By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Wouldn’t it be cool to be the guy looking his best as the sun gets hotter, the days get longer, and more skin is revealed? Kick the season into gear by updating your skincare regimen, and that guy could be you.
Just like working out and minding your calories works wonders for your summer beach bod, you can also help your look along the way by adding just a few products and simple strategies to your skincare routine. Your skin and hair will be well-prepped and looking its very best when summer sets in.
Your AHA Moment
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) chemically peels in a safe and gentle way to reveal new and fresher-looking skin. Using a product with AHA will increase the sensitivity of the skin, so it’s best to stay entirely out of the sun.
Nutra Luxe MD CE A Ferulic Serum, $39
Front Runner of Vitamins
Vitamin A – or retinol, the chemical compound version of the vitamin – does wonders by actively smoothing skin and making it more even-looking. Vitamin A is very light sensitive, so always use it at night for best results and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $21
Smoothing
Using a mild scrub on a regular basis does wonders when it’s time to bare more skin in the summer heat. As with any scrub it only works on the surface, so be gentle to avoid irritating the skin.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, $15
The Road to No Bumps
If your skin tends to break out either in dry patches or bumps, it’s likely due to an imbalance. A body lotion helps re-balance and re-create the natural barrier of the skin.
Baxter of California Hand and Body Moisturizer, $18
Good Hair Days All Summer
Think of each hair strand as a glass Midtown high-rise. If all the windows are open, air and pollution can blow in and out, but when closed the building can withstand anything. Shampoo and conditioner are great, but you want to really nourish the hair before you expose it to beach life, pool parties and sunshine. The occasional hair mask will do wonders and even repair your hair if damage is already done.
Rene Furterer Karité Intense Nourishing Mask $47
Moisture-Loading
Kind of like carb-loading for strenuous exercise, your skin can benefit from extra moisture before the warm weather sets in. A facial oil is beneficial – even if you have oily skin – as long as you go by the less is more rule. Mix only a few drops in with your daily moisturizer.
Aesop Fabulous Face Oil, $57
