Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to give your skin the extra care it deserves. Warmer weather brings its own set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to skin health; whether you’re basking on the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, the summer season requires a proactive approach to protect and nourish your skin. Today, we’re exploring five effective ways to improve your skin health during the warmer months, helping you achieve a radiant and healthy complexion all season long. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to keeping your skin glowing under the sun!
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
We all know by now how important sunscreen is, but it’s not just sunburn we need to worry about. UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause various detrimental effects, such as premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen also helps in maintaining an even skin tone, preventing the formation of dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. It even aids in preserving the skin’s moisture, preventing dryness and dehydration, which can be exacerbated in warm weather. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outside, even on cloudy days, such as SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50.
Cleanse Your Skin Gently
Heat and sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive, and aggressive cleansing can further aggravate it. Gentle cleansing methods, such as using a mild cleanser and soft, lukewarm water, help to minimise irritation and maintain the natural balance of your skin. Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to wash your face and avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier function. Medik8 Gentle Cleanse is a mild, rosemary-infused foaming wash that gently removes dirt, make-up and impurities, without unbalancing skin’s delicate moisture levels.
Moisturise Regularly
Warmer weather, especially with increased sun exposure, can lead to higher levels of moisture loss from the skin. Moisturising helps replenish the lost moisture and maintain the skin’s natural hydration balance. It prevents the skin from becoming dehydrated, which can lead to dryness, tightness, and flakiness. In addition, moisturisers act as a barrier, creating a protective layer on the skin that shields it from external elements, reducing the potential damage they can cause. Refinery Mattifying Moisturiser is ideal if you already struggle with oily skin and the heat makes it worse.
Exfoliate Regularly
Warmer weather often leads to increased perspiration and sebum production, and these factors can contribute to clogged pores and a buildup of dead skin cells, resulting in a dull complexion and potential breakouts. Regular exfoliation helps remove these impurities and keeps the skin clean and clear. Use a mild exfoliating scrub or consider chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to keep your skin fresh and smooth – Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanse is an ideal product to try.
Adjust Your Skincare Products
Adjusting skincare products in summer is essential to keep your skin healthy and protected in the face of changing environmental conditions. The summer season often brings higher temperatures, increased humidity, and prolonged sun exposure, all of which can have a significant impact on the skin. By switching to lighter, oil-free formulations, such as gel-based moisturisers like Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturiser and lightweight sunscreens, you can prevent clogged pores and excessive oil production that are more common in hot weather.
Take Cool Showers
Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness. Opt for cooler water temperatures to help maintain your skin’s hydration levels.Taking cool showers in hot weather is highly beneficial for your skin as the cool water helps to regulate your body temperature, preventing excessive sweating and keeping your skin hydrated. It effectively cleanses your skin, removing dirt, oil, and sweat, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. If you want to take your cool showers to the next level, Elemis Revitalise-Me Bath and Shower Gel is enriched with a powerful blend of thyme, basil and neroli essential oils to awaken and invigorate the skin and the senses.