GLOWING SUMMER SKIN

Miranda Kerr, Image via Pinterest

Summer is here. Well, technically it doesn't arrive for another month, but I think we can all agree that Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to this season. Summertime, when we all strive to have beautiful skin...that perfectly sun-kissed glow. This winter was particularly cold and dreadful here in New York City. Just two weeks ago, I found myself wearing my winter coat on the playground with my kids. Yes, in May. But I think we've finally turned a corner, and slowly I've begun breaking out the summer wardrobe, trading lined boots for espadrilles and sweaters for off-the-shoulder blouses and t-shirts. As I begin preparing to bare more of my skin, I'm reminded that it's not quite as ready for summer as my heart and mind are. So I turned to Eva Scrivo, a highly acclaimed hair and makeup artist, owner of New York City's Eva Scrivo Salons, and award-winning author of Eva Scrivo on Beauty. 

The Book: Eva Scrivo on Beauty

Eva has been my colorist and friend for 12 years. She really is the authority on all things beauty. Anyone who knows me well knows I sometimes have a need or desire to control much of a situation. But with my hair color, something everyone sees every day of my life, I hand the reins over to Eva. Completely. And in 12 years, she's never disappointed me. In addition to my hair, I've entrusted Eva and other professionals at her salon to my skin, from facials to peels to make-up for a special occasion. A few months ago, Amanda Gabbard, a medical aesthetician and make-up artist, gave me my first Pumpkin Peel. My skin was completely renewed, and I had an unbelievable glow and even skin tone that allowed me to leave my foundation in the bag for quite some time. 

But just as Starbucks gives pumpkin a break for a few seasons, so does Eva. Arriving in time for summer, Eva Scrivo Salons is offering a Citrus Peel to its clients. Why citrus? Well, because at Eva Scrivo, Eva creates peels appropriate for the season, based on environmental factors and the lifestyle of her clients. Many clients use retinol-containing products to achieve a more even skin tone, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and to unclog pores and achieve a clearer complexion. But those who use retinol during the winter are careful not to overuse it during summer months, as retinol sensitizes the skin and can encourage hyperpigmentation. So without retinol to keep us looking our best, what should we do? In steps the Citrus Peel. And here's why...

The Citrus Peel

The Citrus Peel at Eva Scrivo Salons contains orange zest. It's loaded with antioxidants and natural sugars that help to remove dead skin cells, similar to glycolic peels, but it's gentler on your skin. It removes the dull top layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing the dermis (the thick layer underneath the epidermis) to sense a loss and begin producing more collagen to help repair and replace the epidermis. This plumps and brightens the skin, and if done with proper frequency, a Citrus Peel is a great alternative to more invasive procedures such as fillers and strong chemical peels. Removing the epidermis via a Citrus Peel also allows one to eliminate pore-clogging silicone-based primers from their beauty regimen. With the dull top layer of skin removed, clients will experience smoother make-up application. 

So how often should one have a Citrus Peel? It depends on your skin type and the strength of the peel, which Amanda customizes for each client. She can even customize the strength for different parts of a client's face since many people have different zones and sensitive areas. For someone with rosacea or extremely sensitive skin, it is safe and effective to peel weekly with a strength of 5% glycolic acid. For clients with normal skin, Eva suggests peeling every two weeks with a 10-20% glycolic acid formulation. If you want a stronger peel, for example at 30% glycolic acid, it should only be done monthly. This strength is similar to that used in dermatology offices. At Eva Scrivo Salons, the Citrus Peel can be done as a 15-minute express service and can be applied at the sink simultaneously with glazes or conditioning treatments. The cost of the service is $75. 

So what should you expect after your peel? And how should you care for your skin after leaving the salon? When your peel is complete, you'll see a pinkness in your skin due to increased circulation in that new layer of skin. For me, I loved the soft pink glow and went out that evening without applying foundation. Any peel, regardless of the strength, makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so always use a daily sunscreen. (You should actually do this even if you haven't had a peel or don't use retinol.) Eva recommends applying the sunscreen under your makeup but on top of your moisturizer. In addition, for the week after your peel, you should skip exfoliation. You won't need it, and you don't want to irritate the fresh new layer of skin. You should also be more gentle with the use of washcloths and sponges for a week post-peel.

Eva Scrivo Salon, Fifth Avenue

Summer temperatures are here, so don't wait to get your skin summer-ready. To schedule your Citrus Peel, contact Eva Scrivo Salons at 212-677-7315 or reservations@evascrivo.com. Eva has two locations: 139 Fifth Avenue and 903 Madison Avenue in New York City. Tell them Jennifer at Beauty, Love & Grub sent you!