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 fluctuating humidity can make 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 routine.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic acid is a well-known hydrating ingredient found naturally within the body’s tissues; sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt derived from it. With a smaller molecular structure, sodium hyaluronate is a more stable form that penetrates more readily. As a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture, restoring hydration to deeper layers of the skin. Both forms are commonly found in serums and moisturizers.
Aloe Vera
Perhaps no ingredient is more commonly associated with summer skin than aloe vera. Aloe Barbadensis is a desert plant that stores water and nutrients in its leaves. The resulting gel-like substance is aloe leaf juice, widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties on dry, sensitive, or sunburnt skin. Aloe leaf juice also contains antibacterial and moisturizing elements that support skin regeneration.
Sweet Almond Oil
Vitamin E matters when caring for dry, flaky, sun-exposed skin. Derived from the nut, sweet almond oil contains high levels of Vitamins D and E, which makes it deeply nourishing on the skin. It is a hero at soothing a wide range of complaints, from simple dryness and inflammation to the discomfort of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or sunburn. Sweet almond oil is commonly found in after-sun products as well as skincare oils and creams.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is one of the most 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. Its phytochemicals help buffer the skin against UV exposure, supporting resilience against the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Cocoa butter is often found in creams and lotions, an essential part of caring for summer skin after sun exposure.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in skincare, commonly found in serums that help protect against free radicals. It also supports skin regeneration following sun exposure, stimulating collagen production for improved elasticity. Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while brightening the skin, lending that coveted summer glow.
