Summer skincare survival guide: Expert tips for beating the heat
As the mercury rises, so do the challenges for our skin. The heatwave has us reaching for the heavy creams, but they might be doing more harm than good. Fear not, though, as renowned facialist Joanne Evans and skincare practitioner Dr Maryam Zamani have some sage advice to keep your skin healthy and happy during the sweltering summer months.
Avoid heavy creams
In hot and humid weather, heavy creams can trap heat, sweat, and sebum on the skin, increasing the likelihood of a breakout. Evans and Zamani advise opting for lightweight moisturisers or gel creams instead. However, they acknowledge that not all skin types are the same. Zamani notes that some individuals, especially those in perimenopause, may still require richer moisturisers without clogging their skin.
Look after your skin barrier
High temperatures, sweating, water loss, and UV exposure put our skin barrier under stress, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Evans recommends products like the Mesoprotech Water Veil, which contains hyaluronic acid and offers high photo protection in an ultra-light gel-cream texture. Zamani emphasises the importance of SPF, avoiding over-exfoliation and hot showers, and using pH-balanced cleansers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide to support the skin barrier.
Reduce retinols
While you don't have to avoid actives in hot weather, it's wise to reduce retinoid use to once or twice a week, applying them in the evenings and following with a nourishing moisturiser. Evans suggests stopping if there's any sensitivity or irritation. Zamani adds that maintaining retinoids is fine if skin shows no signs of irritation.
Keep creams cool
To prevent products from melting into the centre of the sun on your face, store them in a cool place. Eye creams, sheet masks, facial mists, and gel moisturisers can be refrigerated, but Zamani advises against unnecessary refrigeration, as it may alter the texture of some formulations. She recommends keeping most products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Lock in moisture while skin is still damp
Evans suggests applying serums to damp skin after cleansing, followed by moisturisers to lock in moisture. She recommends sitting in front of a fan to cool down before applying SPF. Zamani advises completing the skincare routine within a few minutes of showering and cleansing away sunscreen, sweat, pollution, and makeup at night.
Reapply regularly
Contrary to intuition, frequent thin layers of product are better for skin, especially sun protection. Zamani suggests reapplying every two hours when outdoors, driving, exercising, or near windows. She recommends SPF spray for city environments, acknowledging its inferiority to creams but superiority to no reapplication at all. Evans agrees, emphasising the importance of regular reapplication.
Pop an antihistamine
Summer skin irritation can be caused by heat, sweat, or sunscreen. Evans suggests using lightweight products and antihistamines for anti-inflammatory effects. For oilier or acne-prone skin, she recommends washing with cool or cold water, even an ice bath for the face.
Go easy on the foundation
Heavy makeup can congest and irritate the skin in hot weather. Evans recommends lightweight tinted moisturisers or medium-build coverage, suggesting the Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation or tinted SPF Mesoestetics 130+ for pigmentation and Aveen for sensitive skin. She emphasises the importance of taking time to let skincare sink in and applying foundation in thin layers.
Slowly does it
Taking time to let each layer of skincare sink in is crucial for long-lasting results and preventing pilling. Evans suggests using mineral powders, primers for mattifying, and spritzing to refresh and keep makeup in place. Zamani agrees, advocating for natural-looking makeup that enhances healthy skin rather than masking it.
Never skip a gentle double cleanse
At the end of the day, a double cleanse is essential to remove gunk, SPF, makeup, sweat, and pollution, supporting the skin barrier. Evans recommends an oil-based product followed by a gel or BioEffect Micellar Cleansing Water. Zamani emphasises the importance of promptly removing sweat after exercise and regularly changing pillowcases.
In the face of summer's challenges, these expert tips offer a beacon of hope for maintaining healthy, happy skin. From avoiding heavy creams to reapplying sunscreen regularly, these strategies empower us to beat the heat and emerge with skin that glows with resilience and vitality.
