My Summer Skincare Routine




My skincare needs change once the weather gets hot and humid, my focus shifts to sun protection and beating skin pigmentation (melasma). I have normal skin so I don't use a moisturizer or face oils  during the summer. Here are both my morning and evening routines, most products were purchased at Sephora. I’m a Sephora junkie,  but I only shop during their 15% off sale 3x a year. I keep my cart full for months and only purchase during the sale. I use products until the bottle is empty so I don't need to purchase skin care products that often anyway. I think quality skincare products are an investment in your skin's health.

AM Routine

Cleanser
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser 
You only need a small amount of this super moisturizing cleanser as it lathers up well. It's made of milk proteins, manuka honey, Jojoba and Avocado Oil. It will remove all of your makeup.

Toner
It's a resurfacing toner with niacinamide & lactic acid. Yes it does make your skin tingle. 

Vitamin C Serum
Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum
Vitamin C aids your collagen and elastin production which fights wrinkles and ensures you have an even skin tone and texture. If you're fighting discoloration in your skin, Vitamin C will help lighten it.  Urban Skin is a skincare line made for women of color. Their brightening Vitamin C serum is made up of 20% Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Kojic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides.  I keep it in my medicine  cabinet to protect from light because it becomes oxidized by light and air. 

Sunscreen
Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 - Cucumber Matte
This has been a staple for awhile as it uses organic and plant derived ingredients. CNN published an article a couple weeks ago that said that sunscreen enters your bloodstream and to not use ones with these ingredients: avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene. None are which are in this coola bottle, each coola product though has different ingredients. This one also has rosehip oil which is great for moisturizing your skin and brightening. It’s pricey at $30 for a small bottle but their website has the occasional sale and always has free shipping with no minimum. I carry one in my purse in the summertime so I can reapply before my lunchtime walk.  Sunscreen protects against premature aging, spots, and loss of elasticity so everyone should be putting it on their face every day.


PM Routine

Cleanser
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser 

Exfoliate
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Twice a week I use this as it gives you a 2-minute facial as the exfoliator smooths and polishes to reveal a glowing, radiant complexion. It's made from lactic acid and fruit enzymes— papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin. It's bright green and smells like a Christmas tree!

Treatment               
A blend of alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage cell renewal and reduce hyperpigmentation. The ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and Witch Hazel. I use this 3x a week. 

Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
For chemical exfoliation try out an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). Glycolic acid is an AHA that comes from sugar cane and will break up the debris on the skin's outer layer. This product is a 12% AHA/BHA night serum that refines and resurfaces skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion. It also has marula, passionfruit, apricot and jojoba oils to help with dryness. I use this 5x a week, skipping on the days I use a retinol.

Retinol
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Retinol is the purest form of Vitamin A. Retinol stimulates collagen production, which helps to plump up and reduce fine lines and helps with cell turnover and hyperpigmentation. Be prepared to experience some skin sensitivity and minor peeling. This vegan retinol is safe to using during the day. I find it stronger than prescription retinols I have used. I use this product twice a week.

Eye Cream
Alpha Skin Care Nourishing Eye Cream
I don't believe in spending a lot of money on an eye creams, especially since the experts debate whether you really need one as other skin care products should be able to be used on the eye area as well. I bought this off amazon for under $20 and its loaded with soothing antioxidant-rich plant oils (grape and jojoba), vitamins C and E to help reduce fine lines, and sodium hyaluronate to boost skin's hydration levels. In comes in a squeeze tube that keeps the product stabilized and potent. It's very hydrating and  fragrance free.

Eyelash serum
GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum
I've gotten eyelash extensions a couple times but it's not something I'd want the hassle of keeping up.  Using a serum is a much more affordable option to getting longer lashes. You have to be patient as it takes a few months of consistent use to see a difference, but this product does work!

Masks
They're a great pampering session if you can't make it to a professional.  If you have oily skin, clay and charcoal masks are great to soak up some of that oil. Dry skin benefit from a moisturizing mask. My favorite masks in my monthly rotation are:

Tools
Rose Quartz Gua Sha
Gua sha is a process in which a polished stone is scraped across the skin. This traditional Chinese technique was used on the body to release toxins and relieve pain in tired, sore, or injured muscles. Similar to a jade roller, the gua sha facial massage helps to relieve tension from the muscles in the face, boost blood circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage which reduces bloat and makes your face look temporarily slimmer, breaks up fascia and helps with fine lines. To use first put some facial oil on your face so that it can glide easily. I first heard of this from celebrity facialist Georgia Louise and then really began to notice lots of other people using this stone.

Microneedling Tool
With 0.5 mm needles is exfoliates and refines the skin and allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. It's like having your own professional spa at home.

Vitamins
Hair Sweet Hair Growth - Vegan Gummies
These are so delicious I look forward to taking them everyday! It's a blend of biotin, zinc, B12, PABA, folic acid, and Fo-Ti from traditional Chinese medicine.


Body
Trader Joe's lemongrass coconut Body Oil
I put this on my legs at night and it smells like lemongrass. It's made of coconut and jojoba oils.

Nivea essentially enriched body lotion
Made with almond oil, this is my daytime lotion for my legs to make them silky smooth with a sheen.





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