Glow and Tell
Welcome to Glow and Tell, a blog written by Samantha Higgins. In this blog, you will learn about how beauty meets science and self-care becomes a ritual. Each week, you will find insider skincare tips, seasonal advice, and expert knowledge to help you achieve your most luminous glow.
Insider skincare tips, truths, and treatments revealed.
Welcome to Glow and Tell, a blog written by Samantha Higgins. In this blog, you will learn about how beauty meets science and self-care becomes a ritual. Each week, you will find insider skincare tips, seasonal advice, and expert knowledge to help you achieve your most luminous glow.
I’m Samantha, an esthetician since 2018, and founder of Luminous Glow. I created the Glow and Tell blog to share honest skincare advice, expert tips, and useful skincare routines to keep your skin glowing through every season. Think of this as your go-to space for skin health, beauty insights, and a little self-care encouragement.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SUMMER SKIN DAMAGE(AND HOW TO REVERSE IT BEFORE FALL)
In this post, I will walk you through what summer skin damage looks like, why it happens, and how to reverse it with the right treatments, home care, and diet(let's face it, we are what we eat). Let's head into these cooler months looking youthful, refreshed, and radiant!
Arizona summers are no joke. Between triple-digit heat, endless sunshine, and air conditioning constantly blowing, our skin takes a serious beating. Wearing SPF daily is, of course, mandatory, but even with your sun protection, we face many challenges on our skin, leaving us with dryness, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. FUN FACT: Approximately 90% of aging is caused by the sun!
As an esthetician here in Phoenix, I see this every year: Clients asking how to undo the damage and get their healthy glow back before the fall! We all know the holiday season is right around the corner, and that means pictures and lots of socializing! I'm here to help you get your glow back!
In this post, I will walk you through what summer skin damage looks like, why it happens, and how to reverse it with the right treatments, home care, and diet(let's face it, we are what we eat). Let's head into these cooler months looking youthful, refreshed, and radiant!
WHAT SUMMER SKIN DAMAGE ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
Summer leaves behind more than just good times and tan lines. Some of the most common post-summer concerns I treat at Luminous Glow include:
Dry, dehydrated skin from outside heat, chlorine from the pool, indoor air conditioning, and fans.
Fine lines and texture from dryness and sun exposure
Dark spots and uneven complexion from sun and heat-induced pigmentation
Breakouts, clogged pores, and congestion from sweat, sunscreen buildup, and excess oil.
The desert climate here in Phoenix, Arizona, makes these effects even more noticeable. Not only is it HOT, but it's DRY HEAT. We have no moisture in our climate to help keep us hydrated. Our skin barrier gets stressed, and without help, recovery can be a vicious cycle.
WHY IT HAPPENS
Summer skin damage is mostly caused by UV Radiation, but heat, sweat, and lifestyle changes also play a big role. Here's the breakdown:
UV Rays: Trigger premature breakdown of collagen, as well as putting your melanocytes(the cells that give your skin its color) in overdrive, causing dark spots, AKA hyperpigmentation.
Heat and Dehydration: Evaporates moisture, leaving skin tight, dry, flaky, and textured.
Sweat and Sunscreen Residue: Can clog your pores if not cleansed thoroughly. PRO TIP: Always double cleanse before bed.
Extra outdoor time: Means more exposure to environmental pollutants.
HOW TO REVERSE SUMMER SKIN DAMAGE
1. GENTLE EXFOLIATION
Think of exfoliation as the “reset button” for your skin. Exfoliation removes dull, dead skin cells and reveals fresher, more radiant skin. At Luminous Glow, I love using treatments that incorporate chemical forms of exfoliation such as enzymes, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids(BHAs). I highly encourage the use of chemical exfoliation in your home care routine as well, about 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.
*Try the Lightening Lift during your next facial to jumpstart your summer skin recovery. This is a hydrating peel loaded with antioxidants to help nourish, smooth, and brighten your complexion!
2. ANTIOXIDANT POWER
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, & E(to name a few) help to repair damaged skin cells caused by environmental stressors.I highly encourage everyone to not only apply antioxidants topically, but also internally through diet. Some great food options high in antioxidants are berries, dark leafy greens, veggies, fish, and nuts. It's great to have a strong skincare routine, but glowing skin comes from within!
In terms of topical antioxidants, my all-time favorite is the IMAGE MD Restoring Power-C Serum. This magic in a bottle defends against environmental damage and helps to restore firmness, smoothness, and elasticity. This is a high-performance vitamin C and ferulic acid serum to help repair damaged skin, reduce redness, and provide a youthful appearance.
*Mention this blog post to receive 20% off the IMAGE MD Restoring Power-C Serum when you order with me!
IMAGE MD® restoring power-C serum
3. HYDRATION BOOST
Hydration is key to plumping fine lines, restoring your skin barrier, and reversing the damage caused by the summer weather. It is crucial to apply a nourishing cream every night before bed to ensure your skin is getting the hydration it needs. Bonus points if you apply a hydrating serum(like the Restoring Power-C) prior to your nighttime moisturizer.
In the treatment room, my favorite facial for maximum hydration is the Custom Facial. This is a 1-hour, completely customizable service tailored to your skin. With the summer months, EVERYBODY needs extra moisture, and this is a great way to get it. Skin is not one size fits all, so with the custom facial, we can rehydrate, nourish, and repair with antioxidants, and also focus on your other concerns(aging, acne, etc.).
4. CONSISTENT SUN PROTECTION
This is by far the most important step in protecting your skin. And before you say it- YES! SPF every day, even in the winter and fall. SPF is non-negotiable. I do commonly hear complaints from clients not wearing SPF because they don't like the way it feels or it breaks them out. I find that the pure mineral tinted moisturizer SPF 30 from IMAGE SKINCARE is a great option for most skin types. This has a lightweight consistency, provides hydration, and a slight tint to leave the skin looking radiant.
*Mention this blog post to receive 20% off the pure mineral tinted moisturizer SPF 30 when you order with me!
Tinted Moisturizer with SPF | DAILY PREVENTION pure mineral SPF 30
Popular Treatments for Post-Summer Recovery
At Luminous Glow, these treatments are client favorites for repairing summer skin:
The Custom Facial- for instant moisture and rejuvenation
The Lightening Lift Peel- to brighten dark spots and uneven skin complexion
Microneedling-For premature aging, pigmentation correction, and more efficient product penetration to maximize the nourishment you receive from your daily skin care routine.
Your At-Home Recovery Plan
Gently cleanse your skin every morning, and double cleanse your skin every night.
Apply a vitamin C serum every morning after you cleanse.
Moisturize generously in the morning and evening.
Use a hydrating mask 1-3x a week.
SPF EVERY DAY!
Your skin has worked hard all summer; now it's time to give it the care it deserves. With the right combination of professional treatments and at-home support, you can reverse summer's toll and step into fall with a fresh, glowing complexion. Book your post-summer recovery facial at Luminous Glow today and start your skin transformation!
Stay glowing, friends, and come back next week for more Glow and Tell!