Summer Skin Tips
The summer is in full swing and our summer wardrobe is in full action, but is your skincare still the same? It’s important to adapt our skincare routine with each season as our skin has different needs at different times of the year.
Winter brings dry weather which can strip the skin of its natural moisture and can lead to dry, scaly, itchy skin. Humidity during the summer increases skin oiliness which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Air conditioning in summer and heaters in winter can both dehydrate the skin. So each season comes with its own skincare needs.
Your skin requires extra attention and care during summer. With a few simple steps like cleansing, keeping hydrated and using sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and heat.
Here are a few hints and tips to ensure your skin looks its best all summer long.
Common Skin Problems in the Summer
As the weather gets warmer and humidity increases, our skin’s sebaceous glands start producing excess oil which can get stuck on the surface of the skin leading to stickiness, shine and blocked pores.
Acne breakouts are the most common problem that occur in summer and people with naturally oily skin are more prone to these breakouts as the bacteria and oils in the skin mix with the sweat leading to clogged pores and acne.
When your skin is exposed to UV rays, melanin production increases to protect your skin from sun damage and excess melanin can lead to pigmentation and sun spots.
Other problems can include itchy skin, prickly heat, sunburn and rash due to sensitivity to the sun.
How to care for our skin in the summer
- Double cleanse
In the summer, skin gets more oily and we use SPF which, if not cleansed properly, can build up on the skin. Double cleansing will deep cleanse and remove all the dirt, grime, oil and spf that builds up during the day and ensure that this doesn’t clog the pores. Try our Kale 3D Cleanse in the morning and Skin Renew Cleanser in the evening.
- Use a serum rather than a face oil
Maintain a skin care regimen and follow it daily. Choose lighter weight serums rather than face oils as the former are lighter and non-greasy and contain high levels of hyaluronic acid which the skin needs more in the summer to stay hydrated. Cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day will help keep your skin looking healthy. We have a range of serums all specially formulated for every skin type.
- Keep the skin hydrated
Hydration is key during the summer. Carry a facial mist to rehydrate and freshen your skin at regular intervals during the day and drink plenty of water. Our Antioxidant Peptide Mist can even be kept in the fridge to cool the skin on hot days.
- Exfoliate
Use an exfoliator at least twice a week to remove excess dirt, SPF and oil from the skin and unclog the pores which will help reduce acne breakouts. Try to use a gentle scrub which doesn’t aggravate the skin such as our Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator which uses pomegranate enzymes and spherical jojoba beads to gentle exfoliate without scratching the skin.
- Wear an SPF
The sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. A good sunscreen with SPF is vital for the summer months even on cloudy days or if you’re indoors. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours and especially after swimming. Our Skin Protecting Daily Moisturiser SPF25 contains non nano natural mineral sun filter zinc oxide and powerful antioxidants to protect the skin from UV rays and environmental damage.
Ingredients to look out for in the summer
Antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage, help to boost collagen, and scavenge free radicals to prevent damage to the skin. Include a good antioxidant serum in your summer skincare routine. Or you can add it to your diet by stocking up on citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, green tea, etc.
Vitamin C is a good option for a summer skincare routine as it’s a potent antioxidant, a free radical scavenger that protects your skin from oxidant-induced damage and helps reduce pigmentation caused by UV rays.
Hyaluronic acid is a wonderful skin hydrator, as it retains moisture, providing cushioning to the skin, aiding tissue repair, and creating a protective barrier. It can be found in our serums and moisturisers as it restores hydration and keeps the skin enriched and nourished.