We’ve rounded up some tips for changing your skincare routine for the summer.
This summer might be different than we planned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Most of us are spending our weekends in the garden, basking in the sun, planning socially-distant barbecues with our families, and even thinking about the possibility of a staycation in the coming months, as lockdown restrictions are lifted and hotels reopen.
Whatever you’ve got planned for summer, it’s important that you take good care of your skin.
We’ve rounded up a few summer changes you should make to your skincare routine…
Start slowly
Rather than changing your entire skincare routine overnight, make small adjustments to the products and techniques you use. The chances are that you use a gentler cleanser in the autumn and winter, and a more hydrating moisturiser to overcome dried-out skin from colder weather and the central heating. Now’s the time to adjust to lightweight skin creams and moisturisers, and consider using an exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin and oil.
Apply SPF
If you only take away one thing from this article, let it be this. It’s vital that you take good care of your skin in the summer months, and that means protecting yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Slap on a moisturiser that includes SPF 30-50, and if you’re not planning on wearing makeup, wear good old sun cream instead. Exposing your skin to the sun can not only increase your chances of some skin cancers, but it accelerates the ageing process.
Don’t burn
We all like to spend time in the sun and top up our tans, but you should be careful not to let your skin burn. If you’re fair-skinned, you’re at an increased chance of skin damage, so try to avoid direct exposure to the sun during its peak – usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
If possible, wear a hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and always apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outdoors, as it can take that long for your skin to absorb it.
Oh, and don’t forget about your lips – treat them with a broad spectrum lip protectant.
Stay in the shade
As well as covering up and wearing a wide-brim hat, try to expose as little of your body to direct sunlight as possible. You might want to sit underneath an umbrella, erect a tent in your garden or on the beach, or make some excuses and spend time indoors when the sun hits.
We know that might sound boring – we all want to be sat out with our loved ones – but sun damage is irreversible, and being sensible will help you hold onto your youthful looks.
Hydrate regularly
We all understand the importance of staying well-hydrated, but in the summer months, it’s easy to become dehydrated as we sweat and choose alcoholic drinks over water. Aim for eight glasses of water per day (around two litres) – and buy yourself a water bottle so you can monitor your intake. If you’re not used to drinking water, and instead prefer tea, coffee, and soft drinks, you’ll notice huge changes to your skin after a few days of drinking water.
Hydration can also aid in the recovery of sunburn and reduce the chances of sunstroke.
Look for products with antioxidants
Love to experiment with skincare products in the summer months and try out new formulas and solutions? Look out for creams, masks, and makeup containing antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols. These ingredients protect your skin from oxidative stress like pollution and will ensure you’re glowing whether you’re out for a walk or sitting at home.
Exfoliate
Although you should be mindful not to over-exfoliate your skin and increase its sensitivity, the summer is the best time to get rough. If you have oily skin, adding an exfoliator to your skincare routine will open up blocked pores, brighten your skin, and remove oils that can result in skin conditions like acne. What’s more, exfoliators feel great on your face and can soothe you.
Don’t be scared of retinol
It’s natural to be cautious of products containing retinol in the summer months, but if used correctly, they can benefit your skincare routine. Retinol helps to prevent wrinkles due to its minimising effect and smooths out existing lines and wrinkles. What’s more, it brightens dull skin by exfoliating, resulting in smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin. Retinol can also regulate oily skin and reduce the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots, evening out the complexion and ensuring your skin looks its best, naturally.
Cut down on showers
With the warmer weather causing us to sweat more and spend more time outdoors, most of us end up showering more than once per day. Although showering and bathing is good for your skin, you should avoid over showering, having a bath, or showering in hot water, as this can over-dry your skin and cause inflammation. In some cases, it can even cause eczema. Keep your showers short, cool, and remember to thoroughly moisturise post-shower.
Whatever you’ve got planned for the summer months, we hope you have fun. Follow these skincare tips we’ve offered above, be sensible, and be safe! Check back to the Oralift blog regularly for advice on looking after your skin and turning back the clock, without surgery.