In the words of rapper Drake, “Summer is coming, I know you can feel it” and so can your skin! As the temperatures rise, and we spend more time in the sun, we need to adjust our skincare routines to ensure that we avoid sun damage and dehydration, so here are a few tips to do just that.
SPF, SPF, SPF!
This should be a no-brainer, more sun means you need more sunscreen. Opt for moisturisers and sunscreens with higher SPF levels to protect your skin. I know you may be thinking: “Do I really need sunscreen if I’m going to stay home?” The answer is yes, you do! In case you need more convincing, you can read our article on the importance of wearing sunscreen.
Less AHAs and BHA.
AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliators, and they come in the form of:
● Toners
● Peels
● Moisturisers
● Masks
● Serums
● Scrubs
AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, are water-soluble acids that are used to get rid of enlarged pores, fine lines, surface wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. AHAs work by peeling away the top layer of your skin so that new and more evenly pigmented skin can generate in their place.
BHAs, or Beta Hydroxy Acids, address the same issues as AHAs. However, they are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the skin than AHAs. They work by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from pores.
As amazing as their benefits are, AHAs and BHAs are known to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, hence why it may be wise to scale back your use of these acids during the summer.
AHAs are more commonly used in cosmetics in the form of glycolic an lactic acid. BHAs are more commonly found in cosmetics in the form of salicylic acid. Citric acid can come in the form of both AHAs and BHAs. So look out for these names in the ingredient list of your products and maybe put them aside for when autumn comes around.
More vitamin C
Now, vitamin C is something you should be using more of this summer. It works as an antioxidant that helps brighten dark spots and smooth fine lines. Additionally, vitamin C aids in protection from UV damage. It isn’t a replacement for sunscreen, however it can be used in conjunction with sunscreen to bolster your protection while you spend your time outside on those sunny days.
Tread carefully with Retinol.
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that works as an anti-ageing remedy, removing pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. That being said, it does cause increased photosensitivity. This is because retinol acts as an exfoliator that increases the rate of dead skin cell turnover, revealing fresh, healthier, but sensitive skin. If you want to keep retinol in your summer skincare routine, use it at night but follow up with sunscreen during the day. Furthermore, avoid using it on nights before you plan to be out and about in the sun. If you are thinking of adding retinols to your skin routine, it is best to start slow, and get advice from your dermatologist.
More Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which helps to draw and hold moisture to the skin’s surface, leaving you with a natural and youthful glow. Hyaluronic acid also aids in UV radiation protection, making it the perfect asset this summer.
Although our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, like collagen, it slows down with age and so external sources of it can be found in products such as serums and moisturisers. Lucky for you, hyaluronic acid works well with other ingredients making it easier to add into your existing routine. To ensure that you are using hyaluronic acid properly, apply it when your skin is damp and then follow it up with moisturiser. This will ensure that the hyaluronic acid doesnt pull moisture from deep within the skin, causing dehydration. If hyaluronic acid isn’t already part of your skincare routine, then summer is definitely the best time to start using it.
As the seasons change, the needs of your skin change too. Although a
product may work wonders during one season, it could cause problems in the
next. So pay attention to those labels, and both you and your skin will have a
healthy, glowy summer.