Summer Skin Care

Words by: Christina Komeshian

When I moved to Colorado, I was told "There are two seasons: Winter and Construction." Depending on where you live in Colorado, Summer can be a fleeting but intense few months. Temperatures can reach 100 degrees in some areas and it's also one of the driest times of the year in an already dry state.

Caring for your skin in Colorado is always challenging and Summer takes that to the extreme. Being so close to the sun, it's imperative to protect your skin from harmful UV rays with antioxidants and suncare year-round, but even more so in the Summer when more time is spent outdoors. I always recommend physical sunblocks because they work best and are environmentally friendly. Alpine Botanicals Sunshine Butter (SPF 15-20) is a zinc-based, all natural option that comes packaged in a variety of eco-friendly jars (1 oz., 2 oz. and 4 oz. options). Zinc is a mineral that reflects ("blocks") the sun instead of being absorbed by the skin as chemical ingredients allow. The formula contains rich, organic Shea and Cocoa butters and nourishing oils to hydrate while shielding skin.

Nederland is located at approximately 8,200 feet altitude which is almost two miles closer to the sun than Denver. In addition to protecting your skin in this climate, choosing the right foods can boost your body's ability to stay hydrated and nourished from the inside. In addition to drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day (more if you're active), I always recommend eating healthy fats from nuts, seeds, omega-rich oils (such as olive oil or sunflower seed oil), and avocados. Anjali Apothecary Ghee is made from 100% organic, grass-fed butter. Unlike many oils, Ghee can be used for cooking with high heat.

Summer is abundant with fresh farm-grown produce such as delicious, antioxidant-rich berries and lycopene-rich tomatoes which boost skin's resilience. (Let's add a recipe here—maybe with Ghee or a salad, a dessert…)….and then let's promote the Flourish and Awaken Herbal Teas for Summer and your late-Summer offerings too.

Those of us who grew up in wetter climates know the pain of mosquito bites or rashes from exposure to poison ivy or poison oak. Mothers would dab Calamine Lotion over affected areas on their children's skin to soothe and ease itching. All-natural salves work the same way and can address many types of afflictions. Anjali Apothecary's Repair Salve has calming, skin healing arnica, calendula and geranium and soothing wild-harvested chamomile packed into a rich base of castor and sunflower oils. Antiseptic neem assists with wound-healing and diminishes inflammation, including breakouts. Gotu Kola protects skin from environmental stressors, reduces scarring and helps diminish flareups resulting from eczema or psoriasis. This salve treats everything from burns, rashes, bug bites, and other skin eruptions.

Because we apply salves and suncare to our faces all Summer, it's important to cleanse thoroughly at night. I always recommend switching to a foaming cleanser in warmer months and recommend Lunaria Aloe Gel Wash. It contains organic aloe along with coconut-derived cleansing agents to gently but effectively cleanse skin without over-drying. Even those with mature complexions will feel refreshed but skin will not feel dry or tight after use.

Exfoliants are another way to remove makeup and suncare. To protect the integrity of the skin in harsher climates and seasons, I recommend switching to enzyme-based formulas instead of using granular scrubs (mechanical scrubs with round jojoba beads are okay but avoid those with crushed shells which have jagged edges).

Lunaria offers two enzyme-based exfoliating options: Reverse Retinol-Alternative is a fruit-based option with plum and pumpkin that can be applied at night to resurface the skin while you sleep. It works for all skin types to reduce acne, scarring, and wrinkles. Renew Enzyme Peel contains enzymes from apples and peaches along with antioxidant-rich pomegranate and black currant extracts. It also contains coconut and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump drier skin types while gently removing dry, surface skin cells for a fresh, glowing face! When using exfoliating products it is important to continue applying suncare during the day, even when indoors or driving as sun's UV rays permeate through windows. UV rays are so strong they even reach us on cloudy days.

Switching to serums instead of heavier face creams can benefit those who like to layer their suncare on top. Lunaria's Refresh Aloe Balm contains prickly pear extract or "cactus" juice to soothe skin. This hydrating, aloe-rich formula is great for men, women and children and has a refreshing sea-grass scent, reminiscent of a freshly mowed lawn. Vitamin C Serum is excellent when layered under suncare or an ideal option for those who don't wish to wear suncare. The protective antioxidant Vitamin C is derived from ascorbic acid and is encapsulated in the formula to deliver full efficacy at the time it is applied.

Although our temperatures don't get too high in the mountains, our close proximity to the sun can leave us and our children sunburned. An easy fix is a light aloe-based mist such as Lunaria Soothe Moringa-Rose Mist is a fast, painless way to deliver comfort to face and body. Anti-inflammatory rose water and moisture-binding glycerin drench skin while reducing redness and easing discomfort from overexposure to the elements. The light, rose-mint scent makes it ideal for the whole family.