This expert knows how to find the best skincare products for summer
As summer approaches, our skin does a complete 180. You basically have to adjust your entire skin care routine with change in weather (no matter if you’re in LA or NYC).
If you’re like us, you have no clue on what products to use. But, don’t worry – we sat down with Dr. Lortscher from Curology to get his top recommendations on the best moisturizers, cleansers, face masks, and more for the summer.
Join Galore Beauty for exclusive convos, content and more.
What are some really good cleansers we can use to clean our pores?
In drier climates, you could swap out the creamier cleansers for a gel-based, such as Avene Cleanance Gel or Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. If you have oily skin in the summer, opt for a foaming cleanser such as CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or No 7 Beautiful Skin Foaming Cleanser.
Micellar water is also a lighter option as a makeup remover and/or cleanser. Some good options are Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water.
Other than cleansers, is there anything we can use that will not only cleanse, but hydrate our skin as well?
Lighten your skincare as the days get longer and lighter. Think of creams as heaviest, lotions as intermediate, and serums as lightest. By leaving out airtight moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil, serums are the lightest form of hydration, perfect for the summer months.
A Vitamin C serum such as Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster can fortify your skin against ultraviolet damage as Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate collagen production to repair fine lines and wrinkles, and inhibit melanin formation.
What are some of your go-to moisturizers in the summer?
For moisturizers, I recommend a lighter, gel-based moisturizer that will provide hydration without leaving skin feeling greasy. Many Asian Beauty products have perfected the light-but-effective moisturizing product.
Try Scinic Aqua AIO or LJH TeaTree 90 Essence. Another good option commonly found in drugstores is Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer.
READ ALSO: ANTM model, Tatiana Elizabeth, is licensed to help your skin look flawless af
READ ALSO: Here’s how you can treat annoying clogged pores and blackheads
Everyone’s a stan for masks these days. What are some of your top recommendations for all skin types?
Hotter temperatures in summer can mean more sweat, an oily T-zone, and more redness. In areas with dry summer heat, a hydrating mask may provide some hydration for your skin. Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask with witch hazel and Avene Soothing Moisture Mask with safflower oil can be hydrating and soothing masks to try.
For those with oily skin that can be exasperated in the summer heat, clay or mud masks may be a good option. Clay masks usually contain bentonite and kaolin clay; these draw out water and oil from your skin. Some masks you can easily find on Amazon: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
A favorite of ours is the PETER THOMAS ROTH Un-Wrinkle™ 24k Gold Intense Wrinkle Sheet Mask. Part of the mask’s secret is that it contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid. The topical application of HA has been shown to have a positive effect on the appearance of wrinkles and to improve the perceived elasticity of the skin.
The mask also contains peptides, which are made up of amino acids and may work to firm the skin. However, the effects are temporary, and likely last no longer than a late night out. This mask also sparkles, adding a little fun to your routine!
As we head to the beach and day parties this summer, what are some sunscreens that are actually good for our skin?
Don’t skimp on sun protection! Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
It is also important to remember that high-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication.
Neutrogena® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ doesn’t seem to leave a white tint, fragrance-free, good for sensitive skin, water resistant for 80 minutes. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ is fragrance-free, good for sensitive skin, water resistant for 80 minutes.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is non-whitening, with a matte finish, has a universal tint – more coverage than an untinted sunscreen, provides a natural glow, water resistant for 40 minutes.
For chemical sunscreens, it’s best to wait at least 20 minutes after application for sunscreen to take full effect. It can become unstable after hours of exposure to UV light, but stabilizing agents can help. Check out Aveeno’s Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30. It contains sodium ascorbyl palmitate (a form of vitamin C) which can help repair fine lines and wrinkles and treat sun/age-related dark spots and has retinyl palmitate (a retinol) which can help with anti-aging concerns such as fine lines and dark spots.
If your skin needs a combination physical and chemical sunscreens my top recommendation is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 and CeraVe AM SPF 30. It contains niacinamide, which can help lighten dark spots from years of sun exposure, decrease redness, and may reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which can retain moisture, having a positive effect on the appearance of wrinkles, improving skin elasticity.
