Keep Your Glow: Summer Exfoliation Do's and Don'ts
During the Oklahoma summer, our skin goes into overdrive. Between the soaring temperatures, high humidity, and the heavy layers of SPF 50 we apply daily, our pores quickly become clogged with sweat, oil, and debris.
You know you need to exfoliate to prevent breakouts and keep that fresh summer glow, but exfoliation during the summer comes with a massive caveat: if you overdo it, you strip away your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it highly vulnerable to severe sunburns and hyperpigmentation.
At KC Wellness, we want you to have smooth, clear skin without risking sun damage. Here is our expert guide to the "Do's and Don'ts" of summer exfoliation in Oklahoma City.
The DON'TS of Summer Exfoliation
DON'T use harsh physical scrubs. Gritty scrubs made with walnut shells or apricot pits create microscopic tears in the skin. When you take those micro-tears out into the blazing summer sun, you are inviting severe inflammation, redness, and accelerated aging.
DON'T overuse Retinols right before a lake day. Retinols and Retin-A are fantastic for cellular turnover, but they make your skin incredibly photosensitive. If you know you are spending the entire weekend boating on Lake Eufaula, pause your heavy retinols a few days prior to prevent an unexpected, severe burn.
DON'T rely on heavy at-home chemical peels. Save the deep, peeling acids for the winter months. Using aggressive AHAs or BHAs strips away the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum), which is your body's natural first line of defense against UV radiation.
The DO'S of Summer Exfoliation
DO opt for Dermaplaning. This is the ultimate summer-safe exfoliation. Using a sterile surgical scalpel, we gently glide over the skin to remove the very top layer of dead cells along with the vellus hair (peach fuzz). Why is this crucial for summer? That peach fuzz traps sweat, oil, and heavy sunscreen against your skin, causing breakouts. Removing it keeps your skin clear, smooth, and helps your makeup apply flawlessly.
DO deep-clean with the Diamond Glow Facial. Instead of scrubbing your skin, let the Diamond Glow device do the work safely. This 3-in-1 medical facial uses a gentle diamond-encrusted tip to lightly polish the skin while a vacuum suction pulls the trapped sunscreen and sweat out of your pores. Because it simultaneously infuses your skin with hydrating SkinMedica serums, your barrier remains completely intact and protected.
DO apply Vitamin C daily. While not an exfoliator, Vitamin C is an essential summer companion. It brightens the skin, evens out dull texture, and provides a powerful shield of antioxidants to fight the free radicals caused by the sun you are inevitably exposed to.
DO wear a broad-spectrum SPF. Any time you exfoliate (even gently), you reveal fresh, new skin cells. You must protect them with a high-quality, medical-grade SPF of 30 or higher every single day.
Keep Your Skin Safe and Smooth
Don't let the summer heat ruin your complexion. If you are struggling with congested pores or dull skin, let Kelli Cossey, RN, BSN, and the team at KC Wellness clear your canvas safely.
KC Wellness 13820 Wireless Way, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. (Located inside Refined OKC)
