Summer brings plenty of time for outdoor fun in the sun and water, and from outdoor activities to relaxing by the pool with a glass or two of champagne or splashing in the ocean beachside, you could easily spend those long, hot days outside from morning right through until the evening.
There’s no denying that summer brings with it plenty of good times, but all that heat, sun, chlorine, salt water and sweat can quickly wreak havoc on your skin. Causing breakouts, irritation, sunburn, and other unwanted issues, they can quickly ruin that coveted summer glow you’ve worked so hard for – but the good news is, there are some easy ways to protect it from outside stressors and keep it looking and feeling its best.
Wear sunscreen
The most important thing you can do for your skin in the summer? Wear a high-quality SPF daily to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Dermatologists say that when you use sunscreen as directed, it will reduce your chances of skin cancer and help prevent unwanted signs of aging, such as dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging. Your sunscreen should be at least a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and if you plan on spending a lot of time in water, be sure to get a water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply frequently throughout the day, and don’t be fooled if the weather is overcast or cloudy, as it’s just as important to wear sunscreen year round, and whatever the weather.
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to become dehydrated during long, hot days outdoors – especially when you’re having fun. Swap every other cocktail for a large glass of water to help you avoid sunstroke and keep skin cells well lubricated. If you’re out and about, carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times and drink even before you start to feel thirsty – often, by the time you feel the need to, it’s too late, and you’ll be playing catch-up for the rest of the day.
Not a fan of water? There are plenty of simple ways to jazz it up. Try adding fresh fruit like berries or melon or opt for seltzer or fizzy mineral water for a bubblier alternative.
Mist up
Carrying a misting spray in your bag and spraying it on whenever your skin feels hot or dry is a great way to get a cooling and hydrating boost on the go. Make one yourself with water and essential oils and keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect until you leave the house for maximum refreshment as needed.
Change up your routine
Think about switching the heavy creams and lotions you use in the winter for some lighter products. Skin tends to be oilier and sweatier in warm weather, and thick night creams can make it feel overloaded. Instead, you might try a lighter toner or moisturiser or opt for a new lotion-style anti-aging cream. It’s a great time to try out the OGLF summer routine and overhaul your entire beauty regime in one go to keep your skin looking and feeling happy, healthy and hydrated.
Don’t skip exfoliation
When you’re busy and active in the summer, it may be tempting to skip this more tedious step – but exfoliation is crucial for sloughing away dead skin cells and making your complexion appear fresher, clearer and brighter. A regular exfoliation routine will also help your skin to absorb your moisturisers and serums more efficiently for maximum impact. Experts say regular exfoliation helps unclog pores, prevent acne, and boost collagen production, so there’s more to it than you might think. For best results, avoid the abrasive scrubs of times gone by and opt for a light AHA toner instead, which will gently resurface the skin.
The bottom line
Summer is a time for relaxing and having fun, but maintaining a good skincare routine and updating your product arsenal to cater to the season is essential to keep your skin healthy and glowing. A few small tweaks is all it takes for that radiant summer skin we all crave, and will set you up for a day outside enjoying the sun.
