Five Rules: Monica Klocksieben of Aqua Medical Spa

As a medical esthetician, Monica Klocksieben has forgotten more about making skin look great than most of us will learn in a lifetime.  At Aqua Medical Spa, her magic touch -- along with the latest in esthetic technology -- leaves her clients looking positively radiant.  We sat down with this expert to get her top tips for smart summer skincare, plus a couple of great product recs that’ll keep you glowing ‘til fall (and beyond).

Five rules for smart summer skincare:

1. “The most important thing you can do for your skin in the summertime is wear sunblock.” 
Monica adds to this rule by setting the record straight on the two types of damaging rays you’ll encounter under the sun: UVA rays contribute to aging, while UVB rays are responsible for burns.  She points out that SPF numbers only measure the burning UVB rays, and for that reason, she stresses the need to choose a product that protects against both major offenders.  Lightweight, oil-free Aquavedic SPF 40 sunblock, which features broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection is this expert’s choice.

2.  “The second most important step is using an antioxidant.” 
“Sunscreens only block 55 percent of free radicals,” Monica explains.  This discrepancy leaves a gap in protection which can lead to sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles.  Monica likes CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals, two Allure “Best of Beauty” winners.

3.  “Choose a mineral makeup.”
For on-the-go summer days, Monica recommends mineral makeup over traditional creamy foundations.  She emphasizes that it allows skin to breathe and won’t clog pores -- both excellent qualities this time of year.

4.  “Exfoliate your skin from head to toe.”
As we age, the rate at which our skin cells shed slows down dramatically.  Monica favors all-over body polishes like Body Coffee brand scrub to speed the process along, and she promises,  “Your skin will be glowing after sloughing off all those dead skin cells!”  …A little icky, but definitely worth some extra effort in the bare-est months of the year.

5.  “Hydrate.”
One word says it all:  Inside and out, keep the fluids and moisturizers flowing throughout the summer to combat dryness, flaking and wrinkles.