By Heleayner Davies
It’s important to adapt your skincare routine to every season. Rich, thick and cocooning textures are a thing of the past and now that Summer has finally arrived it is the perfect time to fine-tune and simplify your skincare routine, switching to lighter formulations that won’t clog pores.
We all dream of flawless Summer skin (I know I do). However, rising temperatures, increased sun exposure and time spent sunbathing at the beach can wreak havoc on your skin; causing breakouts, sensitivity and pigmentation – issues that we all want to avoid.
So, with this in mind keep on reading for our top tips on how to care for your skin during the warmer months. Get ready to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise your way to glowing Summer skin.
1. Double cleanse
Cleansing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and it is hopefully something that you are already doing on a daily basis. However, it is even more important during summertime as the heat and humidity causes skin to become oilier and more greasy.
Every dermatologist will agree that a deeper cleanse is important in the evening to thoroughly remove any SPF, makeup, pollution and bacteria that has built up throughout the day. If your skin isn’t cleaned properly, you’re basically welcoming in breakouts, acne and premature ageing (no thanks).
As discussed in our recent feature on The Saho Ritual, the first step uses a cleansing balm or oil to break-down and remove makeup, dirt and sebum. The second is to then follow with a deeper cleanse to remove any leftover impurities that the first cleanse didn’t quite reach.
For the first cleanse, use a cleansing oil such as the Desavery Dream Oil Cleanser, an uplifting oil cleanser or Anne Millois Mon Huile as they both effectively melt away all traces of stubborn makeup, pollution and dirt whilst restoring the skin’s balance.
For the second, use a water-based cream cleanser such as Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Cream Cleanser. Supercharged with natural brightening AHA’s, it gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it with a satin-smooth and hydrated finish.
When it comes to removing your cleanser, Caroline says that flannels are the best way to go as ‘they are far more effective at removing dirt, and help exfoliate the skin, too.’
'Let’s be clear on something – there is no double cleansing in the mornings. Wake up, cleanse once, you’re good to go. You have no makeup or SPF to remove. Crack on.'
Caroline Hirons
2. Buff the dull away
Throughout Summer, the skin is prone to looking dull due to excess sweat, oil and SPF. To combat this, regular exfoliation is key to buffing away those dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and soft complexion. Some physical exfoliants can be harsh and irritating to the skin, due to abrasive kernels and grains.
I recommend trying Upcircle’s facial scrubs. A selection of gentle exfoliators that are handmade in London using repurposed and re-loved Arabica coffee grounds, sourced from artisan coffee shops. Their Herbal Blend is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin (like mine) and contains antibacterial and antiseptic essential oils including rosemary, thyme, petitgrain and tea tree, to help fight against acne and breakouts. The shea butter and coconut oil base will ensure your skin feels hydrated and moisturised post-scrub, without an apricot kernel in sight.
If you have extra sensitive skin, try a konjac sponge instead. We are big fans of Anne Millois Konjac Sponge as it is gentle enough for everyday use. Simply moisten the sponge with lukewarm water, apply your cleanser of choice and massage the skin gently in circular motions; making sure to avoid the delicate eye and mouth areas.
3. Invest in a vitamin c serum
We all know the words ‘radiant’ and ‘glowing’ are the skincare buzzwords of Summer, right? Not only can Vitamin C be found in your daily dose of OJ, but it holds an abundance of brightening and glow-giving properties when applied topically to the skin; reducing redness, promoting collagen production and even helping to fade hyperpigmentation.
If you’re new to Vitamin C, I recommend trying Saint Iris Adriatica’s Wake-Up Droplets; award-winning, gel-in-serum drops that feel dry to the touch but oh so soothing and cooling on the skin. Hydrating and deeply nourishing, they work to gently promote a brighter and more even skin tone overtime. To use, smooth a few drops over freshly cleansed skin each morning and wave hello to a dewy glow.
4. Lighten up
It’s time to put aside those rich, comforting creams that we relied on during the cooler months. Yes, the increased humidity of Summer means that your skin craves less moisture, but that doesn’t mean that you can get away with skipping moisturiser altogether (believe me, I’ve tried). Instead, opt for something more lightweight such as Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream Light.
It holds all of the skin-loving and protective properties of the original Rose Day Cream, however in a lighter, easily absorbed formulation that is perfect for use in warmer weather. The invigorating powers of precious rose water help to nourish, hydrate and protect dry, sensitive skin for a balanced and calm complexion. Heavenly.
5. Protect, protect, protect
Now, I probably don’t need to be telling you this again as we already covered this in our recent feature on sea-safe sunscreens, but if you do need reminding, let me tell you that should be wearing SPF every single damn day of your life. It’s non-negotiable.
Of course, as lockdown eases we understandably want to be spending more time outdoors and at the beach, (preferably with a glass of wine and a good book in hand).
I get it, sun creams can be sticky, gloopy and greasy. Believe me, I have applied many an SPF to know this. Enter Pai Skincare’s British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30 (formerly Hello Sunshine). A mineral sunscreen that is COSMOS natural certified, reef-friendly and perfect for sensitive skin.
The formula is a breeze to use as it is non-greasy, non-irritating and won’t clog pores meaning that it’s perfect for acne-prone skin. Plus, it leaves a transparent finish meaning that it won’t leave an ash-like cast. All of your SPF prayers answered.
If you have any Summer skin saviours or tips that you can’t live without, as always let us know in the comments below as we would love to hear from you!
In the meantime, if you would like to discover the perfect natural and sea-safe sunscreens for Summer, checkout our recent article here.
Heleayner Davies
Heleayner is a beauty writer that is passionate about sustainability and the welfare of our planet. She is a lover of natural beauty alternatives, beauty podcasts, the 70s and coffee. You can find her on Instagram @heleaynerdavies.