Having a skincare routine is like having a closet filled with clothes – the basics don’t change much and are always in rotation, but a few items are worn less or more depending on the season. With that in mind, if you have exfoliation as part of your summer skincare routine (which you should!) it’s important to keep a few basic guidelines in mind during the Summer months:
Does the type of exfoliation matter?
There are two types of exfoliation methods: (1) chemical; and (2) mechanical. As you can probably guess, chemical exfoliation involves products like scrubs and other potions and lotions containing active ingredients such as glycolic acid and retinol. But not all exfoliators are created equal. There are some products in the market today that exfoliate skin with fruit enzymes, rendering them gentle enough for everyday use if you so wish. Mechanical exfoliators, on the other hand, are tools that can be used to rid face of dry skin, such as a clarisonic cleansing brush or a microdermabrasion treatment. Between chemical and mechanical exfoliators, they both get rid of dead skin but there are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to adjusting your beauty routine once the Summer months come around…
How often should you exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate will depend on the type of exfoliator you use, how many times you currently exfoliate, and how much time you spend in the sun. For those who are pros at covering up and wearing sunscreen when out in the sun, you can keep the suggested 2-3x per week exfoliation routine. However, if you plan on being outside more in the Summer than you were in Winter, step back your usual plan to 1-2x per week. This is an important step because exfoliation increases sun sensitivity, making your skin more prone to sun damage. Nonetheless, if you have a gentle enough exfoliator, you can get away with exfoliating every other day, even in the Summer months (more on that below).
What is the best type of exfoliator for the Summer months?
If you want glowing skin and clean pores of dirt and sweat (all which tend to be more present in Summer), you’ll want to use a gentle exfoliator during the Summer months. As mentioned above, there are some products in the market that offer exfoliation by using fruit enzymes, making them gentle enough to use every other day. One such product is IMAGE skincare’s Iluma Intense Brightening Powder ($29.90), an ultrasoft micro-exfoliant that removes dirt and provides long-term hydration and anti-aging benefits with natural botanicals, enzymes and antioxidants. This exfoliating powder is ideal for all skin types and recommended for dull skin. To use, simply shake a small amount of the powder into wet palms and rub hands together to form a light foam. Then, simply massage into skin and rinse thoroughly. Use every day or every other day on face and/or body, as desired. Ready to try it? This awesome exfoliating powder is currently 20% OFF for the entire month of August!
