Summer—the season for sunglasses, sundresses and sensational shoes, and the time of year when skin is bombarded by multiple stressors. Throughout the weekdays we’re constantly running in and out of air-conditioned environments which cause skin to lose hydration, and on the weekends we make the most of the sunshine by attending backyard barbecues and cultural events. These longer periods spent outdoors amplify exposure to environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV rays and smoke, but… no sweat! Bring on the heat and the good times! TSC has tips for skin prep that will leave your skin looking and feeling its best all season long, with the best skin care!

Exfoliate

One of the quickest ways to get glowing is to get rid of dead skin. You can whip up sugar or salt-based exfoliators at home, but if you’re on a time crunch, there are some convenient products with micro-particles that promote smooth and even results. Consider a charcoal-based face scrub that also purifies such as Beekman 1802’s Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub or treat your face to a tea-tox by using Teaology’s Green Tea Detox Face Scrub revered for its buttery texture and soothing properties. If you’re looking for a do-it-all head-to-toe product, try an anti-aging daily-use option such as Kalaya’s Renew Face & Body Canadian Pink Salt Scrub And here’s a skin care must: always follow the exfoliation process with a hydrating moisturizer.

Use Sun Protection

We usually remember to slather on sun protection while lounging by the pool, but it’s easy to forget that our faces are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays on an average day. On a hot day, your makeup can feel like a blanket sitting on top of your sunscreen and other products, so why not consider an all-encompassing skincare, makeup and SPF product such as the IT Cosmetics CC+ Illumination Cream with SPF 50+ to reduce the layers of product and increase your comfort? And don’t forget the lips! Keep your lips naturally radiant and protected with a lip product such as Elizabeth Arden’s Lip Protectant Stick with SPF 15 Re-apply after every meal, and invest in formulas with SPF values of 15 or higher for optimal protection.

Hydrate

Parched lips are a quick reminder to drink water, but there are days when the face can start to feel tight even after applying a tried-and-true moisturizer. Dehydration could be the culprit here, so using a refreshing face mist such as Skinfix’s Coconut Water Hydrating Mist can help relieve dehydration without disturbing makeup, and you can apply it as needed throughout the day. Hair also needs hydration, so try a conditioner such as Tweak-d’s Dhatelo Restore Hair Strengthening Pre-Cleanse Conditioner. Designed for use on dry hair before using a shampoo, this deep-penetrating treatment can help restore your locks to their usual splendour.