Beauty

4 Social Media Skin-Care Tips That Actually Work

It’s #ChangeYourDetergentSummer.

Social media is buzzing about the theme of the summer. Depending on the corner of the algorithm you’ve landed yourself in, this season is all about #EuroSummer, #CoastalGrandmaSummer, or, for the skin-care fanatics, #GlassSkinSummer. For those of us devoted to self-care, your social feed is an endless source of inspiration, offering tips, trends, and entertainment value from experts and novices alike. To separate what’s real from what’s a gimmick, we sifted through the crowd of “skinfluencers” to pick out the cream of the crop — like content creator, podcast host, and all® free clear partner Valeria Lipovetsky.

“When my skin is feeling good, so am I,” she says about her approach to summer skin-care. “It especially helps with my confidence when I’m doing a makeup-free or no-makeup makeup look. When my skin is looking and feeling its best, I want to show it off!”

Read on for skin-care tips that will have you glowing head to toe and inside out.

1. Swap Your Laundry Detergent

Lipovetsky says this has been a game-changer for her. She recently began using all® free clear laundry detergent — a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent — because it’s gentle for sensitive skin. “It’s the number one laundry detergent brand recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin,” she says, “so I feel comfortable using it for all [of] my laundry.”

Not only is it fragrance- and dye-free, the hypoallergenic formula removes 99% of the top everyday and seasonal allergens*. This is great for the clothes that touch your skin all day long, but washing your laundry with all® free clear is also a great way to remove impurities like dirt and body oils from your towels and bed sheets, too.

2. Turn Down The Heat In The Shower

You can douse your face and body in heavy creams and oils all you want, but there’s a way you can prevent your skin from drying out too much to begin with. You may not love hearing this, but dermatologists are recommending that we start turning down the heat in our showers. I know, I know. The hot water feels great on your neck and back, but we’re not asking you to take a cold plunge or ice bath. Start by turning down the heat a smidge every day, and see you how you start to feel. Too much heat in the shower can cause a lot of itchiness, too. Just think about how great you’ll feel afterwards.

3. Use The Right Amount Of Sunscreen

Chances are that you’ve seen a lot of information online about how you’re supposed to be applying enough sunscreen to line two of your fingers. Dermatologists would say that the “two-finger rule” is absolutely correct. When applying sunscreen to your face, a pea-sized amount just won’t provide enough protection. Top your favorite serum or moisturizer with two fingers full of sunscreen next time you’re doing your A.M. skin-care routine, then reapply every two hours to maintain the optimal level of sun protection. Why? ICYMI, persistent sun exposure without sunscreen can cause fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or sunburns.

4. Try Skin Cycling

No, this isn’t a trendy new workout. The idea behind skin cycling is that instead of using the same products every day, you use specific products on different days within a four-night cycle.

Experts say skin cycling helps to “reset” the skin, plus protect your skin’s barrier. If you’re new to using active ingredients, and especially if you have sensitive skin, be sure to start slow, and pay attention to how products feel. It’s best to check in with your dermatologist for a recommendation on which products to use for your skin type.

*Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all® free clear is not intended to prevent or treat allergies.