Summer is here! I have prepared this guide to help you keep your skin looking fresh and healthy throughout the summer months. Whether you’re sunning yourself on an exotic beach, partying at a festival or enjoying the Great British seaside, these tips are for you.
1) Prepare your skin
Exfoliation is key to healthy skin all year round. Exfoliating your skin with a glycolic or salicylic wash will generate skin renewal and remove any unwanted dead skin cells. Therefore, your skin will feel fresh, plumper and cleaner. TIP: Exfoliate every 2-3 days for best effect.
2) Apply and Re-apply
Always apply a sun protection product of SPF 30 or above, whether the sun is out or not. Look for a ‘non-comedogenic’ (doesn’t clog pores) sun protection product. Remember to re-apply if you are swimming, sweating or during high levels of sun exposure.
3) Cleanse
Our skin needs to breathe, especially when the weather is warm and humid. Remember to cleanse morning and night to ensure that your skin is clean and ready to absorb any moisturisers or serums that you apply. Using the correct cleanser to suit your skin will work wonders over summer. My tip is to use your cleanser twice, once to remove make up then another application to cleanse your skin. Although they are super-convenient, make up wipes do not always remove all traces of make up and can simply spread them around your face, so I always recommend a cleansing wash or gel.
4) Vitamin-C
As well as eating and drinking fresh fruits and vegetables, consider starting to use a Vitamin-C (L’ascorbic acid) product. Daily use helps to prevent ageing, plumps your skin and gives it a healthy summer glow.
5) Avoid heavy make up
Skip the heavy foundation and powder and let your beautiful skin shine through. I recommend using a tinted SPF, then applying some shimmer and you’re set for a day at the beach or for evening cocktails. Heliocare Oil Free Compact SPF 50 is a great alternative for more coverage.
6) Hydrate
Hydrate your skin and your body. Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day; I add sugar free fruit juice to mine to encourage me to drink more. To hydrate your skin I recommend a hydrating serum. If you suffer from oily skin, you could use this as your daily moisturiser or if you want to add extra hydration, apply this before your daily moisturiser or SPF. I use SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Serum daily to keep my skin hydrated especially throughout the summer months. Another tip is to use Avène thermal water spray, perfect for setting make up, refreshing your skin or cooling you down. This products also comes in a handy handbag size, so you can take it on the plane, to the gym or to the beach!
7) Eyes!
The skin around the eyes can give away all those ‘night before’ secrets; whether the kids kept you up all night or you indulged in one too many glasses of wine. An eye serum will reduce swelling and dark circles and keeps the skin hydrated, therefore preventing future fine lines and wrinkles. Easy tip – wear sunglasses! As well as looking glam, this is the cheapest and easiest option against premature ageing around the eyes.
8) Tan Safe
It’s hard to resist sunbathing, but always apply a high SPF. The most dangerous time to burn your skin and put yourself at risk of UVA and UVA damage is between 10am and 4pm. Use an easy to apply spray sun block and re-apply throughout the day.
And if in doubt… fake it! I find applying a gradual moisturising fake tan every day works better; my tan stays, doesn’t peel and it takes 5 minutes to apply.
9) Lashes
Worried about panda eyes? Or wanting long full lashes for your girlie holiday? I advise introducing a lash enhancing serum such as Obagi ELASTIlash. Start using this up to 6 weeks prior to your holiday and you’ll be rewarded with fuller thicker lashes. I would then use a waterproof mascara throughout the day to keep your lashes looking their best.
10) Burnt Skin
If you are prone to burning your skin, always use an Aloe Vera Gel instead of traditional aftersun products. Aftersun creams and lotions often contain ingredients such as petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine which can trap the heat into your skin. Use a cold damp cloth to soothe your skin and take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. Drink extra water to re-hydrate your skin. If your skin blisters, do not touch it, as it needs to heel and where possible, to be kept clean. Wear loose clothing that covers your sunburnt skin. And very importantly, if you feel sick, weak or dizzy, contact your doctor.
Follow these tips, drink lots of water, have fun, relax, and enjoy your summer!
My Summer product guide
? Favourite All-Round Cleanser
Obagi Nu-Derm 1 Gentle Cleanser / SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
? Best Daily Sun Protection
? Best Soothing Product for Irritated Skin
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective
? -Best Tinted Sun Protection Product
Heliocare Hydragel Sun Touch SPF 50
? Best Antioxidant Night Serum
–SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
? Best Vitamin-C Product
Obagi Professional- C Serum 10 %
? Best Daily Moisturiser
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture/ Obagi Therapeutic Moisturizer
? Best Eye Serum
What’s in my bag today?
Avene thermal water spray, Heliocare XF Gel SPF 50, SkinCeuticals Hydrating b5 serum.
Use discount code ‘summerskin5’ for 5% OFF your order.
