Written by Adeline J. Wells
With the solstice behind us, we can officially embrace Summer and the beaming sun, balmy temperatures, and gorgeous nights it brings. However, this change in season does more than impact our climate; it also affects our skin. Higher temperatures and fluxes in humidity can make our skin more prone to dryness, sun damage, and clogged pores. Here are a few of the key ingredients to look for when building your seasonal skincare routine. Addressing common issues such as dry, inflamed skin, they are hero ingredients in ensuring your summer skin glow lasts all season long.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic Acid is a well-known natural, hydrating ingredient found within the body’s tissues; sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt extracted from its original form. With a smaller molecular structure, sodium hyaluronate is a more stable form that can penetrate deeper into the pores. As a humectant, it is widely hailed for its properties that attract and retain hydration, restoring moisture to deep layers of the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid can often be found in skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, and eye drops.
Aloe Vera
Perhaps no ingredient is more commonly associated with summer skin than aloe vera. Aloe Barbadensis, or Aloe Vera, is a desert plant that stores water and nutrients in its leaves. The resulting sticky, gel-like substance is aloe leaf juice, which is widely utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties to treat dry, sensitive, or sunburnt skin. Aloe leaf juice also contains antibacterial and moisturizing elements, helping with skin regeneration. While this summer skin ingredient can be found in gels or sunburn topicals, the easiest way to use it is by simply splitting open a leaf and spreading it directly on the skin!
Sweet Almond Oil
Vitamin E is critical when repairing dry, flaky, sun-damaged skin. Derived from the favorite nut, Sweet Almond Oil contains high contents of Vitamins D and E — this makes it incredibly nourishing when applied to the skin. This ingredient is a hero at soothing a wide variety of skin issues, from simple soothing of dry, inflamed skin to treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or sunburn. Sweet Almond Oil can commonly be found in after-sun products, as well as skincare oils and creams.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is one of the most well-recognized elements in both ancient and modern skincare. With Vitamin E, polyphenols, and fatty acids, Cocoa Seed Butter is a rich emollient that provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. Its phytochemicals help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and radiation, working to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Cocoa Butter is often found in creams and lotions, which are an essential part of protecting your summer skin after sun exposure.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in skincare and is commonly found in serums that help protect from free radicals. Further, Vitamin C helps promote skin regeneration following sun damage, stimulating collagen production for improved skin elasticity. Vitamin C also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening the skin’s appearance, lending to that coveted summer skin glow.
