Another summer in the sun and in need of a skin refresh? Yes, us too. Whether you wore plenty of sunscreen and tried to take some shade like many of us, chances are you picked up some incidental UV exposure. With autumn upon us, there is no better time to take stock of the health of your skin – think hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, irritability, and dryness – to minimize the long-term effects, autumn is a great time to reassess your skincare routine while also preparing it for the upcoming chilly winter months.

A daily routine can really help to turn your skin around, especially cleansing and exfoliating, prepping the skin, removing any unnecessary dead skin cells and patchy skin. But what else? We know moisturization is key in sealing skin, but what are the ingredients one should really look for in a nourishing moisturizer? Simplicity is key and protecting your barrier is critical.

first, let's address skin concerns.

Skin looking red or irritated? This could be due to the uv-damage to the underlying blood vessels in your skin that have lost collagen support and the result of a loss in both Vitamin A and C. Additionally, sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals search for other atoms from which they can “steal” an electron —and this can lead to significant damage to the skin. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C and COQ10 to support the skin barrier.

Vitamin C, which also goes by ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that isn’t actually produced by the body. Instead, the only way to get it is through supplements, topically or your diet — citrus fruits like oranges are famously rich in vitamin C. When topically applied your skin can reap the biggest benefits, roughly 20x more than orally. It can help with epidermis repair, Vitamin C is regarded as one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market — and the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowy complexion. In addition, Vitamin C can help accelerate cell turnover, replacing the damaged ones, with new healthy ones.

COQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally produced bodily enzyme and one of the most fundamental antioxidants. It helps address so many skin concerns including brightening, evening skin tone and texture, helps with dullness, reduces sun damage, and improves hydration. COQ10, which is it’s main hype, additionally can help keep your cells active and energized, helping them rid themselves of toxins. It plays nicely with other antioxidants, including Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid, making this an ideal ingredient for any moisturization routine.

summer skin leaving you dark spots?
Also known as hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or even melasma, it is a common, usually harmless skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin and can affect all skin types and people of all ages. Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. Melanin absorbs the energy of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect the skin from overexposure. The usual result of this process is skin tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented. While a broad spectrum SPF is essential year-round to help prevent sun damage, too much sun exposure may still leave you with dark patches.

Niacinamide is a great ingredient for all skin types, especially those dealing with hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help with multitudes of skin concerns- rosacea, acne, post acne skin concerns, and aging concerns as well. Environmental stressors or free radicals, like the sun, can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it unstable and at risk for damaged skin cells. NAD+, found in Niacinamide, contributes extra electrons, which help stabilize this, preventing further damage to the skin. Topical niacinamide also helps increase the production of ceramides protecting the skin’s natural barrier. In a clinical study, across 12 weeks, saw an improvement in texture, tone, hyperpigmentation, and sallowness.  

what is a good skincare routine without proper hydration?
Skin during the summer is often left dry and dehydrated. Hyaluronic Acid, which is said to retain 1000x its weight in water within the skin cells. It acts as a humectant and holds water molecules onto the surface of your skin, keeping it smooth, soft and hydrated. By binding water to the skin, it helps hydrate any skin types, creating a plumping and smoothing effect, without weighing it down. Think about it as a big drink of water for your skin.

Looking for something that has all of these powerhouse ingredients to simplify your routine?
Try our Revitalizing Body Moisturizer as your last step for your daily skincare routine, morning or night.