Here in the Okanagan our summers are hot, it’s a reason I love it here. However, strong sunshine and high temperatures can be tough on our skin. Here are my top natural ingredients to look out for when choosing skin care products over the summer months.
ZINC OXIDE
The active ingredients in sunscreens are some of the most toxic to our physical body, in particular they affect our delicate hormonal system and are irritating to the skin. I look for mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide as the UV filter. Additionally, zinc oxide is naturally cooling, healing and anti-inflammatory on the skin, perfect for something we wear in the heat!
TOP TIP: Long gone are the days that mineral sunscreens have to leave us white and greasy, there are now non-whitening beautiful options available.
HYALURONIC ACID (HA)
This ingredient is becoming very well known, for good reason. It’s all about water and it’s vital if your skin is dehydrated or damaged in any way. The direct sun and extra heat cause extra water loss, and if you have a pool with chlorine that will contribute too. Making sure we are properly hydrated is an important way of protecting our skin. Drinking lots of fluids is important but it’s hard to drink enough to be hydrating our skin from the inside. This is where HA comes in. I use it in my facial mist and/or serum every morning and every night. Every cell in our body needs water to function properly, including our skin cells. Hydrated skin looks plump, dewy and radiant, and is much better equipped to protect itself.
TOP TIP: Got a sun burn? Using HA serum as soon as possible helps to heal the skin fast!
FRANKINCENSE
Long famed for it’s anti-aging abilities, frankincense is now being used widely for all skin applications. It is a highly effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and used as part of your summer skin care, frankincense can help prevent sun damage and burns and help to heal any redness or sunburns if you do get them.
TOP TIP: Not all forms of frankincense are equal. If you want the most potent form, look for the active component, known as boswellic acids.
VITAMIN C
A well-known nutrient for the skin, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It’s ability to neutralize oxidation in the skin and prevent UV damage is impressive. Vitamin C comes in all sorts of forms in skin care products due to its unstable nature. I love oil soluble forms (I use tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) as they absorb well and remain stable and very effective.
TOP TIP: Vitamin C, when used regularly, is also an effective solution for hyperpigmentation. I use my vitamin C oil both day and night to prevent my dark spots from appearing in the summer months.
Skin care doesn’t have to be complicated. I believe in simpler the better, and our skin loves it that way too.
