Summertime is filled with sunshine, travel and lots of opportunities to soak up some vitamin D, but with that comes increased UV exposure, humidity and more time spent in air-conditioned environments. This can take its toll on the skin and bring a whole new set of challenges, so it is crucial to prioritise skincare if you want to maintain a healthy and glowing complexion.
With this in mind, here we reveal our top tips on how you can properly safeguard your skin and keep it glowing all summer long.
1: Cleanse thoroughly and then cleanse again
Hotter temperatures and increased humidity levels can lead to excessive oil production and an oily complexion, so it is important to cleanse thoroughly in the morning and evening to remove excess oil, sweat and dirt. We recommend double cleansing if you’ve been in the sun, have been wearing makeup or have done a workout. Sweating can contribute to blocked pores and breakouts and increased humidity levels create a favourable environment for bacteria to grow on the skin so cleansing thoroughly is a summertime must-do.
2: Switch up your daytime skincare routine
Consider swapping rich and thicker products in your daytime skincare routine for lightweight formulas made from clean ingredients this summer. Using a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser and fewer products that feature lighter consistencies will prevent the skin from becoming too oily or saturated and will prevent blocked pores and problem skin. A lightweight moisturiser alone is enough to replenish your skin’s barrier function and will lock in the moisture your skin needs to look fresh and glowing throughout the day.
3: Choose your SPF wisely
SPF should be a non-negotiable in your daily skincare routine throughout the year, but we can’t emphasise enough how crucial it is to wear sunscreen in summer. Not only does sunscreen protect the skin from harmful UV rays, it also prevents premature ageing and the development of hyperpigmentation. We suggest wearing a minimum of factor 30 SPF and factor 50 where possible. To avoid blocked pores from wearing sunscreen we recommend choosing non-comedogenic, mattifying or oil-free formulas.
4: Stay Hydrated
To sustain a healthy complexion, it is just as important to drink plenty of water each day as it is to use hydrating products on your skin. Dehydration can cause the skin to look dry and dull and can lead to breakouts. To avoid this, try to drink at least 3 litres of water a day and add rehydration drinks into your diet where possible. When it comes to skincare, look for products that feature sodium hyaluronate and aloe vera as these powerful ingredients not only deeply hydrate the skin, but they also lock in moisture to keep the skin looking supple and fresh.
5: Protect your skin with antioxidants
Using products that are rich in antioxidants is a great way to protect your skin from becoming over-sensitive or irritated this summer. Products that feature allantoin, centella asiatica extract and niacinamide reduce inflammation and help to prevent free radicals from causing oxidative stress. Products that feature these ingredients also protect the skin from the elements and prevent premature ageing and skin damage. With antioxidants, you can’t have too much of a good thing, so we also recommend supplementing your diet with antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods, so think fresh fruit and vegetables that are high in Vitamin A, C and E.
6: Keep your skin calm and protected
Face masks help to solve a range of skin issues and they are a proven way to protect, hydrate and replenish the skin with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and glowing. This summer, try adding our rich hydrating facial masks to your skincare routine to keep your skin calm and protected.
Our Ultra Hydro Plumping Mask features a powerful concentration of sodium hyaluronate and sodium polyglutamate which makes it deeply hydrating and great for skin that is exposed to high temperatures and air-conditioned environments. If your skin is prone to inflammation and you’re conscious about fine lines and wrinkles from UV exposure, our Anti-Wrinkle Reviving Mask features a rich source of collagen-boosting, calming and soothing active ingredients. If you’ll be out in the direct sun a lot this summer, our Instant Rescue Purifying Mask is formulated with natural bioactive and antioxidant ingredients such as centella asiatica extract and allantoin to calm and soothe sensitive, inflamed and irritated skin.
Throughout the hotter months, heat can get trapped in the skin, so chilling your facial masks in the fridge before applying will not only cool down your skin, but it will also help alleviate any trapped heat to ensure that your skin cells don’t get overheated or exhausted.