Pilates Summer Series: Day #13 + Summer Skincare Tips

Given that this week’s giveaway is all about summer beauty, I thought it would be fun to invite my friend, Chelsey, one of the founders of Luxe De Mer to share her best summer skincare tips.

Summer Skincare Q & A

Q. Hi Chelsey! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions today. As an entrepreneur I know your days are full! First things first, as a professional in the skincare industry, what is one surprising thing you’ve learned about women’s skin/skincare?

The FDA does not regulate skincare. Most of us are not too shocked to find out that Scrubby Bubbles or Windex contains chemicals. {I used to love scrubby bubbles, it is still a matter of self-control for me when visiting a mainstream supermarket to refrain from buying.} But how many of us are aware that our face wash, body lotions, “all natural” facial creams are filled with chemicals and preservatives that have been known to cause infertility, hormone disruptors and even cancer?

Natural does not mean safe. Just because it is on the shelf of a mainstream store does not mean it has been regulated and/or is safe. Much like what you choose to eat, you have to become your own advocate about what you use on your body on a daily basis.

Q. Do you recommend changing up your summer skincare routine in any special way?

Yes, I do! I recommend incorporating exfoliation to your skincare regime on a regular basis during the summer days.

Most of us tend to be more diligent about wearing sunscreen in the summer months, which is good, however, your pores are more likely to become clogged due to the zinc & minerals found in sunscreen. This goes for both face and body.

Our Montecito Polish or Santa Barbara Surf Scrub is the perfect exfoliate for the body however, you can make your own at home as well using simple table sugar or salt with high quality oil. {It does not have to be fancy to work!}.

As for facial exfoliates be sure to use a very mild exfoliation on your face. (We recommend using our Hot & Cold Clay Mask mixed with a foaming face wash and lightly exfoliate away! This is gentle enough to use on a daily basis in the summer months, just be sure to moisturize afterwards.) Any facial exfoliate will do, just be sure it is not too coarse as that can actually tear your skin and cause inflammation.

3. Sunscreen..help! What should we look for when selecting sunscreen? 

Sunscreens – the very product that is supposed to protect you from the environment might actually do the opposite. Filled with carcinogens and hormone disrupters, it can be quiet daunting to know which is right for you and your family.

Steps Towards Choosing a Safe Sunscreen:

• Avoid sunscreens that spray (makes inhaling the chemicals all too easy, almost unavoidable).
• Avoid extremely high SPF. EWG says it best, “SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” and refers only to protection against UVB radiation, which burns the skin. It has little to do with protection from sun’s UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, suppress the immune system, accelerate skin aging and may cause skin cancer.” Wearing an extremely high SPF makes people feel over confident in the sun all the while providing only partial coverage.
• Avoid any sunscreen product with oxybenzone (an alternative UV filter worth avoiding). Oxybenzone is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and acts as estrogen. Need we discuss this further? {Some studies have shown that women who wear oxybenzone via sunscreen while pregnant had lower birth rate daughters.} –EWG
• Try a mineral based sunscreen (leaves a white film but seems to be the safest).

The following 5 sunscreens scored a 1 or lower with Environmental Working Group! Safe for the whole family.

Badger Sunscreen Lavender SPF 30 (EWG 1)

California Baby Year Round Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+ (EWG 1)

California Baby Super Sensitive Cream SPF 30+ (EWG 1)

The Honest Company SPF Stick 30+ (EWG 0)

The Honest Company SPF Cream 30+ (EWG 1)

(Robin’s note: I would also recommend Beauty Counter’s sunscreen mentioned in yesterday’s post)

Just remember, the most prudent sun protection measure is to avoid excess exposure to sunlight through the use of clothing. Everything in moderation, everything.

Q. What’s your #1 tip for healthy, glowing skin?

I can answer this in three ways.

First, practically speaking, drinking an adequate amount of water every day is one of the best ways you can have happy & healthy skin! Water acts as a detoxifier for the body. This cannot be over rated! Drink up ladies.

Secondly, a good toner goes a long way for complexion. After washing your face, it counteracts drying chlorine and minerals found in tap water while restoring and balancing the skin to its natural pH. It is an important step, not to be missed!

And lastly, as cheesy as it may sound, I believe being confident and thankful for your body and your skin can actually give you a glow that is unmatched by all the rest. We can spend hours and many dollars on expensive products and regimes to try and make ourselves even more beautiful, only to find that we are tired and exhausted at the end of the day. Really, it is about balance and making the best decisions we can.

Give yourself a break – you are gorgeous just the way you are!

Thank you Chelsey! 

Let’s do Pilates…

It’s all about the upper body today and I’m introducing you to a classic…the Pilates push-up! I think you’ll love it. Let me know how it goes!

If you are unable to view the video above please click here.

Today’s Check-In: tell me about me a woman who inspires you.

There’s a trend on Instagram called Woman Crush Wednesday (#WCW). Rather than posting a photo of a person you admire for their looks, beauty, or body post a photo highlighting a woman you respect, admire and appreciate for the way they live or the role they play in your life.

Let’s spread positivity and lift each other up. 🙂 I can’t wait to read about all the inspiring women out there!

xo,

PS – don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway! Entry period closes Thursday night. 🙂

PPS – Rob & Chelsey from Luxe De Mer wanted me to let you know that a portion of all the sales they make during the Pilates Summer Series will be donated to Child Hope Services, an organization that provides foster care families with clothes, supplies, toys and other resources they’ll need to care for the children in their home. I love this. 🙂