Summertime is all about easy living. And summer beauty should be easy, too. After all, I’d rather spend more time soaking up all the fun to be had rather than fussing over my skin and makeup routine. So how do you get that perfect summer glow, by wearing less makeup, not more?
Beauty is a Lifestyle
The philosophy at our practice is that beauty goes beyond skin deep, so I always advise patients first on their lifestyle habits. Drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep, incorporating daily exercise, and being mindful of what we put into our bodies — less sugar, more omega 3 fats and antioxidants! — is essential to sustaining a truly healthy, natural glow from the inside out.
Natural Beauty Without Makeup
When we’re young, our skin has that natural radiance and enviable softness, but as we age and incur more damage from UV rays, stress, and the environment, our skin loses its ability to heal, retain moisture, and stay firm. As a dermatologist, I like to tap into our skin’s natural healing and repair processes, either by nourishing them through antioxidant and protein-rich formulations or stimulating them through light and laser therapies. Creating a beautiful foundation gives us less reason to cover up with makeup.
Routines Matter
Patients with the best complexions are diligent and committed to not only their daily skincare routine, but their weekly and monthly routines as well. For everyday, I recommend a very gentle chemical exfoliant for daily use. I love applying Restorsea 10X lotion, which is a moisturizer naturally derived from salmon roe enzymes, at night to remove surface skin cells. Applying an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum, like ISDIN’s Flavo-C Ultraglican ampules is perfect for daytime while I recommend something a little more robust at night. This is when your skin does most of its natural healing and repair. I recently discovered ISDIN’s Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum which plumps, brightens, and smooths. And I can’t talk about skincare without talking about sunscreen! There are so many amazing formulations now that hydrate while they protect. I also love the ones with a bit of tint as they help even out any skin imperfections — no extra foundation required!
Weekly, I love LED light therapy by Omnilux for its gentle but effective healing properties. Alternating between the red and infrared light settings, which target different skin depths and cell structures, gives the best results.
Every few months, it’s a good idea to refresh the skin with Lumecca Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Clear + Brilliant, especially if the skin is looking a little ruddy from too much sun damage. Both of these modalities help even out the complexion while smoothing the skin’s surface for a foundation-like finish.
As we age, our skin loses its natural stores of hyaluronic acid, a moisture-loving molecule that gives skin its natural glow and plumpness. To restore that youthful look, I recommend annual volumetric structural rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid injectables like Voluma and Restylane. Or for something truly nourishing, I use Aquagold Microinfusion + Microneedling with fine 24k gold-tipped needles. This plumps the skin with a powerful cocktail of super-actives like vitamin C, glutathione, hyaluronic acid filler, Botox, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen and elastin production for a natural lift.
Just a Touch of Makeup
As a working Mom of three, who sometimes doesn’t get quite as much sleep as I’d like, I do have a little back-up plan for brightening my under-eyes and hiding those pesky monthly blemishes. Kevyn Aucoin’s The Etherealist Super Natural Concealer works some serious magic while still feeling light.
May you have a fun and safe summer!
Stay bright,
Dr. Dolder
