In spring and summer, skin has a different set of requirements than in cooler weather. After a bit of trial and error, I’ve found a routine that works in heat and humidity. Here are the highlights.
For cleansers, in the morning I like the Phyla pH Balancing Gel Cleanser to get rid of oiliness and create a clean slate for the day (more on this brand later). At night, I use Prequel’s Pre-Gleanse to remove dirt and SPF. I have been a devoted fan of Gleanser for years, and this cleansing oil version does not disappoint. If I happen to have a breakout, which I do more often than in winter, I will use Starface’s Star Wash + Salicylic Acid, a new discovery that is designed for sensitive skin.
There are a few new treatments and serums I swear by. The first is Phyla’s Acne Phage Serum, which treats acne without disrupting the skin’s microbiome. This brand is powered by phages, a.k.a. natural probiotics that selectively kill acne-causing bacteria. Completely different from things like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, even Accutane, this system is totally revolutionary, and I’ve really been enjoying it. The brand recently launched at Sephora after a series of highly successful clinical trials, and was mentioned on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Says CEO Neil Giugno, “No more killing the good bacteria in your skin simply to get at the bad bacteria. We’re obsessed with phages because they’re natural, healthy and super effective. That’s Phyla.”
This serum – the only one of its kind – is extremely gentle and can be used as often as needed. So far, I’m truly impressed.
After cleansing, my new obsession is the Prequel Universal Skin Solution. I spray this on skin, let it dry, then continue the ritual. It calms skin and does an amazing job at preventing blemishes. Sometimes, the morning, I will use this immediately after waking up.
Depending on my skin’s needs day-to-day, I will sometimes use Prequel’s Half & Half (a milky, lightweight emulsion for hydration), Reactive Skin Solutions (an ectoin cream that calms my rosacea), or Multi-Acid Milk Peel (an ultra-gentle AHA exfoliation option).
Next is my favorite step – Starface Hydro-Stars! These adorable acne patches come in a variety of versions, but basically they’re tiny hydrocolloid patches you can put on pimples either during the day or at night. When I use them at night, I swear the pimple is magically gone in the morning. I use these before moisturizer, personally, and then I apply moisturizer around the patch. Shoutout to the brand’s new Star Balm, which I’ve been using every single night.
Finally, for moisturizer, I have two favorites depending on what I need. The Starface Star Cream + Salicylic Acid is lightweight (amazing for humid mornings) and great for treating any active acne spots, while Phyla’s Anti-Blemish Moisturizer is a bit more suited for everyday (it’s super soothing) and feels thicker, too.
Happy cleansing!
