We care about having glowing, healthy skin all year round, but in the summer months, when we’re inclined to bare it all poolside, it’s more important than ever that every pore look perfect.
In case you’re not familiar, we love Skin Authority not just for its high quality products, but for its unique blend of science and success – every client gets access to a skincare “coach” (yes, like a personal trainer for your skin) to help customize a regimen that works for you. This past year, the brand has worked with more than 500,000 people via methods including Skype sessions, email, phone and in-person consultations – they even recently launched an app that allows people to interact one-on-one with a live esthetics expert.
We went straight to the source for our coaching session and had the chance to ask Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority, for her expert advice to how to look and feel our best this summer and in seasons to come for this exclusive Pursuitist Q&A.
What lesson have you learned about your skin that you wish you could tell your younger self?
Protect and invest in yourself. Wearing a full-spectrum sunscreen in your moisturizer on a daily basis is the best and least expensive way to fight aging. Secondly, a professional skin care routine costs the equivalent of a Starbuck’s coffee per day. Invest in your skin health with quality products and it is less expensive in the long run.
You’re headed on a last minute vacation. What’s in your beach bag?
Skin Authority Age Defying Moisturizer SPF 18, Moisturizing Mist to stay hydrated, and Oil Nutrient for shiny legs and hair!
You could go anywhere for a last minute long weekend – where are you headed? Why?
Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. It feels like you are in Fiji or Bora Bora (without the travel) and have a whole island to yourself. The food and spa are both amazing!
You’re off for a spa day – what treatments are you booking? 
Skin Authority Beauty Workout Facial is an instant lifting facial. Skin Authority Soul to Sole body treatment for an all over glow and relaxation!
It’s HOT on the East Coast. How do you alter your skincare routine for the summer?
We all think about sunscreen during summer… or at least I hope everyone does! Start with resurfacing. Your body accumulates dead skin cells every day. If you don’t get rid of them, skin will look so dull and dry that lotion won’t make a difference. I recommend using a natural resurfacing agent such as glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead surface skin cells to be replaced with new ones. Follow with Moisturizing Mist, which is a spray on “one a day” vitamin to replenish and moisture balance!
To practice sun safety, buy a new bottle as sunscreens expire after 12 months. Look for those with SPF 15 or greater to yield the best results. Scan the active ingredient label to make sure the product contains UVA- blocking elements such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or anything in the avobenzone family.
A lot of people don’t realize that that UV rays go through glass – car windows, those in your home and office, etc. Another reason to wear sunscreen daily. While at the beach or other sun-drenched locations, re-applying your sunscreen at least every two hours is crucial to maintain sun protection. However, immediately re-apply after swimming or sweating. For maximum coverage, put on at least a shot-glass size amount of sunscreen.
Double up on safety by using a 20 percent concentration of topical vitamin C under your sunscreen to boost the immune defense of your skin cells against UV damage as well as reduce the appearance of brown spots.
Or, glow without the aging and cancer worries that come along with the sun. Look for a self-tanner formulation that incorporates an AHA for better penetration. For face, alternate your regular moisturizer and a self-tanner every other night for a natural glow. Keep in mind: bronzers and self-tanners often give a false sense of security from burning. Don’t go into the sun for several hours after putting on products that bronze because there are chemicals in them that make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Instead, apply these products later in the day and sleep in them.
Image Via Flickr.