All you Need to Know for a Refresh Summer Skin

As we start to think about summer winding down (we know! It’s still so hot!), your skin might be feeling the effects of sun exposure, saltwater, and outdoor activities. The transition from sun-soaked days to cooler weather is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Here’s a guide to help you restore your glow and get your complexion back on track using three key skincare ingredients: hyaluronic acid, exfoliants, and vitamin C.

1. Rehydrate with Hyaluronic Acid

After a summer of sun and sweat, your skin is probably feeling…. parched. When you’re in need of some serious hydration, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that can help quench your skin’s thirst. Hyaluronic acid is what’s know as a humectant, which means that it draws moisture from the environment into your skin, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines. You should always follow hyaluronic acid with a more occlusive moisturizer, to lock in all that moisture. Some products containing HA already include both components for your skin.

How to Use It:

– Serums: Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your morning and evening routine. Apply it to damp skin to lock in moisture more effectively.
– Moisturizers: Look for moisturizers that list hyaluronic acid high on the ingredient list. They often provide long-lasting hydration and help to keep your skin’s barrier intact.
– Sheet Masks: For an extra boost, use a hyaluronic acid-infused sheet mask once a week. It’s a quick way to give your skin a hydrating treat.

One to try: CLARA Dew Drop Hyaluronic Acid + Zinc Serum

2. Exfoliate for a Fresh Start

Summer often leaves skin feeling dried and dull. To reveal a fresh, radiant complexion, regular exfoliation is key. Depending on your skin type, you can choose between physical exfoliants (scrubs) and chemical exfoliants (acids).

Physical Exfoliants:

– Scrubs: Opt for gentle scrubs with fine particles or enzymes. Be cautious with physical exfoliants to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation, which can be particularly tempting after a summer of sun exposure. A physical scrub can be used once to a few times a week, depending on the gentleness and your skin’s sensitivity.

Chemical Exfoliants:

– AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): These exfoliants, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, help to dissolve dead skin cells and improve skin texture. They’re great for revealing a smoother, more even skin surface. Glycolic acid is one of the smallest AHAs, so it can penetrate more deeply into the lower layers of the skin, giving it the added benefit of collagen stimulation. Lactic acid, in contrast, is one of the larger AHA molecules, so it stays more superficial in the skin and thus is more gentle and safer for sensitive skin.
– BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Salicylic acid, a common BHA, penetrates deeper into pores to help with acne and excess oil. It’s perfect for clearing out summer breakouts.

How to Use:

– Frequency: Exfoliate with physical scrubs 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance and the product’s strength. Exfoliate with acids as often as daily, depending on the product.
– Application: Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to soothe and protect your freshly exfoliated skin.

Two to try: CLARA Beauty Buff Bamboo Extract Weekly Polish, CLARA Clean Sweep Daily Clarifying Pads

3. Brighten Up with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for achieving a luminous and even complexion. It’s renowned for its brightening effects and ability to combat dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which can be more prominent after a summer of sun exposure. As a powerful antioxidant, it also blocks damage to the skin from free radicals in the environment, which can cause collagen breakdown and the appearance of fine lines as a result.

How to Use It:

– Serums: Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning to help protect your skin from environmental stressors and enhance its radiance. Look for serums with stable forms of vitamin C, like ascorbic acid or ascorbate.
– Moisturizers: Some moisturizers are fortified with vitamin C, providing hydration while boosting your skin’s brightness.

One to try: CLARA Fresh Squeezed C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum

As the season changes, giving your skin a fresh start can help it recover from summer’s effects and prepare it for the months ahead. Embrace hyaluronic acid for hydration, exfoliate regularly to reveal a fresh complexion, and use vitamin C to brighten and even out your skin tone. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to glowing skin and a smooth, refreshed appearance.

So, pamper yourself with these skincare essentials, and let your skin bask in the glow of a revitalized, radiant you!