SUMMER SKIN

Please tell me I am not alone in the feeling of dread that comes with that first warm-weather day or weekend of the year? I check my weather app and see a sunny forecast and 80 degree temperatures but look in the mirror and see lots of dry, pasty skin in need of some summer lovin’ (I hate myself for writing that. I am very sorry). I am naked and afraid, people. It’s at this point I begin to wonder why I didn’t anticipate this moment months in advance so I could avoid the feeling I have every year around this exact time. Inevitably, I will find myself in the very same predicament next summer - feverishly cramming dry brushing, exfoliation, and self-tanning into a 24 hour period because some of us just work better under pressure. If you’re like me, here are some quick tips to get your skin into its best condition. Next year: same time, same place.

DRY BRUSHING ALL YEAR LONG

Do as I say not as I do, okay? Dry brushing is something that may seem ridiculously indulgent and a tad bit cuckoo but the benefits are real. Regular dry brushing helps with lymphatic drainage, circulation and exfoliation. And, it’s relaxing. Have you ever dry brushed while vaping CBD?! Mark my words: absolutely miraculous. If you’re new to DB-ing, select a brush with firm but flexible bristles (like this one, which has a long handle to reach your back) and keep it right outside of the shower as a reminder to brush first. Begin at the feet and brush up in circular motions towards your heart. You should notice a difference in skin texture after three to five sessions and this routine exfoliation will prep your skin for some gradual glow delivered via Tan-Luxe THE GRADUAL Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion.

LIGHTENING THE LOAD

A thick layer of moisture-rich cream is the best for my winter skincare routine but as the weather gets warmer, my skin can’t handle all of the excess oil. Makeup slides right off my face and breakouts are inevitable so I’ve learned to switch to an oil-free moisturizer that is nourishing but not greasy. Some favorites are: AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free, NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer, and Tula Aqua Infusion Oil-Free Gel Cream PREPPING THE FACE FOR SELF-TANNER I can’t say it enough...do not expose your naked face to the sun. Use SPF, wear a hat, carry an umbrella - you’ll be thankful you did this and think of all the people you will scare away by carrying an umbrella on the street when it’s fully sunny? Suddenly, Broadway is all yours! Moving on, at some point you will want your face to match your body, which is easy to do with Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. You just add a few drops into your moisturizer at night and apply. But, the secret perfect self-tanner application is skin that is well-moisturized and even in texture. Before you self-tan, cleans your skin and apply a mask that exfoliates and hydrates skin simultaneously. I’ve recently begun using the Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask and it’s perfect for this! The clay and lactic acid help gently exfoliate while the blueberry extract moisturizes and probiotics help create a barrier that locks in moisture, which is so important to keeping skin hydrated.

EVEN SUPERHEROES GET BACNE (AND CHACNE)

Nylon capes don’t breathe very well, apparently. And while we’re sharing secrets I’ll go ahead and admit I suffer from the occasional summer bacne (back acne) and chacne (chest acne). It’s a really embarrassing situation made worse by my love of hot yoga, but years of experimentation has led me to a cure I’d like to share with everyone in hopes you won’t suffer any longer than necessary. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, a Salux Nylon Wash Cloth is the perfect product and tool combination. A dollop of this body wash on the nylon cloth helps cleanse and exfoliate and keeps pores clear of dirt and dead skin. In addition, I like to use a very gentle facial exfoliant once a week. Yes, I’ve talked endlessly about chemical exfoliants but in the summer I prefer to add in a physical exfoliant to keep my skin smooth. The Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is the ONLY scrub I use because it’s a sugar-based scrub that melts away with warm water and won’t cause those micro-tears in skin caused by sharp walnut shells bits or sand in some scrubs. Instead there are fruit enzymes that help chemically exfoliate, as well. It leaves my skin soft but never red or irritated. Transparency Statement: This post is not sponsored but some products mentioned above were received as PR gifts. No items were provided in exchange for editorial coverage or favorable reviews. The opinions and recommendations in this story are my own.

CATHERINE SPINLEY IS THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AT THE SUNDAY ISSUE AS WELL AS A FREELANCE WRITER AND SOMETIMES-PHOTOGRAPHER. WHEN NOT STALKING OTHER PEOPLE’S DOGS OR YELLING AT PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO WALK UP THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ESCALATOR, SHE WORKS IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY AND PRACTICES YOGA. YOU CAN READ ABOUT HER AT WOREPAINT.COM AND @SPINDERELLA1110.