Foundational Summer Step

Summer can be such a magical time of year. Long evenings spent outdoors, less structured daily routines, more time having fun with friends and family. This less is more approach to life can be a beautiful thing to be part of but it can also amplify imbalances and disrupts when it comes to a skincare routine.

When it comes to summertime, it is essential to incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your weekly routine to help maintain the overall balance and hydration of skin. Warmer weather often brings increased sweat, sunscreen buildup and prolonged exposure to environmental elements, which can contribute to congested pores, dull skin and potential breakouts.

The purpose of exfoliation is to help slough dead skin cells and promote a healthy cellular turnover. When this foundational step is maintained consistently overtime, you will find that skin appears more even-toned and is able to absorb a variety of hydrators more effectively. If you prefer a more gentle approach to your facial exfoliant, typically enzymatic or lactic acid-based products offer a soft yet effective way to remove dead skin without irritation. These exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds that hold dull surface cells in place, rather than using abrasive particles that can cause microtears or inflammation—especially in sensitive or dry skin types. Clay-based exfoliants work by drawing congestion to the surface and can work hand-in-hand with bond dissolving exfoliants to cleanse, clarify and balance skin's natural sebum production.

This weekly ritual is even more so essential when using lipid-based skincare cleansers and hydrators because it helps to clear away dead skin cells that can build up on the surface and block these nourishing ceramides and fatty acids from fully absorbing. Lipid-rich products are formulated to strengthen the skin barrier, replenish moisture, and support long-term hydration—but when the skin isn’t properly exfoliated, those benefits can be diminished. Better hydration, better skin health.