Refresh + Repair: Seasonal Skin Care for Summer

The long days of summer sun are arriving; even if we’re still in the ‘June Gloom’ here in the Bay Area! As the days get warmer (and often busier with travel, outdoor fun and socializing), it’s a great time to review your skin care rituals. Refreshing your routine every few months is a good idea for a few reasons. Our skin becomes habituated to the ingredients in products which makes them less effective, so mixing up what you’re using on a regular basis will help you get the most from your skin care routine. And as the weather around us changes, your skin’s needs will change too.

Here are a few of my favorite ingredients and products from the Energy Matters skin care boutique to consider adding to your face and body care for Summer in the Bay Area.

repair
Sun exposure, air pollution, and irregular routines during travel and the fun of summer can all take a toll on your skin. Two repairing products we carry are C-Perfect from By Nieves, a potent serum with Vitamin C, squalane, and nourishing plant oils, and Jade & Pearl Anti-Aging Gel Mask with Green Tea from Jade Spa, an easy to use weekly treatment with mother-of-pearl, jade powder and herbal extracts.

refresh
Face mists offer an instant pick me up and refresher, and can help restore your skin from the impacts of air conditioned indoor air, or hot and polluted outdoor air. Use a mist daily underneath your moisturizer to increase hydration, and as an uplifting break any time during the day. We carry two different mists at Energy Matters, The Essential Mist from Yina, a white tea and rose blend with added skin normalizing herbal ingredients, and Hydrating Mist from Jade Spa, with herbs, jade powder, and green tea for a protective dose of antioxidants. A simple option for using throughout the day is rosewater or rose hydrosol. I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs, and Heritage is an easy to find brand. (Bonus tip: rosewater is great for cooling off during hot flashes!) You can keep your mist in the fridge for a refreshing spritz during the hottest days of summer.

protect
Be sure to include sun protection - sunblock (visit the Skin Deep database for some guidance on choosing sunscreen), hats and parasols, and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. It’s much easier to prevent damage to your skin than to reverse it later.