As temperatures rise, skin can be easily damaged by sun exposure and certain skincare products. Kimberley Medd, Clinic Lead at Face the Future, highlights six common habits that may harm your skin during the summer months and offers expert advice on how to adjust your skincare routine for the season.
1. Avoid Heavy Ingredients
During summer, lighter skincare products are recommended for optimal skin health.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make in the summer is continuing to use heavy moisturisers or skincare products formulated with occlusive ingredients,” Kimberley advises. “While these can provide excellent hydration in colder months, they can trap sweat and sebum in your pores as temperatures rise, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.”
Instead, she suggests opting for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy residue.
2. Prioritise Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential year-round, but its importance peaks during summer when UV radiation is highest.
“Sunscreen is non-negotiable,” Kimberley stresses. “Many people either skip it entirely or do not apply enough to ensure adequate protection. To prevent sunburns, premature ageing, and skin cancer, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, especially if sweating or swimming.”
3. Prepare for Sweating
Anticipating sweating is crucial for skin care, as it can lead to clogged pores if not managed properly.
“Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism,” Kimberley explains. “However, when mixed with oil, dirt, makeup, and bacteria on the skin’s surface, it can cause breakouts. To mitigate this, switch to lightweight, oil-free skincare and lighter makeup products that won’t congest your pores. Be sure to cleanse thoroughly after sweating.”
4. Be Cautious with Scented Products
Although fragranced products may be appealing, they can irritate the skin, especially in summer.
“Fragranced skincare products can pose problems during the warmer months,” Kimberley warns. “Both synthetic and natural fragrances can increase skin sensitivity, particularly when exposed to sunlight. This can result in irritation, redness, or even phototoxic reactions, known as phytophotodermatitis, which occurs when certain chemicals react with sunlight.”
5. Check Vitamin C Serum Concentration
When selecting serums, it’s crucial to ensure that the vitamin C concentration is appropriate for summer use.
“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten your complexion and protect against environmental damage,” Kimberley says. “However, high-concentration vitamin C serums, particularly those containing L-ascorbic acid, can be unstable and prone to oxidation when exposed to heat and sunlight.”
6. Opt for Lukewarm Showers and Baths
Hot showers and baths can deplete your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
“Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the moisture barrier,” Kimberley explains. “This effect is exacerbated by sun exposure. Instead, use lukewarm water for cleansing during the summer to help maintain hydration levels and protect your skin.”
By adjusting your skincare routine to these expert recommendations, you can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of summer and maintain a healthy glow.
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