With every changing season comes a new set of challenges for our skin, and with spring now well underway and summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reassess your routine to ensure that yours is getting everything it needs to thrive.
For most of us, the aim of the game is clear skin and a radiant, youthful complexion – but long, hot days in the sunshine, combined with the unpredictability of the ever-changing British weather, can quickly begin to take their toll. With so many different skin types, it’s not a case of one-size-fits all, either, as the perfect skincare routine for oily skin might not suit you if you struggle with dryness, and vice versa.
It’s a very individual thing, and all of us have our own specific requirements, which can make getting a daily routine right feel like a complex puzzle to solve. But the good news is that there are a few simple tips that everyone can benefit from, whether your skin is normal, dry, oily or even combination.
At this time of year, the priority should be adapting your regime to protect and nourish your skin and help it to successfully withstand the increase in heat, humidity and sun exposure. If you’re keen to ensure your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and glowing with health this summer, then make sure to follow each of these three rules.
Sun protection
First things first – sun protection is paramount during the summer months, and applying a good quality SPF of 30 or above each day is one of the most important steps in your entire skincare routine. Not only will it protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but it will also keep the premature signs of aging, which include sunspots, fine lines and wrinkles, at bay, and allow you to maintain a more youthful complexion for longer.
Although many foundations and tinted moisturisers do contain SPF, this is rarely sufficient, so invest in a good quality facial SPF moisturiser and apply it before putting on your makeup each morning. If you’ll be spending extended periods of time outdoors in the sunshine, then be sure to reapply regularly throughout the day, paying particular attention to often overlooked areas like the ears, lips and back of the neck as well as your face as a whole.
Hydration
Heat and sun exposure can quickly begin to dehydrate the skin during the warmer months of the year, which is why it’s imperative that you keep your skin thoroughly moisturised. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside out, and opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that will soak into the skin quickly and easily, without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores.
If you have oily skin, then this is particularly important, as thick and heavy creams can exacerbate the problem even further – but don’t be tempted to scrimp on moisturiser entirely, as this can have the same effect and result in the skin producing even more excess sebum to compensate. If you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, then keeping a hydrating skin mist spray on hand is a great way to stay cool and keep skin hydrated all at once.
Exfoliation
Sun exposure can quickly dry out the skin, and whilst staying hydrated and applying moisturiser morning and evening should go some way towards allaying this, it can still be an issue in particularly hot weather, as well as if you have particularly dry skin to start off with. Regular exfoliation will slough away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, healthier-looking complexion underneath, and allow your skin to absorb your skincare lotions and potions more effectively, too.
Avoid harsh, granular exfoliators, which can be abrasive and irritate the skin, and instead, opt for a gentle, AHA-based exfoliating toner. These enzyme-based products can often be swept over the face daily, after your evening cleanse, and will gently resurface the skin – be sure to read the instructions though, as some are more potent than others and should be used more sparingly.
The bottom line
Summer skin is all about swapping out those heavy winter products for lighter formulas and oil-free or gel-based alternatives, whilst still placing an emphasis on nourishing and hydrating the skin. Armed with these three simple rules for success, you can enjoy that healthy-looking glow, all summer – and now is the perfect time to make some changes.
