Let me start by sharing a little secret: I am 45 years old and I do not like the word “anti-aging”. There should be nothing anti about aging – it happens to all of us whether we like it not. Personally, I like my age and the feeling of maturity, and on good days the wisdom, that comes with it.

I was elated when in 2017 the world’s leading beauty magazine Allure banned the term “anti-aging” from their publication. Unfortunately, 4 years later we have still not really found another perfect word to describe skin care products that are specifically formulated to address the needs of aging skin and to diminish visible signs of aging. Thus, the word in the title here.

Now that summer is finally here, I want to share some good skincare advice with those with aging skin – or those who just wish to prevent premature skin aging – during the warmer months. 

1. Beware of photosensitization - switch to a natural retinol alternative

Topical vitamin A-based drugs called retinoids, and their over-the-counter versions called retinol, are still the products most recommended by dermatologists to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Unfortunately, a well-known side-effect of retinoids and retinol is photosensitization i.e., skin’s increased sensitivity to sunlight. This makes using a retinol product especially problematic in the summer months. Luckily, there is now a safer, all-natural alternative available to all those who wish to achieve the benefits of retinol without its side effects. 

NUORI’s Infinity Bio-Fusion A+ serum contains the first natural, a true alternative to retinol. This highly purified extract derived from bakuchiol seeds has been clinically proven to offer all the benefits of retinol, but none of the negatives. Not only does this advanced bakuchiol compound not cause photosensitization, but it is clinically proven to protect skin from UV-induced damage. And the added benefit of the Infinity Bio-Fusion A+ Serum is that it has a lightweight, hydrating texture that is perfect for the warmer months.

2. Protect the skin around your eyes 

Squinting in the sun will speed up the formation of crow’s feet around your eyes. Remembering to wear sunglasses outdoors will automatically reduce squinting, as well as protect the skin around your eyes from UV exposure. I also recommend using a serum specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes twice a day. In the morning apply the serum under your sunscreen (which should of course also be applied to the skin around the eyes!). In the evening, tap in the same serum before applying your eye cream. 

NUORIs Infinity-Bio Fusion Eye Serum is formulated with the latest generation of a natural hyaluronic acid booster and ceramides with high bioavailability. It visibly plumps out fine lines, firms the skin, and offers antioxidant protection. The cooling ceramic applicator tip is perfect for cooling and depuffing the area around the eyes.

3. Don’t forget the night cream

People often tell me they stop using their night cream in the summer because the creams feel too heavy for the warmer, humid climate. Don’t make this mistake. Your skin needs just as much help recovering and regenerating at night during the summer as it does in the winter. Daily UV exposure and quick temperature changes between the warm outdoors and cold, dry air-conditioned indoors can put extra stress on skin that can be alleviated during the night. The trick is just to choose a night cream with the right texture. 

NUORIs Infinity Bio-Renewal Night is a concentrated, yet lightweight cream that sinks beautifully into the skin and helps skin recover optimally during sleep. The advanced all-natural formula replenishes lost moisture levels with natural hyaluronic acid while betaine soothes the skin. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) boosts collagen and elastin production, reduces the look of enlarged pores, and improves microcirculation for a revived skin tone and texture. An antioxidant complex of pomegranate seed oil, white tea extract and vitamin E help neutralize damaging free radicals and support the skin’s natural nightly repair process. For an extra treat, store your night cream in the fridge to soothe and cool down sun-exposed skin in the evening.

4. Protect against aging UV rays

Sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature skin aging. As defined by Yale Medicine, “unlike normal, chronological aging, which is dictated by age and genetics, photoaging happens when ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and/or tanning beds permanently damages the skin’s structure.” Ultraviolet light breaks down the skin’s connective tissue (collagen) in the deepest layers of the skin. It also causes DNA changes at a cellular level that can lead to skin cancer. Additionally, too much sun exposure often causes irregular pigmentation of the skin (sometimes called sunspots or age spots).

The best way to protect your skin against photoaging is to use sunscreen every. single. day. To protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher.

NUORIs Mineral Defence Sunscreens are advanced, 100% natural formulas that are proven to protect skin against premature aging while offering additional skincare benefits. The Mineral Defence SPF 30 for Face is the perfect daily protection product. It contains pycnogenol – a pine extract that has been clinically proven to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress induced by photo-damage, sunburn, and pollutants. This mineral-based cream leaves the skin with a soft primer-like finish.

For those who love some more sheen from their sunscreen, I recommend the hydrating, skin smoothing Mineral Defence Face & Body SPF 30 formulas that come in regular and highly-water resistant variants. NUORI sun products are perfect for natural beauty lovers.

5. Exfoliate bi-weekly

We should all have learned by now about the danger of over-exfoliation: a weakened skin barrier function that leads to inflammation, which in turn leads to premature skin aging. But exfoliation should still have a role in your skincare routine – also in the summer.

Daily use of sunscreens combined with more active sweat and oil glands can lead to clogged pores and breakouts even for those of us with more mature skin types. I recommend using a gentle, yet effective cleanser every night to remove sunscreen, oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants from the skin. Then twice a week you should follow up your nightly cleanse with an exfoliating treatment. This will help keep pores clean, and skin looking smooth and radiant.

Since its launch, NUORIs Supreme Polishing Treatment has become a favorite in spas and skin therapists’ clinics offering NUORI facials. Now everyone can achieve professional results with this product in the safety and comfort of their home. You simply blend the two components, a creamy Enzyme Complex, and a physical exfoliating Powder Booster, in your preferred ratio. They gently apply to the face, neck, and décolleté to remove impurities, slough away dead skin cells, buffs, and infuse skin with highly nourishing botanical ingredients. 

Fresh wishes,