When summer finally arrives, you can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunny weather — but is your skin loving it as much as you are? The skin faces a series of different challenges throughout the year, which is why a good seasonal skin care routine is so essential, but it’s well-known that the summer months, in particular, can have a damaging effect on skin health. So, what changes should you be making to your beauty routine to stay protected? For a healthy glow all season long, keep these top tips for summer skin care in mind.
How Summer Affects Your Skin
Summer is great, but it can, unfortunately, wreak havoc on your skin. As temperatures rise, so too do humidity levels, leading to increased moisture and oil on the skin. As you probably already know, oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, causing a series of complexion woes throughout the summer months.
As well as being bad news for blemishes, summer weather can also cause dehydration, increased sensitivity and sun damage. Thankfully though, there are several things you can do to keep these issues at bay and ensure your skin stays clear, bright and well-protected.
Essential Tips for Summer Skin Care
Keep Skin Well Moisturised
The heavy moisturising creams you tend to turn to in your winter skin care routine aren’t necessary in summer, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo moisturisers altogether. Hot weather increases water loss from the body, which can cause the skin to feel dry and dehydrated. Combat this by drinking plenty of water and using a light, water-based moisturiser that’ll leave your skin feeling fresh, plump and hydrated.
Stay Safe in the Sun
Sunscreen should be worn all year round, but it’s extra important to make sure you’re protected against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in the summer months. Look for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and remember to reapply throughout the day — the British Skin Foundation suggests doing so at least every 2 hours.
As well as applying sunscreen, you should also avoid prolonged sun exposure and stay in the shade as much as possible. Even tanning is a sign of sun damage if you have fair skin, so it’s much better to apply a fake tan for a safe, sun-kissed glow.
Store Your Skincare Saviours in the Fridge
Feeling hot and bothered? Try storing your favourite skincare products in the fridge for a refreshing boost. Refrigerated moisturisers or cleansers will cool the skin down upon application, gently soothing sensitive skin.
Master the Art of Barely-There Makeup
Going without makeup throughout summer can help keep pores clear, but not everyone wants to be barefaced. If the no-makeup look isn’t for you, show off your dewy summer skin with a natural makeup look instead, which will hide blemishes without resorting to a heavy foundation.
Stick With Lighter Products
As well as opting for a lighter makeup look, it’s also a good idea to stick with lightweight summer skincare products. Try a cleanser with a gel or foam consistency to gently remove excess oil and swap any thick creams for lighter formulas.
A Weekly Face Mask Is a Good Idea
A gentle everyday cleanser will work wonders for most summer skin woes, but if you’re struggling with clogged pores, you may find you need a deeper cleanse. A weekly face mask is a perfect solution, leaving your skin feeling refreshed while removing excess oils.
Fight Pigmentation with a Facial Serum
Even if you’re consistently applying SPF, you may still suffer from irregular pigmentation in the summer. An anti-pigment serum could help with this, so it’s worth adding one to your daily skincare routine. Micro-needling can also help improve pigmentation, promoting a controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair mechanism to enhance the skin’s overall appearance.
Antioxidants Are a Must in Your Summer Skin Care Routine
Antioxidants can help protect your skin from free radicals and environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure. Introducing them into your year-round skin care routine can be beneficial, but they’re especially useful in summer as you’re spending so much time in the sun.
Use Retinol Carefully
Retinols are an essential product to have in your skincare arsenal, but they do make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. If you use retinol regularly and go out in the sun, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF and reapply often to prevent irritation.
