Welcome May!

The weather gets warmer, nature is blooming, the days are longer, kids are out of school, and we are heading into the cycle of Pitta Season. Season changes are a great time to take a deeper look into both our skincare and lifestyle routines. Today I’m sharing my top tips on how to transition to a Summer skincare routine. What can stay, what can go and if there are any products or practices lingering, now is the perfect time to let them go. I personally love a good purge!

Summer, Pitta season in Ayurveda, is the time to lighten up our skincare routines, diet and energetically, we may even lighten up our workloads and lifestyles, as summer is a time to vacation, relax and break from our normal schedules. This is an ideal time to transition to both lighter Summer skincare products and treatments too. We want to seek out clarifying, light and cooling energies on all levels.

Cooling Facial Treatments

Calling all rosewaters from the fridge, gemstone facials, jade rollers, cold infused compresses and light botanical leaf and flower infused products. Don’t hesitate to keep your tools in the fridge for an refreshing treat during the summer days and feel free to ice down the neck to both support lymphatic movement and cool the body down when needed. Do what feels intuitive to you.

One of my favorite Ayurvedic Beauty cooling facial masks is a simple yogurt mask. I like to opt for greek yogurt, as it is thicker and really holds the cold well. It feels so refreshing on the skin and is amazing if you are experiencing any heat induced summer puffiness. Also works very well as a first aid for sunburns. (I do suggest avoiding sunburns at all cost). The thickness of the greek yogurt prevents it from becoming runny so I like to apply and leave on for a good 20 min. Yogurt also contains lactic acid and probiotics for a bit of extra skin nutrition too.

Water Based Hydration Formulations

One aspect important to clarify for how to transition to summer skincare is that we want to opt for lighter ways to moisturize but as always and don’t forget to hydrate. We receive hydration from well formulated emulsive toners and water based serums.

I will mention I’m a little spoiled in never having to deal with dry skin (Hello Miami humidity) but I know it can be challanging in hot summers that are also dry. In this climate, it’s ideal to opt for emulsive water based formulas in combination with lighter facial oils. This will offer a balance of hydration and moisture without being too heavy on the skin. What this combination can looks like is an emulsifying toner and serum in combination with a facial oil of a lighter molecular weight.

Opt for Light Facial Oils

One thing not mentioned often about oils is that in some circumstances, they can indeed trap heat and inflammation in the skin. So most definitely, if you are experiencing any inflammatory skin conditions, get very intentional about oils. I love facial oils but there is time and a place for different types of oils.

Jojoba, Argan, Baobab, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Prickly Pear are great Summer skincare oils.

If you are prone to congestion, avoid coconut oils, sesame oils, butters and waxes, including shea butters and beeswax formulas.

This tip, relevant in every season, is that it is never advised to use essential oils directly on the face. They will cause photosensitivity’s, disrupt the skin barrier, skin PH and will further aggravate and irritate pre-existing skin conditions. Combine this with summer heat and it can be a recipe for disaster.

Now is also not the time to go in for a deep peel, heavy retinoid usage, or increased hydroxy acid use. This can be harmful for the skin due to an increase in sun exposure, as well as body heat in general. If you’ve experienced sensitive or sensitized skin that flares up after a hot workout, day in the sun, even aggravation, you know this feeling. It’s the combination of too much heat throughout the body.

How to Transition to Summer Skincare and Layer Your Products

1. Refreshing Cleansers. Light oil cleansers and creamy cleansers. It may be natural to want to over cleanse during the hot and sweaty summers but always keep the cleansing process nourishing and supportive to the skin barrier. Check out Ursa Major’s non-foaming Milky Cleanser. If you want to know why’s around why I’m such a stickler for intentional and nourishing cleansing ritual, you can lean all about the Skin Barrier here.
2. Opt for a hydrating toner and cut back on exfoliating toners.
3. Light water based serum opting for hydration and nourishment. A high quality Vitamin C serum is great preventative care for photo damage/sun damage and increasing anti-oxidants to the skin.
4. Opt for a light facial oil.
5. Daytime non-chemical SPF. Seek out Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide based SPF’s. This is my absolute favorite Non-Chemical SPF.
6. Stay extra mindful if using chemical exfoliation such as retinoids, hydroxy acids and in the case of, opt for both SPF and a hat. I personally love a good wide brim hat and think they are such a stylish way to accessorize!
7. If you are prone to congestion in the summer, opt for a light salicylic acid based facial cleanser or serum to prevent build up. This is the best exfoliation ingredient for congestion. You’ll capture both the decongesting and the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid. Use wisely. 
8. Try an herbal infused light clay mask, opt for white clay and use a cold brewed herbal tea to mix, keep damp while on the skin and embody the goddess energy of your summer skincare rituals.

With Love,
Jen xx