Long weekends, beach days and more time to play outside — summer is officially here! To help us welcome the season (and the sun and sweat that comes with it), we asked Biologique Recherche ambassador and celebrity facialist Aida Bicaj to share her must-have products and skin tips for summer. Aida is trusted by everyone from Kyra Sedgwick to Jenna Lyons and her Upper East Side spa is our CEO and Creative Director Yesim Philip’s go-to spot for facials. Here’s everything you need to know to have your best skin ever this summer!
What products or steps in our routines are the most important to update for summer?
Cleanse skin with milky cleansers, not foamy ones. Foaming cleansers can strip skin of off its natural oils. Also choose your toners carefully. Use toner that gently removes dead skin cells. My favorites for warm seasons are Future Cosmetics Boutique Floral Lotion No. 1 and Floral Lotion No. 2, and, of course, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50. One more tip: when it’s humid and hot, I prefer using serums in place of moisturizers. I recommend Future Cosmetics Boutique Beauty Drops No. 3, or Biologique Recherche Serum Elastine Pure and Serum Extraits Tissulaire.
What is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to summer skincare?
Try to limit use of SPF to during outdoor activities, like at the beach, hiking, golf, tennis, etc. If you are just traveling from home to work, it is not necessary to apply SPF for a few minutes to sun exposure since SPFs do clog your pores if used continuously. Using hydrating masks, like Biologique Recherche Masque VIP 02 and Visolastine Plus, is a general recommendation.
When it comes to SPF, what should we be looking for?
I consider SPF an investment and always recommend top shelf SPFs, such as Medical Beauty Research SPF for face and body.
And if we get a sunburn, how should we treat it?
Apply aloe vera. If the sunburn is rather severe, you may pour yourself a bath and dilute a pack of baking soda in it. It will help relieve the pain caused by the sunburn.
What’s the best way to take care of skin after a workout?
Try to cleanse and exfoliate right after the workout.
What treatments are your go-tos for summer?
Manual Lift: Our estheticians use a special technique to control the level of exfoliation using products derived from seaweed powder that mildly tweak the skin to restore elasticity. This treatment also stimulates circulation and the production of new cells that leaves your skin looking tighter, smoother, and healthier.
Soin Lissant: Similar to the Manual Lift, this treatment targets sensitive, reactive, dull skin. Application of a mild powder and lymphatic drainage techniques leave the skin calm, smooth and tight.
HydraFacial Treatment is created for all skin types and for any age. HydraFacial is gentle procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction of impurities, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously. The treatment is soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive and non-irritating. The results are immediate and lasting. Your skin will look youthful, plump and radiant. With regular use it will help to diminish enlarged pores and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Your #1 summer skincare/beauty tip:
Stay away from direct sun exposure.
Visit Aida Bicaj at 30 E 67th Street, 5th Floor, New York, 10065.