Spring/Summer Skin Care

Hooray, it’s spring and the temperature is up and the humidity is high.  although we have been waiting patiently for the shift it can cause our skin to have some seasonal changes.

Normal and Oily skin types make more oil with the heat and humidity, breakouts can occur.  To keep your skin in tip top shape during the warmer months can be  pretty easy, and you want to keep your routine simple. So here are some of my favorites to keep you looking your absolute best!

Cleanse without stripping your skin.  If you have oily skin this may sound counter-intuitive.  The oil you produce is protecting you from bacteria, and keeps your skin moist.  When you strip the natural oils away, your body responds by making even more oil.  I like to use a light cleansing milk.  The “Simple” brand makes formulations for sensitive skin and is retailed at most drug store chains.  If you want to DIY, this recipe is similar to Dr. Hauscka’s Cleansing Cream:

Cleansing Cream:

1 tablespoon water

3 tablespoons jojoba oil or grapeseed oil

1 tablespoon organic green tea (one tea bag)

2 teaspoons Vitamin E oil (Jason)

3-5 drops calendula flower extract

3-5 german chamomile flower extract or 2-3 drops essential oil

4-5 drops St Johns Wort extract

1 teaspoon witch hazel extract

3-5 tablespoons of almond meal

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Gradually add almond meal until you reach the consistency you like.  It should be creamy, but not runny.  Oily skin can add more witch hazel.

Toner:  I actually like to use toner.  It removes any residue left behind by cleanser, and tightens the skin.  Thayers makes an alcohol free witch hazel with aloe, you can find this in any health food store.  If you’re sensitive, please dilute it.

On really muggy days, I like to freshen up with organic baby wipes.  These are great to keep you feeling fresh, and easy to carry.  They’re also  great  for removing makeup.

I love serums, and in the summer I use a jojoba oil base with essential oils to keep my skin balanced.  Jojoba is not really an oil, but a natural wax.  It is non-comedogenic (won’t make blackheads), and gives the skin protection.

Serum for Normal to Oily Skin:

30ml (one and 1/2 oz) of jojoba oil

15 drops of blood orange or bergamot essential oil

5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Serum for Normal to Dry Skin:

15ml of jojoba oil

15ml olive oil or almond oil

15 drops of lavender essential oil

5 drops chamomile essential oil

Sun Screen:  Please don’t skip this step, especially if you are going to be exposed to the sun.  Skin cancer is on the rise in the US, with 3.5 million cases reported each year.  That’s more than all other cancers combined.  SPF 30 is enough.  Look for formulations with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these are minerals and are healthier options.

Wishing you a healthy summer, have fun!!

Tracey