Maintain Healthy and Radiant Skin with These Six Summer Skin Care Tips

Kathryn Dickinson, founder of Aillea Beauty in Cherry Creek North. | Photo courtesy of Ailea Beauty

With its high elevation and arid climate, Colorado poses specific challenges for maintaining healthy and radiant skin, so it’s essential to adapt your skin care routine to the unique conditions of our beautiful state. We sat down with Kathryn Dickinson, the brainchild behind Aillea Beauty in Cherry Creek North, who personally curates quality beauty products that are clean, cruelty-free and earth-friendly, plus extremely effective to boot! Check out some of Dickinson’s top tips and product recommendations to boost your skin’s health.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially after prolonged sun exposure, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within. Additionally, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to nourish your skin and prevent dryness. Dickinson likes Kypris Antioxidant Dew, which combines nurturing amino acids and an array of soothing botanicals.

Embrace sun protection: Colorado’s high altitude means increased sun exposure and a higher risk of sunburn. A fan favorite, Suntegrity Clear SPF 30 Sheer Sunscreen, is powered by 20 percent non-nano zinc oxide for broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection and enhanced with niacinamide (vitamin B3) and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to help hydrate and promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. This product, which also comes in a tinted version, blends in effortlessly and leaves a sheer, silky finish. Don’t forget to cover often-overlooked areas like your ears, neck and hands, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for extra protection.

Exfoliate with a facial scrub: Elevate your exfoliation routine with an enriched potent plant, herb and fruit enzymes mask. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser provides gentle physical and chemical exfoliation with apricot microspheres and BHA from white willow bark to give you a radiant glow and is an effective choice to gently remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh and glowing complexion.

Repair and nourish with antioxidants: Colorado’s high altitude exposes your skin to increased environmental stressors. Include anti- oxidant-rich products in your skin care routine to combat free radicals and repair any damage. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, green tea extract or niacinamide to provide protection, brighten your complex- ion and promote collagen production. One standout is Plum Body Oil by Le Prunier, which boasts powerful polyphenols and omega fatty acids 6 and 9 that help protect skin from damaging free radicals while pro-vitamin A and E help to heal and hydrate skin.

Stick to a consistent routine: Consistency is key for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of the season. Clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. One to try is Osmia Daily Mud Cleanser, which happens to be made in Aspen. It has a creamy, mildly foamy texture and an earthy, mingled aroma of sandalwood, geranium and three kinds of clay combining the deep cleansing power of glacial oceanic clay with organic aloe, chamomile and honey. After cleansing, follow up with a pH-balancing toner to prepare your skin for your daily moisturizer. Look for products with humectants, such as Osea’s fast-absorbing, concentrated Hyaluronic Sea Serum. Powered by two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, seaweed and snow mushroom, it works to restore and maintain optimal moisture levels.

Consider indoor humidity levels: Our environment has low humidity, particularly during the fall and winter months. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry. Additionally, use hydrating mists or facial sprays to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day. Dickinson is partial to The Optimist – Hydrating Brightening Essence by Maya Chia. It provides powerful yet weightless hydration for the appearance of plumper, deeply moisturized, more luminous skin, and the mister is top-notch.

Dickinson is eager to help people find nontoxic, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and effective products that are right for them, especially those of us in the Centennial State who are exposed to harmful UVB and UVA rays daily. She and her team also love to pamper guests with in-store facials where they can try the products first-hand. Sign us up!

AILLEA BEAUTY
144 Steele St., Denver
720-708-5168