incredibly effective at refining dull skin by removing dead skin cells, but they also feel amazing. Natural polishing agents like bamboo, apricot, and oat kernel, found in our Glow with the Flow Face and Body Scrub, boost circulation and lymphatic drainage. An added bonus: the rest of your summer skincare routine will penetrate even deeper after a healthy scrub.
However, it's important to note that if you've spent a bit too much time in the sun, take a break from exfoliating, so you don't irritate already inflamed skin.
Moisturize for healthy skin
No matter your skin type, you'll likely need to switch from your thick winter creams to a lighter moisturizer during the summer months. Once the weather warms, there's more moisture in the air, and heavy moisturizers are simply unnecessary. Therefore, switching to a water-based lotion or light face oil is best to hydrate skin.
The sun's rays can cause dry skin by depleting its natural oils and breaking down the outer barrier. The damage leads to flakiness, tightness, and roughness of the skin. So after any kind of sun exposure, your dry skin will be craving a nourishing application of moisturizer, such as our fan-favorite Active Calm Firming Facial Moisturizer.
Contrary to popular belief, face oil is actually much lighter than lotions. One of our favorite moisturizers for the summer is our lightweight and fast-absorbing Light Seeker Glow Face Oil. This oil instantly plumps and evens out skin tone for smoother skin and overall radiance. When using mineral sunscreen, apply your face oils first, let them sink in, then apply sunscreen.
Simplify your anti-aging efforts
Aging gracefully in the summer months doesn't have to be complicated. By adding products into your routine that have antioxidants, you fight the effects of aging and free radicals from the sun.
Natural plant extracts like green tea, edelweiss, turmeric root, and rose flower are inherently rich in antioxidants. The same goes for natural oils like jojoba, buriti, and marula oils. You'll find these antioxidant-packed ingredients in our selection of face oils, moisturizers, and serums so you can protect your skin with ease.
You can even fight aging while you sleep with YUNI's Sleepy Beauty Bakuchiol and Biotic Serum. A light application before you rest your head at night will leave your skin plump and radiant the following morning. Key ingredient bakuchiol supports cell turnover and helps stimulate collagen production. The all-natural ingredient from the babchi plant has even been described as nature's retinol alternative. Plus, it has the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factors our skin needs during the summer.
Prioritize sleep
A healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep hygiene, daily movement, and nourishing meals can be one of the best ways to achieve a healthy glow.
While you sleep, the body goes into repair mode. Your entire system activates, including your skin's ability to restore itself. During your slumber, blood flow increases to your skin, allowing collagen to rebuild and repair any damaged cells caused by UV rays and pollution. A nighttime skincare regimen will enhance what your body is already incredible at accomplishing.
No one wants under-eye bags and lackluster skin when they wake up. But for many of us, falling asleep at night doesn't always come easy. Aromatherapy and sleep sprays help calm the nervous system so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
A well-rested night is essential to keeping your body and skin health in top condition. Our Sleepy Beauty Tranquility Pillow Spray can be used as a mist onto your pillow or as a room spray. The gentle aromas of sage, rose, and petitgrain guide your mind and body into a deep and restful sleep.
Another way to improve sleep quality is with a supplemental mouth spray. Our Sleepy Beauty Slumber Oral Spray includes a combination of natural ingredients like melatonin, ashwagandha, and amino acids L-tryptophan, GABA, and L-theanine to help transition you into a restful mindset.
Hydrate from the inside out
We know you've heard it before but drink your water. Please.
One of the best ways to have healthy-looking skin is by staying hydrated. Of course, adequate water intake also improves your overall wellbeing. But we'd like to think that glowing skin is a nice little reward for nourishing your body.
On top of keeping your skin hydrated and your body functioning properly, there other lesser-known reasons to drink more water. For example, water can help you work out longer and give you that final push to your muscles when lifting weights. Adequate hydration also boosts focus, promotes clearer thinking, and can even beat fatigue as well as caffeine.
The body adapts by sweating to keep you cool during the scorching heat of summer. But in dry climates, our sweat evaporates once it hits the surface, so it can be easy to underestimate how much water we lose when we are active on a hot summer day. So do yourself a favor and always keep water with you all summer long, especially if you are going to be active.
Our favorite way to amp up our hydration during the summer is to add fruit and herbs to enhance flavor. Some ideas are strawberry and mint or lemon and ginger.
As you can see, keeping your skin healthy and glowing during the summer includes a combination of lifestyle practices, sun protection, and a natural skincare routine. Glowing summer skin has never been simpler with YUNI's collection of skincare staples.
