If you have ever enjoyed a Summer vacation at the beach, then you likely remember the luxurious feeling of a fresh, off the sand tan with a sun-kissed tint on the cheeks and salty beach waves to really seal the deal — hello hot girl summer. And as we are HUGE advocates for a daily dose of vitamin D, we also know what too much can do to our skin. So we are leaving it to the pros — Gabriela dos Santos approved. A native from the island of Curaçao and top 5 on the Miss Universe ’22 stage, this glowing beauty knows a thing or two about harsh elements on delicate skin. So she is giving us the scoop on the five products that keep her skin feeling fresh and healthy AND the summer rituals you can take with you next season. 

The story of a pre-teen to a Queen. 

“I've struggled with acne since I was 12 years old, and it’s been quite a journey to figure out what works for my skin. I tried everything—DIY face masks, countless cleansers, and acne products recommended on YouTube. But instead of helping, these harsh treatments irritated my skin even more, leading to worse breakouts. I’d cover it up with makeup, which I didn’t always remove properly, leading to a cycle of MORE breakouts and insecurity. At 19, I went on Accutane, which cleared my acne, but it returned once I stopped the medication. That’s when I realized that skincare is more than just the products you use—it’s also about what you put into your body. I did a lot of research, cut out dairy, peanuts, and other inflammatory foods, and started drinking nearly a gallon of water a day while reducing my coffee intake.”

“A very well-known Curaçao remedy that has made an amazing difference in my skin is natural aloe vera — a miracle plant known for its healing and hydrating properties. Applying straight from the plant directly to your skin or hair as a mask (or overnight) is a true tradition I miss whenever I’m abroad. You can also incorporate it into your diet. Aloe vera aids digestion, reduces inflammation, hydrates, and is rich in antioxidants. It also helps regulate blood sugar. It's a tradition worth keeping close.”

Now at 22, Gabriela seems to have figured out the secrets to healthy skin. “I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I opt for fragrance-free cleansers, shampoos, and even laundry detergents that don’t contain pore-clogging oils or ingredients. Keeping it simple has been key. One tip to my fellow acne-prone friends — always ingredient-check your products. You can copy and paste the ingredient list and many websites will let you know if your product contains any comedogenic or allergenic ingredients that could cause breakouts. This has truly been a game-changer for me when choosing the right products for my skin type!”

“You’ll always hear me say, ‘skincare is very personal.’ Just because something is trending online or an influencer swears by it doesn’t mean it’ll work for your skin. It’s all about figuring out what works best for you and being consistent. All of this goes hand in hand with maintaining a clean, balanced diet. Skincare is a holistic journey that involves the right combination of products, diet, and lifestyle choices. The key is patience and finding balance, and trust me, it’s worth it!

The FIVE Skin Care Products GABRIELA DOS SANTOS is Using RIGHT NOW:

1. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser: This is my everyday cleanser. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and perfect for my sensitive skin. It cleans without stripping my skin of its natural moisture.

2. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: I use this as my daily moisturizer. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and keeps my skin hydrated without clogging pores.

3. pHformula Tinted Sunscreen: This tinted sunscreen is my go-to for sun protection and a bit of coverage. It’s gentle on the skin, protects against UV rays, and provides a natural, glowing finish. I also like to use the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 50+ non-tinted SPF on days when I don’t want to wear makeup but still want to protect my skin from UV rays.

4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: I use this exfoliant once or twice a week at night. It contains salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and keep my skin smooth and clear.

5. A low-dose retinol (0.025%) + Anua's Niacinamide Peach Serum + SkinCeuticals Vitamin C. Retinol smooths fine lines and wrinkles, niacinamide controls acne and pigmentation, and vitamin C brightens my skin. I alternate: retinol and niacinamide at night, and vitamin C during the day, always followed by moisturizer and SPF for protection and hydration. This combo is key for healthy, glowing skin!

BONUS: The MAKEUP Gabriela is Wearing RIGHT NOW

“Coming from a Miss Universe background where makeup is often heavy and hair always perfect, I love going makeup-free. On an island, it’s sunny, hot, and humid, so on days when I want to do a bit more, I like to keep my makeup light and breathable. I stick with my pHformula Tinted Sunscreen, which provides coverage while also offering 30+ SPF protection. To spot conceal any blemishes or under-eye circles, I use a concealer. I’ve been loving the Estée Lauder Double Wear for its smooth finish and ELF Camo Liquid Blush in Dusty Rosé for a hydrating pop of color on the cheeks. A little translucent powder to set everything, and that’s my go-to look — fresh, youthful, and breathable. It’s the perfect makeup routine for beach days or everyday wear.”

As summer winds down, let's keep the sunny spirit alive by taking short walks outside or sitting by a sunny window to maintain our vitamin D levels. “I also treat myself to occasional spa days, enjoying the steam room or sauna to relax and refresh my skin. To upkeep the benefits of salt water, I indulge in Epsom salt baths that help detoxify and soothe my muscles. And of course, continue to enjoy fresh, vibrant meals by incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables, while staying active with indoor activities like yoga or home workouts.”

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