Sunshine season is almost here, where you’ll be spending long days at the garden or sunbathing by the beach. However, before you start planning your ventures in the sun it’s time to get all your summer skincare essentials in place.
Over exposure to the sun can lead to skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation; increased sebum production, which can cause breakouts; and increased dryness, causing anything from eczema to premature ageing. This may sound scary, but don’t let it dull your enthusiasm for the outdoors this summer. Lucky for you, we have a curation of skincare essentials that you can add to your routine for that perfect summer skin while minimising the effects of increased sun exposure.
Here are our top five summer skincare essentials for happy, healthy, and glowing skin:
1. SPF is everything!
Be it summer, winter or monsoons using sunscreen every day of the year, like brushing your teeth, is a must. In addition to lowering your risk of skin cancer, sunscreen shields your skin from UV-induced wrinkles and fine lines. When choosing a sunscreen it is ideal to look for broad-spectrum sunscreen, as it provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, ensure its at least SPF 30 or more. If you have sensitive skin, a noncomedogenic sunscreen does not allow any clogs leading to acne. To help you make the right choice here are some of our top picks for sunscreens that you can choose from:
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
Queen AM Glow Tinted SunScreen
SPF 60
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30
2. Antioxidants for extra protection!
Antioxidants provides that extra layer of protection from free radicals due to exposure to UV rays, pollution, and any other aggressors. Incorporating an antioxidant to your skincare routine would be a smart move this summer as they contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, dullness, and other signs of aging. One other skin problem that antioxidants address is hyperpigmentation and brown spots.
While there is a whole range of antioxidants to choose from, some of the most effective and popular ones include Vitamins A, C, and E, resveratrol, green tea extract, coenzyme Q10, and niacinamide. These compounds are available in a variety of products, including facial masks, moisturisers, and serums, so you can easily incorporate them into your skincare routine.
To make the choice easier for you, here are our favourite antioxidants that you can add to your skincare regime.
The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum 30ml
ORGANIC Vitamin C Serum for Face & Hyaluronic Acid
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Resurfacing Serum
3. Switch to a lighter moisturizer
After giving your skin a couple to weeks to adjust to the heat and humidity, you can swap out your rich and moisturizer for a lighter formula. Choosing lightweight moisturizers during the summer can greatly improve our skin’s ability to retain moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. Light formulations are created to deliver the essential hydration while allowing the skin to breathe and preventing clogged pores. They often have a water-based or gel-like consistency that absorbs fast and leaves the skin with a light and cool feeling. Light moisturizers work wonders for people with oily or mixed skin since they hydrate without aggravating shine or clogging pores. Some of our go-to summer moisturizers include:
Olay Regenerist 3 Point Anti-Ageing Lightweight Day Cream SPF30 50ml
Revolution Pro, Miracle Cream, Hydrating & Beautifying Face Cream,
Reduces Dull Complexions
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream, Anti-Wrinkle, Lightweight, 3-in-1 Hydrating Face Moisturizer
4. Don’t skip a good Cleanse
While you may already be cleansing your skin, during summer a good through cleanse before bedtime is a must to ensure all the make-up and SPF build-up is removed. This helps unclog your pores, leaving it clean and fresh for the next day. Choose a cream or balm formulation and remove it with a muslin cloth. This helps exfoliate while you cleanse and gently buff away any dead skin cells. You may already have a good cleanser, but if you don’t then these are our tried and tested recommendations.
AURELIA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE Miracle Cleanser
ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Facial Wash
GLOSSIER Cleanser Concentrate
5. Exfoliate!
Exfoliation is a key skincare step that cannot be missed during the summer. It not only helps replace dead skin cells with younger ones, but also ensures the removal of dirt, debris and environmental pollutants that come with being outdoors, preventing breakouts. With a little extra caution, both powerful antioxidants like retinol and acid exfoliators can be used all summer long. It’s not necessary to stop using acids and retinoids in the summer. You only need to be careful to apply sunscreen properly because you are effectively thinning the stratum corneum (the epidermis’ outermost layer).Some exfoliators that you can include to your skincare routine are:
MURAD Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
ELEMIS Papaya Enzyme Peel
Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just starting your journey towards luminous skin, these must-have products that will help you achieve the summer complexion you’ve always desired. Get ready to rejuvenate, protect, and pamper your skin with these incredible gems, and embrace the summer with a radiant glow that will turn heads wherever you go!
