Prep Your Skin For Summer With The Legendary Kate Somerville
Building an empire might take up most of your time, but keeping your skin happy and healthy is an absolute must! When considering the best of the best in the skincare industry, Kate Somerville's name is at the top of our list. The skin gods took their time when they made her. This celebrity face goddess, whose disciples include huge names like Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton, is the undisputed champion of all things skin health. When we caught up with Kate, we just knew we had to ask some of the most burning questions on prepping our skin for the summer months. Take a look below at what she had to say!
What are the most important skincare elements to consider when prepping the skin for the summer months?
SPF protection is the most important element for healthy skin year round, but it’s particularly important during the summer months. Sun degrades our collagen and elastin and affects our body’s ability to create healthy new cells. Many of my clients ask me to take away or reverse something they don’t like about their skin and usually what they don’t like could have been avoided by staying out of the sun.
Hydration! Skin that feels dry and tight from the sun is dehydrated, so it’s all about putting moisture back into the skin. Take a cool shower or tepid bath, pat dry and immediately apply a moisturizer. This will help seal in the moisture from your shower and relieve dry skin.
Incorporate a serum into your skincare regimen. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid to bind moisture to skin and provide hydration.
Refrigerating eye creams, serums, moisturizers and facial mists will provide instant relief during hot weather.
Internal and external hydration is vital. Drink plenty of fluids and eat water rich fruits and vegetables. I love starting my day with a green juice or smoothie! Incorporate ingredients like Aloe Juice, Celery, Spinach and Cucumber.
What are the most harmful factors to consider when prepping the skin for the summer months?
Avoid, or reduce usage of products with sun sensitizing ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C or Salicylic Acid.
What is the most important product to use leading up to/during the summer?
You should never leave the house without applying sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. Even in the winter and on cloudy days. I recommend looking for sunscreens with ingredients that contain either physical or chemical blocks and always look for broad spectrum protection – which means protection from all UV rays. Try Kate Somerville Daily Deflector SPF 50. You also need to cover up. Wear a hat when you’re out in the sun for any length of time and especially in the middle of the day.
What is one facial treatment every woman should commit to having done to prep her skin for the summer sun? How often?
During the summer, it’s always a good idea to get regular facials to help keep pores clear! Skin becomes congested from heat, sunscreen and humidity. The Signature Facial at my Skin Health Experts Clinic on Melrose Place [in Los Angeles, CA] is completely customized to each individual’s needs and leaves skin smooth, clear and healthy. I recommend getting a facial every 4-6 weeks for maintenance.
What is one easy way to protect the skin from the sun during a long day outdoors?
Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (reapply every 2 hours) and wear a hat!
What is the biggest skincare mistake you see women make when it comes to sun protection?
Not using a separate SPF and relying just on your makeup. Most makeup contains an SPF less than 30, which is not enough daily protection. If you don’t want to add the step of applying a separate sunscreen, look for makeup with broad spectrum coverage greater than 30, like my IllumiKate CC Cream SPF 50 +. Don’t forget your neck and chest!
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