Summer skincare survival guide: Expert tips for beating the heat
The scorching summer heat can wreak havoc on your skin, but fear not! We've gathered the top skincare tips from renowned facialist Joanne Evans and skincare practitioner Dr. Maryam Zamani to help you navigate the season with confidence and a radiant complexion.
Avoid Heavy Creams
In the sweltering summer heat, heavy creams can be a skin's worst enemy. Evans and Zamani advise opting for lightweight moisturizers or gel creams to prevent heat, sweat, and sebum buildup, which can lead to breakouts. However, they acknowledge that some skin types may still benefit from richer formulas. Zamani shares her experience with perimenopausal skin, which still absorbs rich moisturizers without clogging pores.
Nurture Your Skin Barrier
Summer's harsh conditions put your skin barrier under immense stress. Evans recommends products like Mesoprotech Water Veil, which contains hyaluronic acid and offers high photo protection. Zamani emphasizes the importance of SPF, suggesting wearing it daily and avoiding over-exfoliation and hot showers, which can strip natural lipids. She also recommends using pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide.
Reduce Retinol Usage
While retinol is a powerhouse ingredient, Evans suggests scaling back during the summer. She recommends reducing retinol applications to once or twice a week, applying in the evenings, and following with a nourishing moisturizer. Zamani agrees, stating that maintaining retinol use is acceptable if skin shows no signs of irritation. Remember to stop if you experience sensitivity or irritation.
Keep Your Skincare Cool
Skincare products should be kept cool to avoid overheating. Zamani advises storing creams in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For products like eye creams, sheet masks, and gel moisturizers, consider refrigeration. However, she warns against unnecessary refrigeration, as it can alter the texture of certain formulations. Dr. LEVY Switzerland Freezing Anti-Fatigue Mask is a perfect example of a product designed to cool the skin straight from the fridge.
Lock in Moisture
Evans suggests applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin after cleansing to enhance absorption. She recommends using serums first, followed by moisturizers, and then sunscreen. Zamani advises completing your skincare routine within a few minutes of showering and removing sunscreen, sweat, and makeup at night. She also emphasizes the importance of regular reapplication, especially for those with outdoor activities or sun exposure.
Reapply Regularly
Reapplication is key, especially for sun protection. Zamani suggests reapplying every two hours when outdoors and once in the morning if mostly indoors. Evans recommends SPF sprays for city environments, acknowledging their inferiority to creams but better than no reapplication at all.
Anti-Inflammatory Relief
Summer's heat, sweat, and sunscreen can irritate the skin. Evans suggests using lightweight products and antihistamines for anti-inflammatory benefits. For oilier or acne-prone skin, she recommends washing with cool or cold water or even an ice bath for the face.
Go Light on Foundation
Heavy makeup can congest and irritate the skin in hot weather. Evans recommends lightweight tinted moisturizers or medium-build coverage. She suggests products like Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation, tinted SPF Mesoestetics 130+, and Aveen for sensitive skin. Taking your time and applying foundation in thin layers is essential to prevent pilling.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Patience is key when it comes to skincare. Evans advises letting each layer of skincare sink in before applying the next. When using foundation, apply it in thin layers. Mineral powders, primers, and spritzing can help keep makeup in place. Zamani emphasizes that preparation is everything, and blotting papers are preferable to repeated powder application for a natural finish.
Gentle Cleansing is Essential
Never skip a double cleanse at the end of the day. Evans recommends an oil-based cleanser to remove SPF, followed by a gel or micellar water to eliminate remnants. Zamani highlights the importance of promptly removing sweat after exercise and regularly changing pillowcases. These steps support the skin barrier and ensure a thorough cleanse.
In conclusion, summer skincare requires a thoughtful approach, focusing on lightweight products, barrier support, and regular reapplication. By following these expert tips, you can beat the heat and enjoy a healthy, radiant complexion throughout the season.
