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The Expert Guide to Shine-Free Skin This Summer

Makeup artists and dermatologists share their best tips for keeping skin looking fresh and oil-free all summer long
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Amp up your sun protection
We know you're wearing sunscreen every day (right?) but it's important to choose one that won't leave skin looking slick. "While sunscreen is important for skin health at any time of year (yes, even on cloudy days too), we tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer making it even more important to make sure your skin is protected," says Schlessinger. His go-to sunscreen for summer is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $33, because it's lightweight, non-comedogenic and provides great broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and octinoxate. Plus, it's formulated so it won't exacerbate acne or blemishes — in fact, it contains 5 percent high purity niacinamide to help clear breakouts.

If you want extra sun protection for peak summer months, Schlessinger recommends adding Heliocare dietary supplements, $30.50, to your routine. "They supplement (but don't replace) your sunscreen with a potent antioxidant that helps support the skin's immune response to the sun, providing about an SPF of 4-6 on top of your normal sunscreen protection," he says.

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Exfoliate
Many people associate exfoliating with the winter months since your skin tends to be drier and more prone to collecting dead skin cells on its surface. However, lack of exfoliating during the summer will cause skin to become more oily due to clogged pores, which can lead to more breakouts. "Exfoliation not only makes the skin look more radiant and smooth, but it also helps moisture penetrate more effectively," says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. "When dead, flaky skin cells pile on the top of the skin surface, the skin barrier is compromised and the skin cannot effectively lock moisture in." For summertime use, she recommends Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads, $56, which contain 5 percent glycolic acid to eliminates dry, flaky and dull skin.

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Switch to waterproof makeup
The summer months bring ample opportunity for beach and pool days, so adding waterproof makeup to your makeup bag is a great idea. The best place to start is by purchasing a good waterproof mascara. A budget-friendly choice recommended by celebrity makeup artist, Erin B. Guth, is Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara, $8. "It is nourished with vitamin E, provides fuller-looking lashes and comes off easily with makeup remover," she says. Another one of her favorites is Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara by Lancome, $25. "Delivering up to 24 hours of buildable volume, this creamy formula is notably free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates." If you'll also be applying eyeliner on the reg, choose one that's guaranteed not to smudge or bleed, like Senna Cosmetics Ultra Last Eyeliner, $20.

She recommends finishing off your look with a long-wearing lipstick. "Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, $20, comes in a nice range of colors that are highly pigmented and smudge-proof," says Guth. "Before the product sets, you can tap your lip with your ring finger and gently apply the residue to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color."

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Choose non-comedogenic (oil-free) skin care and beauty products
Since the humidity and heat make it more likely that we'll sweat, we are more prone to bacteria and oils that sit on the skin and clog pores. This combination is also known to cause blemishes. To prevent this, Schlessinger recommends opting for non-comedogenic (or oil-free) skin care and beauty products. "If you're acne-prone, try using a cleanser that exfoliates, like the LovelySkin Luxe Clarifying Gel Cleanser, $40," he says. "It contains 2 percent salicylic acid to help clear pores and 2 percent glycolic acid to exfoliate away dull and dead skin cells."

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Don't skimp on the moisturizer
We tend to only associate dry skin with the winter months, however, spending time in the pool and air conditioning can actually dry out your skin in the summer. For this reason, Schlessinger urges his patients not to forget moisturizer—even if you're prone to oily skin. If you're worried about slathering on something too heavy, opt for a lightweight summer solution such as SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $120. "It's great for more humid and hot summer weather," says Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at the Art of Skin in San Diego, California. "The 5 different types of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin without making it sticky or feeling like it is unable to 'breathe.'"

BY JENN SINRICH | MAY 8, 2018 | SHARES
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