With summer holiday season now in full flow, many of us dream of spending our getaways looking sun-kissed and glowing with health, but often, the reality can be quite different.
The warmer weather can wreak havoc on your skin, and with sweat, sunburn and the risk of premature ageing all issues you find yourself having to contend with when you should be enjoying the very best part of the year, sitting back and enjoying a care-free summer break is often not as easy as you might have hoped.
Thankfully, a little preparation and a disciplined skincare routine is all it takes to free you from your skin woes – or, at the very least, to reduce them to a level that is manageable.
When it comes to perfect summertime skin, the devil is in the detail – so we’ve pulled together some simple tips that will help get you on the road to glowsville.
Make small changes
A few small changes to your regular skincare routine can be all it takes to lay the groundwork for great summer skin – and the great news is that a complete overhaul just isn’t necessary.
Tweaking the items you already use to suit your skin’s needs when the mercury begins to rise can make a world of difference – so if, in the winter, you used gentler cream cleansers and more hydrating moisturisers on your skin to counteract the drying winter climate and central heating, you may now want to change back to more thorough foaming cleansers and more light-weight moisturisers to keep any oiliness at bay.
Choose suitcase friendly, multi-purpose products
Carting all of your luxury skincare products around with you over the summer may mean that you’re always prepared, but when it comes to travelling light for that flight, sometimes it just isn’t practical. Try multi-purpose products that will keep you skin looking its best whilst also taking up less space. We love Nuxe huile prodigieuse – a lightweight dry oil that nourishes, repairs and beautifies the face body and hair. Enriched with highly nourishing Tsubaki oil, it is anti-oxidant, has a “shield” effect against pollution and even reduces the appearance of stretchmarks. It’s a win win.
Less is more
When skin becomes a problem, it can be tempting to overload it with products in the hope that they will help to combat any issues – but often giving your skin time to adjust to the change in climate is all that’s required.
Keep skin clean and use a light moisturiser, but keep everything else to a minimum. Excess serums, creams and moisturisers can often make the problem worse, so steer clear where possible unless you really find that you need them.
Sun protection, sun protection, sun protection
Sun protection is vital in summer, though it should be worn all year round. Although the burning UVB rays are much weaker in winter, the skin ageing UVA rays don’t fluctuate as much throughout the seasons.
Opt for an SPF30-50 to slow down the ageing process and keep your skin in optimal condition long-term. If you haven’t been keeping up a good routine in winter, then it’s vital that you start now – if not, you may find that you regret it in years to come.
To avoid congestion and greasiness, choose an SPF that is designed specifically for use on the face. And don’t forget to reapply regularly to minimise your risk of burning. Which leads us nicely onto our next point.
Avoid the burn
Avoid getting burned at any cost. It might sound boring, but even a tan can be damaging to your skin, so if you must get that glow then opt for a spray tan instead. If, despite thorough protection, you still manage to get burnt, oral antihistamines and a topical hydrocortisone cream can be helpful in treating the skin. Be sure to apply a good after-sun product containing aloe vera after sun exposure too, as this will help to soothe skin and keep it well moisturised, helping to avoid peeling.
Break-up with moisturiser
A good SPF will moisturise your skin at the same time as protecting it, so there is often no need for an additional moisturiser in the summer, unless you have very dry skin. If this is the case, then try layering a light-weight hyaluronic acid serum underneath your SPF for an extra shot of hydration.
Load up on antioxidants
High-grade antioxidant products containing vitamin C or polyphenols are a must during the summer months and will help to protect skin from oxidative stress such as pollution. If you’re heading to Europe for a luxury city break or jetting off to Asia, then you’ll be glad of the extra layer of protection, and your future skin will thank you for it, too.
A good year-round skincare routine comprised of quality products is the only way to great skin come summertime, so lay the groundwork early on next time for best results. Even so, with a few good investments and a savvy approach to the warmer weather now that it’s already here, beautiful, glowing skin can be yours.
