Written by OSEA Staff | Published July 8, 2024
Welcome to “Ask the Esthetician” – a new series where our experts answer all of your skincare questions. We've seen your questions on TikTok, Instagram, and LiveChat, so we're thrilled to finally provide a forum to address them all.
First up, meet Viktoria, our lead esthetician at the Venice Skincare Studio. With over 10 years of experience, Viktoria specializes in facial massage, breathwork and gua sha. With summer in full swing and sunny outdoor adventures on the horizon, we sat down with Viktoria to answer some of your most-burning questions about keeping your skin healthy and happy after a day in the sun.
OSEA: What are your top three tips for protecting skin from sun damage during the summer?
Viktoria: Always wear a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every couple of hours when exposed to the sun. I also recommend wearing a hat, sun-protective clothing (I love linen!), and avoiding sun exposure between 12-5 pm.
OSEA: What’s the best way to keep skin hydrated after a day in the sun?
Viktoria: Start by hydrating internally with plenty of water, electrolytes, coconut, or alkaline water. Foods like cucumbers and watermelon are also great because they have high moisture content. My fridge is always packed with these, and I love stocking up on seasonal fruits and veggies at the Santa Monica farmer’s market.
For your skincare, I recommend using our Ocean Cleansing Milk. It's fragrance-free and provides deep hydration. I love that it uses nourishing ingredients like safflower seed oil and glycerin to soothe and moisturize dry skin. If you’re reapplying SPF, sweating, or simply exposed to environmental stressors, then I’d recommend doing a double cleanse. Next, use the Sea Minerals Mist, which is packed with aloe and seaweed and provides dewy hydration. It’s cooling and refreshing and feels fantastic on your skin! Then, use our Hyaluronic Sea Serum, to keep your skin plump-looking and hydrated. Finish off with Seabiotic® Water Cream for 72-hour hydration benefits. For that extra glow, our Dayglow Face Oil® helps restore youthful radiance. It’s infused with Undaria seaweed which helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Remember, keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining that healthy, sun-kissed glow—no sun required!
OSEA: Are there any ingredients we should be reaching for in the summer?
Viktoria: Oh, absolutely! First up, aloe vera – it’s like a drink of water for your skin, super soothing and hydrating. Seaweed is another must-have, of course; it's packed with minerals and nutrients that keep your skin looking radiant and fresh. Safflower oil is amazing for boosting your moisture barrier, which is so important when you're out in the sun all day. It’s one of the key hydrators in our Dream Night Cream. And let's not forget hyaluronic acid – it's a hydration hero that helps your skin retain moisture and stay plump-looking. You can find it in our Hyaluronic Sea Serum and Hyaluronic Body Serum. Lastly, squalane is great for locking in all that hydration without feeling greasy.
OSEA: Exfoliating in the summer…yes or no?
Viktoria: If your skin is sunburned or sensitized from the sun, skip the exfoliation to avoid further irritation. However, for normal, non-sensitized skin types, regular exfoliation is still an important part of your routine to keep skin fresh and glowing.
My go-to is our Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub, which combines both physical and chemical exfoliants. I like to go in with my fingers and use the kiwi AHA-infused rice particles to physically remove sunscreen and other impurities from a client’s skin. Another great option is our Ocean Cleanser, which contains lactic acid to very lightly exfoliate.
OSEA: Can you share any tips for keeping skin cool during hot summer days?
Viktoria: Again, staying hydrated is a must – I love drinking lots of cucumber-infused water. When it comes to cooling products, my go-to is the Hyaluronic Body Serum. It’s packed with aloe vera and polyglutamic acid (one of my favorite ingredients), plus it has five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and boost hydration.
I live in L.A. and love the ocean but try to avoid peak sun. My family and I will head to the beach after 5:00 PM. I always bring an umbrella, and a comfy mat (to avoid burning our skin on the hot sand). And don’t underestimate the power of a cold shower! I like to switch the water temperature from warm to cold and then finish with warm. It’s incredibly refreshing, improves circulation and helps keep my skin feeling comfortable.
OSEA: Are there any foods or drinks that can help our skin recover faster from sun exposure?
Viktoria: As a Ukrainian, I eat a lot of plant-based foods rich in beta carotene, like carrots and broccoli, which have amazing anti-inflammatory benefits and can help protect against UV damage. I remember my mom once got a terrible sunburn in Ukraine, and her family covered her from neck to toe in sour cream. There might not be any scientific evidence behind it, but she swears it works wonders! I recommend using pure aloe vera and getting red LED light therapy. Sunburns can be tricky, so it’s best to consult your doctor for advice.
OSEA: What’s your favorite facial for summer at the Venice Skincare Studio?
Viktoria: Definitely the Gua Sha Facial. It’s incredibly relaxing and uses tuning forks to help put you in a peaceful state of mind. Gua sha is a centuries-old facial technique intended to address the “qi” that remains stagnant in the body. Our facial makes your skin look radiant and more supple. We also incorporate nourishing Gigartina seaweed in all of our facials which hydrates and provides a very cooling effect.
OSEA: How do you keep your own skin glowing during the summer months?
Viktoria: I drink tons of water. If I have caffeine, I make sure to drink a couple of extra glasses to stay hydrated. I also load up on plant-based foods and swear by my two favorite oils: Undaria Algae™ Body Oil and Dayglow Face Oil®.
Have more questions? Want to chat through your skincare routine? Reach out here.
