POV: Over-sunned and dehydrated

Nutrition and skincare thoughts for late-summer.

It’s been a glorious summer. I live on the west side of Los Angeles, renowned for its chilly marine layer, and the number of perfect beach days we’ve had recently (I’m talking 78 degrees with a light breeze) reminds my why I left New York—something I need frequent reminders of. We were also in Santa Barbara for a few days last week and the weather was a 12/10 (photo evidence below).

I should mention that over that epic beach trip to Santa Barbara, I turned 39. I know, still young(ish), but in my real youth I was blissfully uninterested in how my summer routines affected my skin’s appearance or health. A little sun on the face, great for that glow; a glass of rose, fun times. My almost-forty (gasp!) sunning behaviors have taking a u-turn: I had one poolside glass of rosé that was 100% not worth it and even with all my hats, coverups, and sunscreen, I still just felt a little torched. I wasn’t burnt, but definitely over-sunned and slightly dehydrated in a way that now makes me uneasy. So here’s my antidote to that:

NUTRITION
Before we get into products, set the foundation of healthy skin with good nutrition. No amount of potions or serums are as effective as solid dietary and lifestyle habits. Here are a few tips:

1. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to increase vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant intake. Summer sun exposure can damage our skin, producing free radicals. Antioxidants are the antidote for this and can be ingested or used topically. Aim for 20 different fruits and vegetables a week to maximize your micronutrient intake.

2. Take care of your gut health. Aim to eat at least 1 fermented food per day (yogurt, cottage cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso) and tons of fiber rich plants for prebiotics (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes).

3. Hit your protein goals. Protein gets broken down into amino acids which are the building blocks of healthy tissue, including skin. Collagen and keratin are examples of proteins that play a role in skin structure and health. Some proteins also act as antioxidants and can protect the skin.

4. Drink a lot of water. At least half your body weight in ounces a day—more when it’s hot out. I try to stack my water intake earlier in the day so I don’t forget or drink too much at night (which can disrupt your sleep).

5. Be mindful of processed foods, alcohol, sugar, cigarettes, and toxin exposure. All of which can disrupt the microbiome, dehydrate, and create free radicals which damage the skin.

Supplements:
I love the combo of collagen and vitamin C for skin health. Vitamin C works synergistically with collagen by helping increase absorption, protecting your existing collagen from damage, and boosting our own natural production. I add Needed Collagen (discount code: MIA20) to my coffee every morning and take LivOn Lab’s vitamin C. You may also have vitamin C in your multi-vitamin, which works too!

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PRODUCTS
I’m a minimalist (that’s my fancy way of saying lazy) when it comes to skincare, but all this outdoor time has me lathering, epilating (read on), and perfecting my air dried hair. Here are the products I’ve been using and loving this summer:

Skincare
Nontoxic products that protect and repair the skin, and are easy to use.

LINNE Repair Face Oil (discount code: MIAXLINNE): This is my holy grail face oil. It used antioxidant-rich seed, nut, and fruit oils to nourish the skin and protect against environmental damage (i.e. sun).

Kari Gran Essential SPF 30: I’ve been using this sunscreen on my face for years and I love it.

Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instant Facial Collection: This is the most talked about skincare product right now and I have to say it freaking works. It’s $$$ and I love my LINNE for a fraction of the price, but if you’re looking to turn back the clock without getting needles stuck in your face, this is a good option. The plasma lasted me about 6 weeks and the emulsion 8-10 weeks (I can’t exactly recall but a lot longer than the plasma).

Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Facial Wipes: For when you don’t feel like washing your face. These wipes are the best because they hydrate and sooth in addition to cleansing. I’ve been using them for years! They’re especially great for travel.

Ziip Halo Nanocurrent Device (discount code: MIA): I use this device for four minutes three times a week to stimulate collagen and skin cell regeneration.

Makeup
I don’t wear a lot of makeup any time of year, but especially not in the summer. I like a low effort, sun-kissed look, and this is literally all I wear.

Saie Slip Tint All Over Concealer: It’s lightweight and dewy with the right amount of coverage. Perfect.

Goop Beauty Featherlash Lifting Serum Mascara: I like a really light mascara looks, and this it. Plus it actually nourishes your lashes.

Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel: Goop has a lot of great products. This one will make you feel like you spent all day in the sun without actually spending all day in the sun.

Body
We’re going for smooth, nourished, protected, and odor-free.

Braun Epilator Silk-épil: I will never use a razor again. This thing is unbelievable. It plucks the hair at the root instead of breaking it at the skin to create longer lasting, smoother skin. It’s kind of a process and I’m not going to lie it hurts a little, but it’s a satisfying pain. I’m hooked.

Attitude sunscreen: This is my sunscreen of choice. It’s non toxic, goes on smooth, and the kids can use it too.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil: If I could bathe in a body oil, this would be it. Super nourishing and hydrating, and it smells divine.

Corpus Natural Deodorant: The best natural deodorant in my humble opinion. It actually works and smells so illustrious I almost feel like a shaman when I put it on.

Hair
This air dry life is new to me, and these products have been helping me keep my hair healthy and less frizzy.

GoopGlow Restore + Shine Hair Serum: I use this before I was my hair to help protect and strength it. Like a pre-wash mask. I also love Goop’s Amino Acid Restore + Shine shampoo and conditioner.

Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse: I have written and posted about this product 100+ times this summer. It really helps to tame my frizzy locks so I can air dry my hair. Love love love it.

Crown Affair Leave-in Conditioner: After falling head over heels for the air dry mousse, I decided to give the leave-in conditioner a shot and it does not disappoint. I use this before the mousse.

Okay, this feels like a lot, but I stand by all these products. Maybe I’m not that much of a minimalist after all. I blame 39.