NYC’s Acne Whisperer Sofie Pavitt on How to Take Care of Your Skin This Summer

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Shopping, where smart women share their favorite things.

Today we have NYC’s resident acne whisperer, Sofie Pavitt, here to Skimm Her Life. If you aren’t familiar with Sofie, she is a licensed esthetician with a studio in New York and the founder of her namesake skincare line, Sofie Pavitt Face. Sofie, answer all our (sun)burning questions…

What’s your favorite unconventional or hacky way to use certain skincare products?

The Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum is great for underarms. If you look at some of the natural deodorants out there, a lot of them use mandelic acid as an antibacterial solution to odor-causing bacteria. I ran out of deodorant while I was on vacation recently, and used Mandelic Clearing Serum instead, and it worked.

Name your favorite and least favorite skincare trends and why.

• Favorite: People understanding that they don’t need massive amounts of products to reach their skincare goals. Nobody wants a ten-step routine anymore; it’s too complicated. 

• Least Favorite: Beef tallow as a moisturizer. Why? It’s so gross! If you’re acne prone, it’s like throwing gas on a grill. Beware.

What’s a skincare trend, product, or ingredient that should be getting more love/attention but isn’t?

Mandelic acid! Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that dissolves the bonds between dead skin and healthy skin underneath. It's gentle and doesn’t penetrate the skin in a way that can cause irritation. If you’re dealing with acne, your skin can feel quite irritated. This is an ideal acid for my breakout-prone clients. It's also antibacterial so it can reduce acne-causing bacteria and brighten.

Name your desert island, can’t live without products in your skincare routine.

• Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum: I use it every single day.

• RéVive Peau Magnifique Eye Concentrate: It’s so expensive, but I keep coming back to it.

• Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream: It keeps my bone-dry skin hydrated.

• Vacation Sunscreen: If I’m on a desert island, I need sun protection and this is my favorite.

• Jordan Samuel Skin’s Hydrate The Mist: I keep one of these by my desk to use throughout the day.

We’re currently in peak travel season. What are some tips for keeping acne at bay while traveling?

Make sure you’re washing off all of your sunscreen in the evening after being out all day. I love starting with micellar (like our Micellar Cleansing Pads that are ideal for travel), and then going in with a juicy gel cleanser. A lightweight gel moisturizer won’t clog the pores and will be hydrating after the beach, too.

Any tips for readers that deal with irritated, red skin? Whether that be from sunburns, overheating, and other skin conditions during the summer?

Sofie Pavitt Face Nice Ice Frozen Toner Pods! If you have access to a freezer, take these toning treatments with you to soothe irritation after sun. I also love Dr. Idriss’ The Depuffer, and After Sun Gel from Vacation for a cooling effect. I keep mine in the fridge.

What’s a common misconception about breakouts and acne?

That you can scrub it away using harsh products and chemicals. Acne needs a 360-degree approach by looking at lifestyle triggers, homeware, and in-person treatments to get a client clear. There’s no overnight results and you can’t cure it. You can only maintain it. I love working with acne-prone clients to get them maintaining clear, happy skin.