8 Great Summer Skincare Tips
It’s important in the summer to go easy on your skin, it takes a real hit in the summer months. This doesn’t mean skipping your routine, it just means scaling it back and tweaking it slightly to allow for the changes in the weather conditions and how they impact your skin. It’s time for
sun-kissed, glowing, dewy complexions with minimal effort and a simplified routine.
1.Cleanse regularly
Cleansing is always important, but especially in the summer where you can get a build-up of sweat, sun creams and layered make up. Cleanse in the morning to start with a fresh, clean base. In the evening double cleanse to remove sweat, creams, make-up and ensure your skin is super clean and prepped for your night-time products and to allow your skin to regenerate
effectively.
You don’t wat to strip away your natural oils, gentle cleansers are still fine. Maybe switch from oil-based cleansers to cream or foam cleansers which can be lighter on your skin.
Summer skincare we love:
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Cleanser
2. Exfoliate thoroughly for clearer skin
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can have a dulling effect on the appearance of the skin. It also removes the debris to prevent congestion and help improve absorption of any applied products including serums, retinols and moisturisers.
Be cautious not to over exfoliate and do damage to the skin barrier. Equally, it’s important in the summer, and any time of year to exfoliate using the right product for your skin type to ensure effective exfoliation, whilst maintaining a strong barrier function. A damaged skin barrier results in dull, sensitised skin and takes a while to reverse. Don’t forget to always use a high, broad-spectrum SPF especially after exfoliating.
Summer skincare we love:
3.Don’t skip the moisturiser – keep skin hydrated
The warmer weather can be drying for your skin and if you’re lucky enough to be spending time in the sea or a pool, these can also dry out your skin. Hydration is super important in summer months. When our skin is feeling stressed, hydration will help prevent irritation and dryness. Opt for a moisturiser which will nourish, hydrate and soothe your skin.
Skin hydrators and serum boosters are great in the summer too. They provide light-weight hydration for thirsty skin.
Summer moisturisers we love: 
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisturiser
ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cream
Summer hydrators we love:
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Serum
SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Serum
4. Fight and boost!
UV light causes oxidative stress on your skin and photoaging. Over time this is visible as wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots. You do not have to burn to get sun damage. Sunlight strips the skin of lipids, causes inflammation, slows healthy cell growth and triggers pigmentation production.
In addition to protecting your skin with a high SPF, using a good quality antioxidant serum will help fight against free radicals and protect your skin from the environmental stressors.
Vitamin C serums are especially great for helping to fight harmful free radicals and improving the skin’s texture and appearance.
Antioxidants we love:
Obagi Professional C 15% (also available in 10 and 20%),
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
5. SPF is your BFF
Studies show that lots of us only apply SPF when on holiday. They also show that the ones who do apply it daily, often do not apply enough. A broad spectrum, high factor 30-50 SPF should be applied every singly day. One teaspoon or two full finger lengths, should be used on the face for full protection, applied every two hours. Hats are also advisable in the sunshine. The
sun is the number one cause of ageing to the skin and is the most easily preventable.
There are so many sunscreen options, you’re sure to find one to suit your skin type, matte, moisturising, tinted, cream for sensitised skin and cream to help with pigmentation reduction. Find an SPF that you love, and you won’t mind wearing it. Tip – Do not rely on SPF in make-up, you will not apply enough to provide adequate protection.
SPFs we love:
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50 (this is tinted)
Obagi Sunshield SPF50 in Warm, Cool tint or in Matte
6.Reduce your actives
During the summer, it is advisable to reduce the actives and acids you’re using. You don’t have to stop completely, but it’s good to be aware that they can make your skin more photosensitive, so it’s even more important to protect it if you are using any. If you use a Retinol regularly, maybe consider reducing the strength or using less often.
Retinol we love: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 – perfect for first-time retinol users and summer use
7. Go lighter on your make-up
When applying your make-up in the summer, bear in mind that you will be reapplying SPF later in the day, so try and keep make-up light. Maybe try a self-tan in place of a foundation for a healthy glow and just use a touch of concealer if required. There are also great tinted SPFs which provide light coverage, but full protection.
Summer make-up we love:
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50
ZO Sunscreen + Powder Broad Spectrum SPF30 – Medium (available in fair and deep)
8. Hello H20!
Higher temperatures and more time outdoors mean your body requires a higher fluid intake. To prevent dehydration and keep your body and skin hydrated, drink plenty of water and water-based foods. If you can, try and reduce your caffeine intake in the summer and replace it with water. Your skin will thank you! If and when you drink alcohol in the summer, alternate it with water to keep yourself and your skin hydrated.
We love: Chilly’s refillable water bottles
If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, invest in a great SPF, apply it generously and top it up regularly!
Visit the website to order your summer skincare essentials now, or contact us if you have any
questions about which products might be right for you on 0208 185 7273 or email us at info@hedoxclinic.com