If you want to keep your skin fresh and glowing, start by tossing some sunscreen into your bag, says Jaqui Johnston, an aesthetician at Daireds Salon in Arlington.
Chances are you've heard that one before. According to Johnston, we've come a long way in the last 30 years when it comes to sun care education. But here in Texas, a little dab in the morning isn't enough.
"If you're outside getting consistent exposure for two hours, the sun has already broken down all the sunscreen," she shares. So reapply, reapply, reapply for stress-free fun in the sun.
Still, there's more to glowing skin than sunscreen-and it doesn't require layers and layers of makeup.
In her nearly 10 years at Daireds, Johnston has consulted on a wide variety of skin conditions, from sun damage to hyperpigmentation to rosacea. The common thread, she says, is that women often use makeup as a bandage, rather than addressing the problem at the root. But how useful is a bandage if it melts off every few hours?
Johnston insists that getting a summer-proof look doesn't have to be a Sisyphean task, instead offering up these easy steps to an all-day glow: cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.
Start by cleansing twice a day. "You sweat more in the summer, so you have to be more diligent about your at-home routine," she urges, adding that you should wash even more often if you get particularly sweaty. This keeps post-detox bacteria from collecting in your skin, which can cause breakouts all over your body. Choose a formula that best fits your skin type, like Sonya Dakar Wash with red grapefruit or mud lavender.
Additionally, you should exfoliate often-at least once a week during the hot summer months. Johnston recommends the Triple-Action Organic Scrub from Sonya Dakar, a non-abrasive scrub that's great at fighting away acne-causing bacteria.
Finally, it's time to moisturize. Start with a tinted moisturizer that includes SPF, like Dream Tint from Jane Iredale. It includes SPF 15 to protect your delicate skin, and a slight tint to keep you glowing and minimize the look of pores and fine lines.
After all the good you've done for your skin, the last thing you want to do is layer on makeup that will cause irritation. So think of these products as food for your skin, and choose ingredients wisely.
"People go their whole lives thinking they can't wear powder because typical over-the-counter products either don't do anything or cause irritation!" Johnston shares.
To keep a shiny T-Zone under control, she recommends 100-percent pure mineral powder; in addition to mattifying your skin, the talc-free formula won't irritate or clog your pores. Top off your look with a quick swipe of petroleum-free mascara, and you're in for a fresh look from lunch hour to happy hour.
