Summer is the best time of year for us to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine with loved ones. That said, summer can be a trying time for our skin.
As well as being exposed to harmful rays, our skin also has pollution and other environmental contaminants to contend with. This can cause the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, resulting in clogged pores and breakouts.
Not to mention, our skin can be stripped of its natural moisture from air conditioners. This can lead to dehydration, and more importantly, an impaired barrier function.
But not to worry, it is possible to combat these issues just by altering your skincare routine for the warmer weather. Follow my tried-and-tested summer skincare tips for healthy, glowing skin this season, no matter what your skin type.
1. Switch to Lightweight Products
First things first, you wouldn’t wear winter clothes when it’s hot outside, right? Therefore, you may want to consider tweaking your skincare products as soon as the temperatures start to rise.
Heavy moisturisers are needed in cold weather to hydrate dry skin and counteract central heating. However, swap these for something more lightweight in summer. In other words, ditch the thick cream and try a thin gel.
Foaming cleansers are also better for summer skin compared to clays or balms. Look for an option that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid, which are ingredients that gently exfoliate while reducing excess oil.
2. Use Gentler Makeup Ingredients
As well as opting for more lightweight skincare products, it’s a good idea to use more lightweight makeup products in the hotter months.
Check your product labels and prioritise the makeup that’s non-comedogenic, whether it’s a primer, foundation or tinted moisturiser. This means that it has been formulated without pore-clogging ingredients and will also be oil-free.
Say goodbye to blemishes and hello to beautiful clear skin for all your upcoming social events.
3. Apply Antioxidants
One of my favourite summer skincare tips is to apply a high-grade antioxidant product that contains vitamin C or polyphenols.
Why? Well, antioxidants are effective in protecting your skin from types of oxidative stress, such as additional sun exposure and pollution. They’re important all year round, but especially in the summer months.
In fact, the best way to tackle skin damage in the form of hyperpigmentation, breakouts and fine lines is to regulate your intake of enough antioxidants. Antioxidants also help with collagen production to slow down the signs of ageing.
4. Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunlight is the major culprit of wrinkles, dryness and age spots.
Although the burning UVB rays are much weaker in winter, they will come out in full force in summer. Then there are the skin-ageing UVA rays that reach Earth regardless of the time of year.
That’s why wearing SPF every day is essential in the warmer months — no excuses! Failing to do this can increase your risk of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the US.
SPF 30-50 is ideal for keeping your skin in the best condition long-term. Reapply it evenly throughout the day to ensure maximum protection.
What to Do If Your Skin Burns
Accidentally got burnt by the sun? It happens to be the best of us. In this case, apply an aftersun cream or spray containing gentle ingredients like aloe vera that will cool and soothe the skin.
You could even use facial globes as cold therapy. The benefits of facial globes include reducing skin inflammation, soreness and puffiness, while providing a relaxing massage experience.
Not to mention, using facial globes after applying aftersun will improve the absorption of the product. Win-win!
5. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
Incorporating more exfoliation into your skincare routine can break apart impurities in the pores, open up blocked pores and remedy oily skin.
It’s important to exfoliate in summer but avoid over-exfoliating. Over-exfoliation can cause irritation, redness and a broken skin barrier at any time of year. In summer, the sun and an over-exposed barrier can make sensitive skin even more problematic.
Stick to the general rule of exfoliating two to three times a week. The result will be a softer, brighter complexion all season long.
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Final Thoughts on Summer Skincare Tips
Your skin needs a little extra TLC in the summer because of increased sun exposure, humidity, outdoor pollutants and air conditioning.
Following these summer skincare tips can significantly improve the quality of your skin during warmer weather so you can hold on to healthy, radiant skin for longer.
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