We may be in the home stretch of summer, but that doesn’t mean the extreme heat will let up anytime soon. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, temperatures in August will continue to run hotter than average in most of the country. “When it’s really hot outside the blood vessels in your skin dilate, and your sweat glands are pushing out a ton of fluid to help cool the body down,” says Vee Mistry, a celebrity facialist and the owner of SKINBYVEE in Toronto. “As the sweat evaporates it can increase dehydration.”
A sweaty sensation all day can leave any skin type parched, but discomfort may be heightened for those with reactive complexions or inflammatory conditions, such as eczema, rosacea or acne. “There’s a lot going on that aggravates the skin,” says Mistry. “For somebody who has underlying sensitivity it also increases redness.” If the last round of steamy days left your skin in an irritated state, here’s how you can prepare to keep your cool.
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Start by chilling out, literally. “The first thing I do is cool down the skin with cold gauze and cold water,” says Mistry. “I always use cryotherapy and lymphatic drainage massage in my facials, there’s no steaming, no hot towels.” Stay a step ahead of a heat wave by keeping damp hand towels in the freezer. “I instruct clients to put one on their face as well as their neck,” says Diana Vo, a Toronto-based esthetician, cosmetic formulator and founder of Vo Beauty. Her favourite frosty trick is gliding green tea ice cubes over the face. “Green tea helps with depuffing and redness,” says Vo.
Next, zero in on soothing. Vo recommends water-based skin care formulas that contain cucumber, aloe vera or snow mushroom. “In traditional Chinese medicine it’s called tremella mushroom,” she says, “It’s a healing herb that’s anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.” Colloidal oatmeal gets Mistry’s vote. “It really helps calm irritation,” she says.
Lightweight skincare formulas, such as serums, mists and gel moisturizers, that feature humectant ingredients also get the experts’ green light during red-hot days. “Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are great for increasing hydration,” says Mistry. “They’re very quenching; it will feel like your skin has had a big glass of water.”
Replenishing the skin barrier is also important, and both pros look for ceramides. Inspired by Vo’s own experience with sensitive skin, the Vo Beauty Barrier Repair is a lightweight, non-greasy blend of ceramides, blueberry, reishi mushroom and chia seed oil that helps to reduce redness and irritation. “I think the biggest misconception is that people think cooling only means an icy feeling. But you want to achieve two types of cooling,” she says. “There’s the instantly refreshing sensation, and then there’s the lasting aftereffect where your skin feels calmer.”
Six buys to try
How to cool and soothe overheated skin, starting at $20.
SKINBYVEE Gua Sha Cryo Sticks
Designed to sculpt, depuff and contour muscles on the face, neck and chest, these cooling wands can be stashed in the freezer for a refresh and used after cleansing morning or night.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea
A cooling and nourishing pick-me-up, this multipurpose spritz is infused with hydrating plant extracts and antioxidant-rich ingredients. It can be applied at any time of day, and over makeup.
Teaology Hyaluronic Hydra Face Mask
Ideal for all dehydrated skin, this clear gel mask is loaded with the nutrients of organic blue tea, glycerin and six types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate on contact while supporting the skin barrier. It can be used as a 10- to 15-minute treatment or worn overnight.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Formulated with squalane, glycerin and encapsulated probiotics, this non-greasy daily hydrator is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to eczema and rosacea.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Pillow Pads
Easily stashed in the fridge for next-level soothing, these softly textured pads are soaked in a liquid of colloidal oatmeal, ceramides and squalane that helps to soothe any dry, sensitive or irritated skin. They can be used twice daily before moisturizing.
Three Ships Jelly Drops Kakadu Plum + Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Made in Canada, this multi-benefit serum contains tremella mushroom and red algae extract for long-lasting moisture, plus the brightening power of Kakadu plum which is rich in vitamin C. Apply after cleansing and before your moisturizer, morning and night.