As the UK braces for an impending heatwave, skincare experts are urging people to take extra precautions to protect and nourish their skin during the summer months. The beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha has shared essential tips to help maintain healthy skin as temperatures rise, emphasising the importance of sun protection, hydration, and adapting skincare routines to meet the challenges of the season.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The most crucial step in any summer skincare routine is sun protection. Experts recommend incorporating a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, into your daily regimen. This should be applied after cleansing but before moisturising to fully shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Proper sun protection can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature ageing, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation.
It’s important to apply suncream to all exposed areas of the skin, including often-overlooked spots such as the ears, neck, and scalp. Reapplication throughout the day is key, as factors like sweating, swimming, and physical activity can cause suncream to wear off, leaving skin vulnerable to damage.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Staying hydrated is vital for both overall health and skin health, particularly in the heat. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep skin hydrated from the inside out. In addition to water, consuming water-rich foods such as oranges, cucumbers, avocados, nuts, and sweet potatoes can further contribute to maintaining a glowing, hydrated complexion.
For external hydration, experts suggest opting for a lightweight moisturiser during the warmer months. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, aloe vera, and lactic acid are particularly effective at locking in moisture. Keeping a cucumber or rose facial mist on hand can also provide a quick hydration boost on the go.
Managing Oil and Sweat
Summer heat can lead to increased oil production and sweating, which can cause clogged pores and breakouts. To combat this, skincare experts recommend using oil-free and non-comedogenic products designed to prevent blocked pores. Blotting papers are also a handy tool for managing excess oil throughout the day. Simply press a sheet onto oily areas like the nose, forehead, and chin to absorb the excess without over-stripping the skin, which could lead to even more oil production.
Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation is another key step in summer skincare. By exfoliating two to three times a week, you can remove dead skin cells and allow new, healthy cells to surface. This process reduces the risk of clogged pores, smooths the skin’s texture, and helps even out discolouration, providing a fresh base for makeup application.
However, it’s important to choose a gentle exfoliator to avoid irritation. Harsh ingredients such as perfumes, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulphate should be avoided. Instead, find a product that suits your skin type and offers a mild exfoliating action.
Lighten Up Your Makeup Routine
Under the intense summer sun, heavy makeup can feel uncomfortable and may not hold up well. Fresha’s experts advise switching to a lighter, more breathable base, such as a BB cream or lightweight foundation, to layer over suncream. Embrace the natural summer glow by opting for illuminating powders and tinted lip balms instead of matte products. A refreshing setting spray can help keep makeup in place throughout the day.
Avoid Overloading Your Skin
Finally, while it might be tempting to overhaul your skincare routine in response to the changing weather, experts caution against introducing too many new products at once. Overloading your skin can lead to irritation and exacerbate existing issues. Instead, gradually incorporate new products and monitor your skin’s response carefully.
A spokesperson from Fresha summarised the importance of these steps: “Summer can bring challenges to your skin, so adapting your skincare routine to this warmer season and expected heatwave is vital. This guide emphasises the importance of hydration, UV protection, and gentle exfoliation to protect and nourish your skin’s barrier.”
By following these expert tips, you can help ensure that your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and protected throughout the summer.
For more information, visit https://www.fresha.com.