The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and that can only mean one thing: Summer Skin is in full swing! And while you’re likely making room in your calendar for Back to work social gatherings, catch-up braai’s, and weekend gatherings don’t forget to continue to adjust and rebuild your skin care routine, too.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to skincare and, as the season gets hotter and the temperatures begin to rise, so do the needs and wants of your skin. No matter the time or day, we expect our skin to adapt and remain in tip-top form. But how?
Mariette and Carla Monteiro, owners of SkinPhD Queenswood Quarter shares their top 5 tips for taking care of your skin during Summer.
Invest in a good Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is great year-round, but all the more important in the Summer. Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production. Layer a few drops on into your moisturizer. For best results, apply your vitamin C product right after cleansing—and you can use it both day and night. And, whilst you’re at it, add a few top vitamin C food sources into your daily diet such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, orange juice, grapefruit juice, papayas, strawberries, kiwis, red and green peppers as well – an inclusion into a well-rounded diet.
Choose a cleanser carefully
Many high street cleansers actually contain harsh chemicals which can be damaging rather than nourishing. Ingredients such as alcohol and any added fragrances won’t do any favours for dry skin, as they strip away natural oils. It is important to nourish the skin during those warmer days and lock in as much moisture as possible. Cream-based cleansers will help keep the moisture in, while still taking off the day’s dirt and make-up. And, since you may find yourself washing your face more often come summertime (think = sweat, oil, chlorine, workouts, days in the sun), choosing a gentle cleanser will help to keep skin soft and supple while removing dirt, debris, and grime. Gentle cleansers help to minimize stripping natural oils from the skin without leaving your skin feeling dry or cracked. We suggest the SkinPhD Delicate Foaming Cleanser, suitable for all skin types and boasts anti-ageing properties.
Hydrate the skin – less is more!
During Summer, it is essential that you choose your facial moisturiser and body lotion carefully, which may differ from your Winter range. To help lighten things up, consider switching to a combination moisturiser and sunscreen during the summer. A lightweight moisturiser with SPF of 30 or higher may be sufficient, as long as you’re applying a generous amount and reapplying every couple of hours, as with a regular sunscreen. During Summer, thicker moisturisers can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne; especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin, however, with a combination moisturizer/SPF you can help keep skin clear. Summer is also a good time to get rid of heavy make-up… You don’t have to get rid of your favourite full-coverage concealer but maybe put it aside for the next few months. Instead, reach for light, oil-free liquid or powder formulas that feel breathable and weightless on the skin.
Exfoliate your skin, gently.
Exfoliate – gently… It may be the last thing on your mind, but there are many benefits to exfoliating your skin during Summer. Not only will it take off the dry, dead skin cells, but it also helps you regenerate new ones. This is especially important during Summer when your skin needs extra hydration and protection. Regular exfoliation is a must if you want healthy, glowing skin—but limit it to once a week. In the Summer, especially, you may have noticed that your skin is oilier due to increased heat and humidity, this makes exfoliation even more important as your pores are getting filled with the daily environmental exposures. With exfoliation, you can remove all of this build-up, which unclogs your pores, smooths your skin tone, battles acne and increases skin cell turnover. If you find your skin to be extra greasy come the warm-weather months, we recommend reaching for an exfoliator formulated with salicylic acid, an oil-soluble ingredient that can penetrate pores and remove excess sebum.
Sunscreen is important all year round.
Sunscreen is incredibly important as it shields us from those harmful UVs. Make sure to cover your face, neck and hands and opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection or higher. If you’re engaging in outdoor activities, we highly recommend reapplying your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after heavy sweating. This can include roll-ons, sticks, or sprays. Whichever formula you choose, just remember sunscreen is essential, even on a cloudy, overcast day. On the rare chance that you forget to apply or reapply throughout the day and sunburn or overexposure occurs, treat it quickly. Reach for an aloe gel or an after-sun product that helps to cool and treat the skin quickly, and reapply often throughout the day.
Ladies, also remember that Summer is undoubtedly harsher on your skin with the blistering heat, UV rays and increases in temperature; therefore, as the seasons change, our skin needs do too. Out in the open, remember to have that pocket essential lip balm to take care of dry, chapped lips. Also, be sure to wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses in the sun – skincare starts on the outside. It is also so important to be mindful to expose as little of your body as possible to direct sunlight. That might mean sitting underneath an umbrella, wearing an extra-large hat, or avoiding the midday sun.
