Summer Skincare Essentials

By Olivia Nolan/Rachel Kapur
​August 2, 2016

Summer is the time to play in the SUN...Time to travel, play sports and just relax on the beach. While you are on-the-go enjoying the incredible Summer weather, you need ​make sure to stay hydrated and take care of
your skin.

Your skin is the most important part of your body and is the body's largest organ. Your skin prevents germs from entering the body and damaging internal organs, therefore you need to keep it protected from harmful rays of the sun which not only accelerates the aging process but can also put you at risk of developing skin cancer. 

We have reviewed some of the best products to keep you healthy, looking younger and staying protected this Summer! 

Sun Protection 

​Solar D Sunscreen is the only sunscreen that provides sun protection while permitting the passage of certain sunlight your skin uses naturally to make vitamin D. The development of this sunscreen was a breakthrough and took scientists years to develop. Originally developed in Australia and New Zealand, this sunscreen is now available in the United States and Canada on Amazon.com and Walmart.com. The texture of this sunscreen is not greasy or heavy at all and it smells great. Solar D Sunscreens are free of parabens, PABA, oxybenzone, nanoparticles, gluten, fragrance and animal testing. Vitamin D deficiency is associated a multitude of diseases and cancers and over 40% of Americans are considered vitamin D deficient. Using this sunscreen will protect you from harmful rays but also allow you to soak up the sun that your body naturally needs. Solar D offers SPF15 Every Day, SPF30 Daily Face & Body, SPF50 Active and SPF50 Kids. The prices range from $7.50-$11.99.

My Cabana Boy, a sunscreen applicator tool is a major game changer for those who spend a lot of time outside. Applying sunscreen can be bothersome, especially when applying hard-to-reach places. My Cabana Boy is a tool that holds spray sunscreen lotions and is ergonomically designed to maximize coverage so you hit your intended spots and hard-to-reach places. Application is quick and easy .The accuracy and efficiency of the spray will keep you from wasting sunscreen too. The compartment fits most standard continuous spray cans and is adjustable. This can also be used as an applicator for spray tans or regular lotions. 

Facial Care

Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash: Clean the day off with this anti-blemish face wash. Using lactic acid, lemon peel oil, green tea and cucumber, this wash effectively cleanses and exfoliates acne prone skin. This wash is free harsh chemicals such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This wash is great for those who are struggling with blemishes, sensitive skin or breakouts from hormonal changes. It is OB/GYN and Dermatologist recommended making it the perfect wash for pregnant women. 
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The ​Derm Institute Cellular Rejuvenating Eye Masque is the perfect fix for tired eyes. With regular use once or twice a week, the nano-platinum delivery system of this mask will visibly soften lines around eyes, diminish the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles, improves firmness, lifts eye contour and delivers extra moisture to the skin. To use these masks, you place them around your eye Taking care of the skin around your eyes can make a huge difference in your overall appearance. Having firm, moisturized eyes will make you appear more exuberant and awake. This mask is perfect for both diminishing signs of aging and preventing signs of aging. It is important to take keep the skin around your eyes moisturized to prevent dark circles, bags and wrinkles and this mask is packed with moisture.
 
​For dry skin types the ​​Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque is great for moisturizing and healing your skin. With nano-gold technology this mask instantly soothes irritated skin, alleviates redness, softens skin, repairs and protects skin cells and retains moisture. This mask is more than just a moisturizer, it contains active ingredients that dive into deeper layers of skin, minimize collagen depletion and improves elasticity. By using this mask regularly you can diminish signs of aging.

For oily skin types, Dermalogica® is launching the Phyto Replenish Oil (available 9/1). This feather-light facial oil strengthens and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier, shields against environmental stressors, smooths visible lines, and locks in critical moisture for all-day dewy skin. Comprised of plant-based active ingredients, Phyto Replenish Oil can be used daily to restore depleted lipids and deliver a healthy, luminous glow!

Exfoliators

The Blink Brow Bar Brow Exfoliator is one of a kind and can really improve the appearance of your eyebrows through focusing on the skin underneath. Eyebrows are the frame of your face; the way your brows look can really affect your overall appearance. The skin underneath the eyebrows is typically neglected resulting in ingrown hairs within the eyebrows, and dry/damaged eyebrow hairs. This brow exfoliator pen is infused with a blend of Vitamin E and Natural Nut Oils to condition brows, lift away dry and flaky skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

Jouviance Soft Peel Night Cream 10% Glycolic Acid is perfect for exfoliating summer skin. The skin on your face goes through a lot during the summer—sweating, over-producing natural oils, over-exposure to the sun etc. The cream itself is lightweight and has a nice smell. Although it has a light consistency, it is super powerful and is able to both hydrate and remove dead skin overnight. With regular use, this peel can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. It also fights photoaging and evens skin tone. 

Bath & Body Care

The RITUALS “The Ritual of Karma” Collection is a summer limited edition collection of bath and body products that will leave you smelling fresh and sweet. The unique scent is a mixture of holy lotus and bergamot. The skincare collection is comprised of four steps: body scrub, shower foam, body cream and body mist. With use of these products together, your body will be exfoliated, cleansed and moisturized with the scent of “Good Karma”. 

Pamper yourself with ​Anna Naturals Pampering Himalayan Bath Salt! Pink Himalayan bath salt hydrates skin and detoxifies the body resulting in an ultra-deep clean. The salt is combined with rose and lavender for a luxurious, relaxing scent. To use, add ½ to 1 full cup of bath salt to a warm bath and soak for up to 40 minutes.
 
RepHresh Soothing Wash is an intimate area pH-balanced soothing wash is cleansing and provides instant soothing, relief and comfort. It is Dermatologist and Gynecologist tested and free of any dyes or parabens. The summer heat can really cause discomfort down there but this wash will take away any uneasiness. 

​Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes are perfect for traveling—especially in the summer heat. These deodorant wipes come in portable packaging and are great to just throw in your purse for after working out, camping, times of high stress or for times when showering is not an option. Using natural ingredients, these wipes are able to neutralize odors for hours without the use of sulfates, SLS, parabens, phthalates and petrolatum. In addition, Pacifica is a 100% vegan, cruelty-free brand. These wipes come in three delicious smelling scents: Coconut Milk & Essential Oils, Coconut Milk & Sugared Flowers and Coconut Milk & Kale Extract. 

Bug Repellent

ZiKa Shield Mosquito Repellent Spray repels harmful summertime mosquitos with 100% all-natural mosquito repellent. Chemical-free but just as effective, this formula will no-doubt fend off mosquitos. The ZiKa Shield formula is DEET free and made with all-natural, plant based ingredients including citronella, oil of lemon eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oil. ZiKa offers two products with their same formula in order to give the consumer a choice of application: repellant spray and repellent bands. Both applications are quick and easy, it just depends on preference.
 
BugBand Insect Repellent Towelettes are perfect for on-the-go. The formula is DEET free, made with naturally derived Geraniol and repels mosquitos, flies, gnats, no-see-ums, fleas and ticks. These are great to be used all over the body, especially on your face and neck for controlled application. Towelettes are available in portable packs and larger dispensable packages.