There’s nothing like that post-vacation glow.
And we’re not merely talking sun-kissed skin. It’s an energy, an effervescence, a euphoria. It’s almost as if you start radiating all of the sunshine you just spent the last week soaking up back into the world. But the real question is: how do you make that last?
We sat down with Spatium Wellness Director and Vidanta’s resident skincare authority, Svetlana Nadirova, to talk about how to keep yourself glowing all summer long, even after vacation comes to an end. After years in the spa business keeping clients from all over the world looking fresh and vivacious, Svetlana has some key insights on how to achieve peak skin all summer long. Here are her top 5 tips that will keep you looking cool, even as temperatures spike.
Tip #1: Cleanse and Cleanse Correctly
According to Svetlana, cleansing is essential to healthy skin because it washes away bacteria that could lead to breakouts. Many of us take a one-and-done approach to cleansing, only washing our faces before bed or assuming a quick morning shower is enough to do the job. And then there are those of us who can’t help but feel the need to constantly wash the sweat and grime off us all summer long.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of washing your face properly in humid weather but also being careful not to over-do it, either,” says Svetlana. “If you wash your face too much (no matter how uncomfortable you are), you run the risk of irritating your skin as over-cleansing can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier.” So what’s the solution? “Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at the end of the day, and finish by applying a toner, a serum, and a moisturizer.”
Tip #2: Hydrate Deeply
It’s not so surprising that the secret to dewy skin lies in moisturizing. But Svetlana says the key is actually savvy moisturizing, and in summer, that’s a lot trickier than you may think. Many might be tempted to skip hydration during hotter months because our body increases our natural oil production. Svetlana insists that this step is as important as ever, suggesting that people reach for a “smart” moisturizer. She recommends Forlle’d Hyalogy P-Effect Refining Lotion for all skin types and Platinum Lotion for oily skin, both carried at Spatium.
“These lotions are actually a lot closer to a serum with a light, fast-absorbing consistency. Plus, they have a cooling effect when applied, making them a great way to beat the heat. All Forlle’d lotions are packed with super-ingredients to provide other skin care benefits such as brightening, soothing, firming, and lifting. It’s all the things we need to take proper care of our skin,” says Svetlana. Not able to locate Forlle’d, no problem—she advises looking for moisturizers that are water-based, not oil-based, in the summer.
Tip #3: Call on Collagen
Sun exposure is a frequent hazard of the season, but as a resort spa director, Svetlana has a few secrets up her sleeve for taking on this formidable foe. She says masks with collagen will help heal sun-damaged skin. She tells clients who are battling the ‘burn to reach for Hyalogy Reliance Gel by Forlle’d, which supports rapid recovery of skin after sun ensuring immediate rehydration while increasing the ability of the skin to retain moisture. It can be used as a cream but she recommends applying it in a thick layer for 15-25 minutes to relieve sunburn. If you’re at either Riviera Maya or Nuevo Vallarta, you can also stop by Spatium to indulge in the exclusive Hydrolyzed Collagen and Elastin Gel Mask from Japan. This treatment fuels your skin with freshness and youth, providing long-lasting moisturizing and calming effects to help reverse sun damage.
Tip #4: Antioxidants Always
Just like you do your best to keep your body healthy and protect it from injury and sickness by eating well and exercising (or at least aspire to), Svetlana says you should be proactively looking after your skin and giving it what it needs to stay strong. Applying antioxidants topically can help you battle free radicals while reducing inflammation, firming skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, and helping repair sun damage. There are many facial treatments that benefit from powerful antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E, grapeseed oil, and vitamin C. Of course, you can always make sure you’re including antioxidant-rich foods like green tea, blueberries, kale, and strawberries to double down on your protection.
Tip #5: Never Skip the SPF
Probably the biggest rule for summer skincare—or skincare all year long, for that matter—is to always wear sun protection. Start by applying SPF 50+ to your face and body every day, regardless of whether you plan to be in the sun or not. Svetlana recommends Germaine de Capuccini Golden Caresse SPF 50+, which is available at Brio spas. But don’t stop there—cover your skin from direct sunlight with hats, umbrellas, and clothing that gives maximum coverage to keep it young and vibrant.
Don’t forget to visit Svetlana, or any of our skincare experts at Brio Spa or Spatium, during your next visit to Vidanta.
