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Embrace the Sunshine: Essential Summer Skincare Tips for Radiant Skin

  • Writer: Laura Curatolo
    Laura Curatolo
  • Jul 15, 2024
  • 5 min read

As summer finally looks like it is here, badi days and spending time outdoors becomes irresistible. However, the increased heat, humidity, and sun exposure can take a toll on your skin. Adapting your skincare routine to address these challenges is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Here’s your ultimate guide to summer skincare, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful sunny days while keeping your skin protected and radiant.


Understanding the Effects of Summer on Your Skin


1. Increased Sun Exposure:

  • UV Rays: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

  • Hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure can lead to dark spots and an uneven skin tone.


2. Heat and Humidity:

  • Sweat and Oil Production: Higher temperatures and humidity levels can increase sweat and oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

  • Dehydration: Despite the humidity, the heat can cause your skin to lose moisture, leading to dehydration and dullness.


3. Environmental Factors:

  • Pollution and Dirt: More time spent outdoors means more exposure to pollutants and dirt, which can further clog pores and cause skin issues.


Adapting Your Skincare Routine for Summer


1. Cleanse Thoroughly:

  • Lightweight Cleanser: Use a gentle, foaming cleanser that effectively removes sweat, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

  • Double Cleansing: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing in the evening to ensure all residue is thoroughly removed.


2. Exfoliate Regularly:

  • Gentle Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Look for products with salicylic acid (generally best suited for oily, combo and / or acne prone skin but can be too harsh for sensitive skin) or enzyme-based exfoliants (always use one suitable for your skin type).

  • Avoid Over-Exfoliating: Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate your skin and increase sensitivity to the sun.

  • Careful with the type of exfoliant: Be careful with the type of exfoliation you are doing - exfoliation type should always be suitable for your skin type (for example, a scrub may not be suitable for someone with highly sensitive, easily irritated and / or reactive skin due to the physical rubbing) no matter how gentle the ingredients are. A nice alternative for sensitive skin is an enzyme based exfoliator or an exfoliation serum with gentle PHAs (as opposed to AHAs or BHAs)


3. Hydrate Lightly:

  • Lightweight Moisturizer: Switch to a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are ideal for summer.

  • Hydrating Serums: Incorporate a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels without adding extra oil. Hydrating toners can also be really beneficial!


4. Sun Protection:

  • Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Our personal recommendation is SPF50.

  • Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. Physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are great for sensitive skin, while chemical sunscreens (with ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene) are often lighter and less visible on the skin.


5. Control Oil and Shine:

  • Oil-Free Products: Opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products to avoid clogging pores.

  • Mattifying Products: Use mattifying primers, powders, or blotting papers to control excess oil and shine throughout the day.


6. Treat Breakouts:

  • Spot Treatments: Use spot treatments with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts ( careful if you have sensitive skin!). Spot patches are also a wonderful way of ensuring that blemishes in progress do not become worse, they protect the area from bacteria and of course - stop the temptation of squeezing and picking! Generally spot patches are suitable for all skin types.

  • Clay Masks: Incorporate a clay mask once a week to help absorb excess oil and clear out pores if they are suitable for your skin type.


7. Soothe and Repair:

  • Aloe Vera Gel: Apply aloe vera gel to soothe sunburned or irritated skin (always patch test on your face and always be sure that there are no other irritating ingredients in there)

  • Antioxidant Serum: Use a serum with antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against environmental damage and boost collagen production.


8. Body Care:

  • Lightweight Lotions: Use lightweight, hydrating body lotions to keep your skin soft and moisturized without feeling greasy.

  • Sunscreen for Body: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, including your neck, arms, and legs.


9. Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink Water: Keep your body and skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

  • Hydrating Foods: Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to help maintain hydration levels.


Additional Tips for Summer Skincare


  1. Wear Protective Clothing: Use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin from direct sun exposure.

  2. Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and seek shade whenever possible.

  3. Cool Showers: Take cool showers to refresh your skin and reduce the risk of heat rash.

  4. Minimal Makeup: Opt for minimal makeup or use lightweight, non-comedogenic products to let your skin breathe.


Conclusion

Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the sun, but it’s also a season that requires a mindful approach to skincare. By adapting your routine to include lightweight, hydrating products and diligent sun protection, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin all summer long. Embrace the warmth and beauty of summer with confidence, knowing your skin is well-protected and radiant. Enjoy the season, stay hydrated, and don’t forget your sunscreen!


Our partner, Sinless Skincare (https://www.sinless-skincare.ch/) offers an amazing range of cleansers, toners, organic Aloe Vera gel, gel moisturizers and SPFs suitable for a wide range of skin types. Sinless Skincare very kindly offers my clients an incredible 10% lifetime discount on products ordered - don't hesitate to reach out if you need help choosing! Top summer picks would be:


For oily / combination skin (not sensitive):

Papaya Multi Acid Balm:


Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel




Targeted serum examples: Niacinamide Serum, Salicylic Acid, Galactomyces Serum

 (concentrations and formulations advised on a case by case basis with my clients as well as any existing intolerances)


For dry skin (not highly sensitive):

Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser


Supple Preparation Unscented Toner:


Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Gel Cream


Targeted serum examples: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C Derivatives, Centella Asiatica Hyaluronic (concentrations and formulations advised on a case by case basis with my clients as well as any existing intolerances)


For highly sensitive skin and more targeted skin concerns, Let's Glow Beauty focuses purely on formulation and concentration. After much research and trials, I have decided to offer a small range of targeted Korean skincare products, some of which are already available for your summer skin needs such as pure hyaluronic acid serum (hydration), Vitamin C derivative serum (excellent for sensitive skin, sun spots, tone, texture and high in antioxidants), Niacinamide serum targeting brightness, sun spots, enlarged pores and texture, Azelaic acid targeting acne, breakouts, tone, texture and rosacea prone skin, SPF50 sun sticks with bakuchiol and peptides and cooling sheet masks suitable for daily use and can be kept cool in the fridge (giving the most amazing feeling after a warm day). Some gentle fragrance and essential oil free cleansers, toners as well as hyaluronic acid and multi peptide moisturizers - all targeting our specialism in sensitive skin, skin which may have a damaged skin barrier, reactive skin and skin which is generally more susceptible to reactions whether it is due to temperature change, environmental stressors etc.


Together, Let's Glow and Sinless Skincare are able to build your entire routine, ensuring you have the correct products for your home care routine and making sure you are getting the very best out of them, targeting specifically your skin care concerns and helping you reach your skincare goals!


Don't hesitate to get in touch for more information!


Happy holidays!

Laura x

 
 
 

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