Summer skincare tips: How to take care of your skin during Summer

Discover the simple Summer skincare steps to help take care of your skin during the warmer months

Just like you’d change your wardrobe to suit the time of year, it’s important to apply the same principles to your Summer skincare. As the seasons change, the rising temperature will leave your skin with different needs to keep it looking hydrated and healthy. Not sure where to start? Discover the bite sized Summer skincare tips which will help you to take care of your skin this season.

Keep yourself hydrated

Lack of water in the warmer months can lead to dehydration which has a major effect on your skin. You should aim to drink at least two litres of drink a day to help your body and skin started hydrated whilst helping your skin to flush out toxins.

Incorporate a toner into your Summer skincare routine

In the Summer months it’s good to use a toner as it can help to keep your skin oil free and clean. Toners are also great at helping minimise the appearance of pores. If you suffer from oily skin, try to focus on your t-zone as this is where you’ll find most oil secretes.

Exercising can help improve your skin during Summer

Whilst the last thing you may want to do is exercise in the heat, exercise does wonders for your body. When you exercise your body pumps blood quicker around your body, which helps your skin and organs to get more oxygen. The extra oxygen and nutrients will help keep your skin healthy, boost collagen production and give your skin that natural flush we all know and love.

• Top tip – if you’re not a fan of the gym why not try Zumba or cycling instead. The best times of day to exercise are after 6pm when the temperature starts to decrease.

Cut down on makeup

Have you ever noticed that your makeup tends to melt in Summer as soon as you step out the door? Not only does it not look good, but the additional products can make it hard for your skin to breathe and clog up your pores. To avoid that melted, sweaty look try and cut down on the amount of products you use during the warmer months. So what essential makeup products should you be wearing this Summer? A good CC cream will give you a light base to cover any blemishes, whilst mascara and eyeliner will help accentuate your eyes. A lip balm will keep your lips protected from harsh UV rays during the day and a powder highlight will give you a subtle glow. You shouldn’t need blusher as the heat should give your skin a natural flush.

Change your moisturiser

In Winter you may opt for a really thick moisturiser as the combination of central heating and cold air can be really drying on your skin. During Summer it’s best to go for a moisturiser that’s lightweight to avoid your skin getting clogged down as your skin will sweat a lot more. The combination of heavy moisturiser and sweat can be a killer for your pores and will increase your chance of getting spots. A lighter product will keep it hydrated whilst still allowing your skin to breathe. I recommend Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra light Moisturiser.

Wearing sunscreen is an essential part of your Summer skincare routine

You should really be wearing sunscreen all year long, but it’s ever so important during the warmer months. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays which can cause skin damage such as burns and in the long term premature ageing. You should aim to get a sunscreen with SPF of at least factor 35. You can get SPF in everything nowadays including your favourite makeup products- so there’s no excuse not to protect your skin.

Incorporate antioxidants into your Summer skincare routine

Being out in the sun is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D (commonly known as the sunshine Vitamin)- but it has its downsides. Too much exposure to UV rays can start to produce free radicals in your skin. Free radicals are highly destructive molecules that can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and even skin cancer. One way to prevent this and take care of your skin during Summer is to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare. Products containing Vitamin c will help to protect your skin from environmental damage, wrinkles and it helps to boosts collagen development. Lucy recommends some of her favourite Summer skincare products for her morning routine.

Change your face wash

During Summer you sweat more, so it’s natural for your skin to produce more oil. As you all know too much oil can equal disaster for those who have oily skin and often get blocked pores from too much sebum being produced. To avoid breakouts before they start, look for a face wash that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to combat acne by exfoliating skin and keeping pores clear. Those with dry and combination skin may want to go for non soapy face washes to avoid redness and rashes on your face. If you’re lucky enough to have normal skin then gel based washes will keep you feeling refreshed all day long.

Make sure you’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables

Whilst you may be using topical skincare products, it’s just as important to maintain a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants which will help boost your collagen production, reduce inflammation and protect your skin from sun damage.

So now you know all the tips to help you take care of your skin during Summer, go out and enjoy the sun. If you love the post please give it a share on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook!

The essential Summer skincare tips you need to know