Summer usually means that as sunny conditions put you at risk of sweat, sunburn and premature ageing. In a panic, you might think that you need to completely overhaul your skincare routine for summer and introduce a range of new products to fix the problems you're now facing, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to perfect summer skin.
Just like you change your clothes as soon as the temperatures rise, you should also make a few changes to your skincare routine, such as your facial cleanser or moisturizer. Not sure where to start? Here are four tips on how to prepare your skin for summer.
#1 CLEANSE MORE
Cleanse and rinse the face to prepare for the tasks of the whole day. This step is very important to feel fresh and alert throughout the day. But, it is very important to decide how to wash your face and with what type of toner. This helps remove dirt, oils, and impurities from the surface of your skin morning and night with a facial cleanser. Overall, your skin will feel refreshed after using a toner.
Balance your skin with the use of a good facial toner. There are immense benefits of facial toner such as it helps balance the pH of your skin, keeps your skin hydrated and reduces excessive sebum production. All this will keep your skin hydrated and fresh in the great heat of the coming warmer season.
Check out our Cleansing oil-control toner or our pH Balancing Mist with Aloe Vera
#2 SUN PROTECTION
It's important to take sun protection measures year-round (which we always recommend), but if it hasn't been on your radar yet, now is a good time to start, as you may be spending more time outdoors these days.
The reason for this is that the burning UVB rays are much weaker in the winter, while the skin-ageing UVA rays don't fluctuate as much throughout the seasons. Our recommendation is to wear an SPF 30-50 to slow down the ageing process and keep your skin in optimal condition long term. However, if you downgraded your SPF over the winter (or worse, didn't use any), now is certainly the time to go back to daily SPF - no excuses.
Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours between 10-14, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
#3 CHANGE UP THE MOISTURIZER
A good SPF will moisturize and protect your skin at the same time, so unless you have very dry skin, you usually don't need extra moisturizer in the summer. In that case, you can apply a light hyaluronic acid serum under your SPF.
Many of us think that a moisturizer isn't necessary in the summer because our skin already produces a lot of sebum. But to control this excess sebum and maintain natural moisture, a moisturizer is very important in summer. BUT, avoid choosing creams or moisturizers with heavy creamy base as this will only lead to excess oil on your face which will make your skin suffocating and sticky.
#4 START AND END THE DAY WITH WATER
You wouldn't believe how much difference this makes. Drinking water on an empty stomach should be your priority. You can also drink lukewarm lemon water instead of regular water as it will help you detoxify your body and skin. Your skin will feel more energised, fresh and rejuvenated.
Detoxification helps to rid the skin of free radicals caused by the sun's rays, eliminate fluid retention, and improve skin hydration, radiance, and evenness. The time before summer is the best time to prepare your skin for the problems ahead.
Just as you start your day, end it the same way. Drink a glass of water or warm lemon water before you go to bed. It will help remove toxins, revitalise your skin from the inside and fight dehydration, promote a sound sleep and make your skin dewy fresh for the next morning.