Summer is coming and that usually means we want to get that gorgeous summer glow. Let’s talk about what you can do to protect and maintain your skin health, whilst getting that bronzed glow.
How to protect your skin in the summer
You guessed it (well I hope you did) – it’s all about the SPF. Skin therapists like me are always talking about the importance of SPF but that’s because it really is important in protecting your skin – it’s also the number one anti-ageing thing you can do!
Not all SPF is created equal – so make sure you’re using a mineral based sunscreen, rather than cheap chemical ones from the high street. Alumier, my clinic recommended brand, offer two SPF products depending on your skin.
Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – perfect for oily, blemish prone or sensitive skin. It’s a lightweight, mineral based, non oily formula that helps to control shine during the day and keep skin clear from blemishes. You can order yours here.
Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (available as untinted here, or tinted here) – this product is perfect if you want to even your skin tone, and protect yourself from oxidative damage too, so this includes defending you from pollution, blue light and infrared radiation.
Both of these products are suitable for daily wear, including under makeup. If you’re not sure whether the Clear Shield of Sheer Hydration is best for you, get in touch or ask me next time you’re in the skin clinic and I can let you know my thoughts.
Maintaining your skin’s appearance
One of the key things that can contribute to having a gorgeous summer glow, is ensuring any hyperpigmentation stays in check during the warmer months. Summer is a key time when pigmentation concerns will start to show or worsen – this is due to the strength of the sun and the fact that most of us spend more time outside than usual.
Most of the time, we see pigmentation concerns on the face and hands. To minimise the impact of pigmentation, in addition to ensuring you wear a high quality, mineral SPF you can also:
- wear a large, brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and neck
- sit in a shady spot if you’re spending the day outside
- be aware of how often you may need to reapply sunscreen, especially if you’re sweating or spending time in the water
- don’t forget to also use SPF on your hands (this is where pigmentation / age spots usually show first!)
Getting that glow ☀️
The key to the gorgeous summer glow everyone wants, is hydration believe it or not. A hydrated face is a glowy face. Although in the summer we often want to switch to a less heavy moisturiser, it’s important to maintain good hydration in your skin.
The sun, sea and sand can all dehydrate our skin and cause it to become dry so make sure you’re hydrated from the inside out.
Drink plenty of water (especially if you’re drinking more cocktails / alcohol than usual), and don’t skip the moisturiser (it goes on before your SPF by the way).
Also be aware of how drying foundations can be for the skin. If you’re wanting a sunkissed glow and your complexion is looking even, just go for a little concealer and bronzer to pep things up, rather than a full face of foundation. This will keep things light, as well as allowing your skin to breathe.
If you do find yourself concerned with pigmentation over the summer, book a consultation in for September onwards, and we can look at your treatment options for over the autumn / winter months.
