Summer is the time to show off more skin but the heat and harsh sunlight can create lasting damage. Healthy skin is always in style so we spoke with Diane Hibbard, Vice President of Treatments at Burke Williams, to find out more about how to keep your skin healthy no matter the season.
“You can gauge the health of your skin by looking in the mirror and noticing if the pores clear, or if there are dark or light spots, or dehydration lines,” said Hibbard.
Moisture is key to healthy skin and can help prevent fine lines and signs of aging. Despite what many people think, even oily skin needs moisturizer. Washing your face strips these oils from your skin and your body will produce more oil to make up for this loss. She explained that each person has a different level of oil to their skin but if your skin becomes oily right after washing, it may mean you need to focus more on hydration.
“Water is still one of the most important contributions and factors to healthy skin,” she adds. Skin health begins from the inside so it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. This is especially vital in the summer because people tend to spend more time outside in the heat or in an overly air conditioned environment.
In addition to using sunscreen and paying attention to how much water your drink. Hibbard offers this skin care routine for optimal health.
Cleanse in the morning prior to your fresh makeup application. At night, if you are a makeup wearer, cleanse twice in a row. The first cleanse will break up the dirt, debris, oil, and makeup, but the second cleanse is what truly cleanses the skin.
Avoid the make up remover wipes as cleansers. If you choose to use them, do so for the first cleanse, but still fully cleanse the skin with an appropriate cleanser and remove with water for the final cleanse. The wipes simply spread the dirt and makeup around, they don’t do much to fully remove it.
Exfoliation is key to keeping the pores clear, exfoliate 2-3 times per week. Follow with a hydrating toner and moisturizer. If you skin is oily, look for moisturizers that are oil free to hydrate the skin versus adding more oil.
In addition to your home routine, Hibbard suggests visiting a professional esthetician who can make recommendations and tailor treatments to your skin type and the season. Winter and summer cause the most damage, so summer is the ideal time to give your skin an extra boost.
“I recommend the Nourishing Facial for dry skin – it removes the dead cells and dry flakes without stripping the skin. The dermal filler used in the facial uses peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump skin and encourage collagen production instead of peeling or stripping the fine lines away,” she said.
For oiler skin types, Hibbard suggests the 4 Layer Resurfacing Facial. This progressive exfoliation treatment has four layers customized to your level of oil production and aging. It features papaya enzymes combine and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to erase fine lines and minimize imperfections and leave your skin glowing. It concludes with a detox mask to add a dose of antioxidants.
Hibbard adds that men may have slightly different skin needs than women because they may have facial hair and tend to have oilier skin and larger pores. She explains that the H2V Spa Style Facial Gentleman’s version has treatments specifically for men. All skin treatments are customized to your unique needs – so men and women can benefits from these treatments.
Talk with an expert esthetician at Burke Williams Pasadena. The spa is located at 39 Mills Place in old Pasadena. Call (626) 440-1222 or visit http://burkewilliamsspa.com/ for more information.
