Ahh Summer time... and the livin's easy. While we are rounding the final lap of Summer, you've probably had your fill of rosé, gotten that flamingo floaty selfie you always wanted, and achieved the kind of tan that makes you a happier person. I'm with you. BUT I'm also here to warn you. Allllll those rays you've been catching year after year start to add up, and before you know it, you look like this by your early 30's:
Coming of age in an early 2000's Paris-Hilton-orange colored world, I know this first hand. At the age of 18, a dermatologist showed me a blacklight image of my skin (I do not recommend this) which showed my skin's true age: 31. It was there that my crusade began. I have been on a mission ever since, trying every cream, every serum, vitamin, and oil known to man to counter sun damage, and I'm here to share some findings:
1. Prevention is KEY
Remember that the best offense is a good defense. Skin damage is irreversible so you have to fight the good fight EVERY day - even if you are just walking to go sit in a cubicle. If I had to pick my #1 favorite item in my beauty bag (I do not say that lightly) it is this Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream.
I use this almost every single day. Aside from the SPF 30 protection, it also has a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer so it looks great with or without makeup. If you are going to be spending time outdoors I recommend this hydrating SPF 50 that won't break you out. Oh, and as my anti-aging beauty guru Christie Brinklery would say: DONT FORGET YOUR NECK & CHEST
2. Moisturize
If you've gotten too much sun these last few weekends, chances are your skin is dried TF out. I use one of these hydrating cloth masks pretty much every Sunday to help add moisture back. You can buy one of these for $6 a pop at Sephora OR you can order a 10 pack for $10 from Nature Republic right on Amazon. #LifeHack You're Welcome!
*Bonus points if you send your BF a scary mask selfie*
Lock in moisture: I started using this Waso line from Shiseido a few weeks ago and am now completely addicted to the Fresh Jelly Lotion. I use it underneath my moisturizer and it helps lock in hydration. LOVE LOVE LOVE
For the main moisture event, I have tried A LOT of products out there, and to save you the time and money I'll give you my top two. Clinic Dramatically Different Moisture Lotion is a classic and for good reason. It just gets the job done. I've been using that all throughout my twenties until recently when a very kind Sephora lady turned me onto the Fresh Vitamin Nectar line. It's a little bit heartier than Clinic but still so light and great for sensitive skin. The moisturizer AND the Vitamin Nectar Mask have been the best money I've spent at Sephora in a long time.
3. Medical Spa Treatments
A 25-year-old friend of mine recently asked me when the right time to get botox was, to which I said "yesterday" and we both laughed and laughed. And then she was like "noo, but seriously?" and I was like "seriously". Look, everyone ages differently (some of us look 31 when we're 18 apparently) so I can't say there is a definitive age anyone should start. But if you already have fine lines and wrinkles, the only way to truly smooth them out is through the tox. There is a lot of information out there, but I say if you are curious, go talk to a pro. I have been going to Juvly Aesthetics for YEARS for a number of different treatments, and highly highly recommend paying them a visit. They have an amazing August Special going on too and will give you an even bigger discount if you bring a friend. Tell them @bigkidproblems sent you!
Finally, if you want to avoid the needle and repair some of the damage you've done this Summer, I have heard great things about a Photofacial. It uses an IPL laser to stimulate collagen production and can also destroy melanin that causes age spots and uneven skin tone. It is recommended that you wait until the END of Summer. (I haven't tried this yet but already booked my appointment at Skinney Med Spa for September, keep on the look out in the BKP insta story!)
There you have it. Enjoy the rest of Summer and remember to save some face!
SM