In a MEGA exclusive interview, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kathryn Cembrano, celebrity makeup artist Justin Soriano, and beauty content creator Marj Maroket share their best-kept skin care practices this summer season
With summer in full swing, the skin demands more protection. “Apart from the increased risk of sunburn from prolonged sun exposure, we also encounter a lot of facial and truncal acne breakouts, bacterial skin infections, and eczema flare ups due to increased perspiration, sweat occlusion, and buildup of oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kathryn Cembrano explains. “Many patients also don’t realize that certain habits like overshowering and using physical exfoliants more often can lead to overdrying the skin.”
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It’s a given that transitioning one’s skin care routine for the summer is no easy feat—but fret not. Beauty experts and enthusiasts like Dr. Kathryn Cembrano, Justin Soriano, and Marj Maroket reveal their best-kept skin care practices and some top-shelf products for the hot and humid climate.
On the best beauty practice this season
The change of the season calls for a focus on protection and hydration. “To keep your skin hydrated, keep your showers short, avoid bathing with hot water, and don’t skip on your moisturizer!” Dr. Kathryn Cembrano notes. According to the board-certified dermatologist, despite the hot and humid weather conditions, the skin still needs a good slathering of moisturizer. “It’s all about choosing the appropriate vehicle or formulation and proper timing of application on damp skin.”
Meanwhile, celebrity makeup artist Justin Soriano punctuates the importance of keeping the whole system hydrated. “Electrolyte sugar-free drinks and water will always keep the skin hydrated,” he said. “The sun has been so wild lately, and sunscreen is a must. I like to put a good amount to create a film on top of the skin. Don’t forget to reapply when needed.”
It’s one sentiment that beauty content creator Marj Maroket would agree with. “For protection, definitely SPF everyday! Reapply as often as you can, if possible,” she expressed. “For hydration, I rely on lightweight hydrating serums that get easily absorbed by the skin. Best time to use facial mists, too, to hydrate throughout the day, especially if you’re wearing makeup!”
On what to look for in a beauty product
The quest for good summer beauty products can be challenging. As luck would have it, these experts and aficionados shared their insights. “Look into products that have lightweight formulations to allow your skin to breathe,” Dr. Kathryn Cembrano points out. “In addition, non-comedogenic products minimize the risk of clogging your pores and help prevent breakouts.” As for protection, the board-certified dermatologist recommended skincare products with SPF. “It’s ideal and can offer additional protection from the sun’s harsh rays,” she said. “Products containing niacinamide and vitamin C also have antioxidant properties, which can help combat pollutants and other environmental exposures that can cause skin damage.”
As for Justin Soriano, he suggested avoiding products that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. “Especially retinoids, vitamin a derivatives, or exfoliants—these products make your skin more prone to sun damage,” he reminded. “This summer, I keep different kinds of sunscreen: a clear one and a tinted one. Choosing products that have SPF infused in it keeps you more protected.” Elsewhere, Marj Maroket shared her key ingredients for the summer season. “Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, while Vitamin C and SPF for brightening and sun protection.”
Experts’ product pick
Of course, the beauty chat wouldn’t be complete without a look at their summer top-shelf. Marj Maroket’s pick? Snail White Everyday Glow Sunscreen. “I prefer lotion-types of sunscreen over everything else because I tend to skip moisturizer during the summer,” she revealed. “Not only does this protect my skin, but it’s also moisturizing enough. [I] love that my makeup applies smoothly on top of this, too.”
The beauty content creator also gave us a look into her summer makeup rotation. “GRWM Life-Proof Fixing Spray or Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray,” she started. “Both of these have been my go-to in making my makeup last all day!” She also named the Issy & Co. Active Skin Tint as her go-to base product. “I love the sheer coverage, lightweight feel, and natural finish it leaves on my skin.” As for the lips, she admits that she loves swiping on Clarins Comfort Lip Oil in Plum. “I love that this is skin care first, makeup second. It’s lightweight, but very moisturizing and leaves a nice sheer berry tint. Not sticky, too!”
On the other hand, Justin Soriano’s routine is more focused on hydration and protection. “In terms of sunscreen, I go with something that has proven its efficiency like Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Milk and Shiseido CC Sunblock.” The celebrity makeup artist also showcased his nighttime skin edit, which consists of La Mer The Renewal Oil and The Eye Concentrate, Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Face Serum, and Sisley Paris Ecological Compound Advanced Formula.
He added, “Most of the time, we want to use something that brightens the skin during sleep, so I use Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum and Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream. I also bring Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Adaptogens, and Coconut Water with me because it helps hydrate my skin during the day. Lastly, I swipe on the Malin + Goetz Lip Balm and Lip Moisturizer for perfectly hydrated pouty lips.”
