From deeply healing essential oils to gentle-but-powerful exfoliating treatments, winning ways to put your healthiest face forward this summer

by Luda Conti Owner, Avanti Day Resort

sun salutation

The importance of sunscreen isn’t a novel concept. SPF is essentially skin’s version of a lifeguard, protecting your face and body from UV radiation, which damages collagen fi bers and spurs premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots, and can eventually lead to skin cancer. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and it’s important to know what’s in your go-to SPF before planning a day at the pool or beach (to be clear: sunscreen should be applied every day, not merely on sun-drenched outings). Many blends are now being supercharged with antioxidants, which provide an additional layer of protection from the sun’s relentless ultraviolet rays. As an added perk, antioxidant staples like vitamin C can also lighten dark spots and even skin tone, while vitamin E’s stellar anti-inflammatory properties provide a calming effect.

plane & simple

From laser hair removal and sugaring to the trusty razor, there’s a kaleidoscope of ways to eradicate the body of hair, prepping skin for its moment in the sun this summer. One area that often gets neglected is the face – that’s where dermaplaning comes into play. Gentle and painless, the procedure exfoliates the skin by using a surgical-grade scalpel to skim the face’s fi ne vellus hair (also known as peach fuzz) and top layer of dead skin cells, revealing a healthy, silky smooth complexion. The result is similar to microdermabrasion
or microneedling, but without any downtime or redness. Bonus: cocktail dermaplaning with a facial treatment, like a HydraFacial, to maximize the eff ects as the freshly exfoliated skin better absorbs products.

MIGHTY BLUE

Considered a holy grail in skincare circles, blue tansy is a powerhouse essential oil derived from the rare Moroccan fl ower of the same name (fun fact: the fl ower is yellow in color; the sapphire blue hue is gained during the steam distillation process), famed for its rockstar nourishing, calming, and hydrating talents. In fact, even oncologists have called upon its anti-infl ammatory properties to soothe irritation in their patients after radiation treatments. The calming eff ects come from chamazulene, a powerful antioxidant; whether in a balm, oil, or overnight mask, apply the blue to soothe and speed up the healing process for ailments like acne, sunburns, or dull, dry, stressed-out skin. Many devotees also report an aromatherapeutic benefi t from inhaling the oil’s herbaceous notes.

Avanti Day Resort 345 U.S. 9, Manalapan Township 732.780.0222, avantidayresort.com