It’s important for us to prepare for the sunny weather ahead…even if it’s just from our garden. So, as you prepare to show more skin, get ready to face the sun’s rays with our top 5 summer skin tips!
1. Exfoliate for clearer and smoother skin
What does exfoliation do? Exfoliation removes the dead, dulling skin debris from the surface to prevent pores from becoming clogged. It also makes hydration from toners and moisturisers more affective.
When should I use it? It’s best to use it in the mornings prior to toner, moisturiser, SPF and make-up application. Also, make-up will last longer on an exfoliated skin!
What else is important? After you exfoliate, follow with a hydrating body cream to seal in moisture and reduce any dryness. Furthermore, always shield freshly exfoliated skin with an SPF (as recommended by the FDA) to protect your skin from the sun.
2. Keep skin hydrated
How do I keep my skin hydrated? Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are also a good idea – these work best when layered underneath a moisturiser. Additionally, toners are a refreshing moisturiser prep that help even out porosity, making your skin smooth and better for applying any further products. If you fancy a fresh but even complexion, you can use a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym or even on the plane!
Why is it important to stay hydrated? Higher temperatures and more time outdoors lead to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells – but simply drinking water can help prevent this!
What can I do? Eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, as well as assisting in detoxification. Tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink! This is because caffeine, in drinks such as coffee, are diuretic – this means that it causes an increased production of urine.
What else is recommended? Plain and pure water – make sure to drink at least 1-2 litres a day!
3. Sunscreen – when in doubt, apply (and reapply!)
Why is it important to reapply sunscreen? It’s not enough to just apply one layer of sunscreen. You must apply enough and thoroughly in the areas which you tend to forget about and reapply frequently – especially if you’ve been for a swim! Studies indicate that, unfortunately, most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.
How much should I apply? A teaspoon-amount for the face. For the body, roughly as much as would fill a shot glass – however there is no harm in applying more.
How often should I reapply? Re-apply every two hours. Tip: It’s best to stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can as this is when the sun is at its strongest.
What else should I know? Thankfully, today’s sophisticated formulas and technology allows you to select sun protection that works with your skin condition. That means you can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical free formulas for sensitised, reactive skin.
4. Over-exposed skin
When would my skin be over-exposed? You forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough, or got caught in a sunny spell.
What should I do? Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don’t have to suffer in pain! Super-soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation, such as Aloe Vera. Apply these cooling balms generously over-exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow.
What’s the best way to prevent over-exposed skin developing? One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma (skin cancer) – remember to get a yearly skin examination by a doctor and perform a self-examination once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Look for a new growth or any skin change.
5. Repair and treat sun damage
What causes skin damage? UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage can result (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth and the stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.
What should I do? A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates damage (it’s better to use a tanning moisturiser instead!). Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.
To help with your summer skin prep we are offering 10% off all our body oils and polish through the Summer.