Summer skincare survival guide: Expert tips to beat the heat
Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping our skin healthy and happy in the face of scorching temperatures. As the heat rises, so do the concerns about acne, puffiness, and makeup that refuses to stay put. But fear not, dear readers, for renowned facialist Joanne Evans and skincare practitioner Dr. Maryam Zamani have come to the rescue with their top tips to navigate the summer skincare conundrum.
Avoid Heavy Creams, Embrace Lightweight Moisturizers
In the sweltering summer heat, heavy creams can be a recipe for disaster. Evans and Zamani advise opting for lightweight moisturizers or gel creams to prevent heat, sweat, and sebum from clogging pores. However, they acknowledge that not all skin types are created equal. Zamani notes that some individuals, especially those going through perimenopause, may still require richer moisturizers without the risk of clogged pores.
Nurture Your Skin Barrier
The summer heat takes a toll on our skin barrier, leading to increased stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Evans recommends products like the Mesoprotech Water Veil, which contains hyaluronic acid and provides high photo protection in an ultra-light gel-cream texture. Zamani emphasizes the importance of SPF, suggesting wearing it daily and avoiding over-exfoliation and hot showers that strip away natural skin lipids. She also recommends using pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide.
Reduce Retinol Usage
While active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid are safe during summer, Evans advises reducing retinol usage to once or twice a week. Apply retinoids in the evenings, follow with a nourishing moisturizer, and discontinue use if sensitivity or irritation occurs. Zamani adds that maintaining retinol usage is acceptable if the skin shows no signs of irritation.
Keep Skincare Products Cool
Skincare products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Zamani recommends keeping eye creams, sheet masks, facial mists, and gel moisturizers in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. However, she warns against refrigerating products unnecessarily, as it can alter the texture of certain formulations.
Lock in Moisture on Damp Skin
Evans suggests applying serums to damp skin after cleansing to enhance hyaluronic acid's absorption. She recommends sitting in front of a fan to cool down before applying SPF, using serums first, followed by moisturizers, and then sunscreen as the final step. Zamani advises completing the skincare routine within a few minutes of showering and cleansing away sunscreen, sweat, and makeup at night.
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
Reapplication is key to sun protection, especially in the city. Zamani suggests reapplying every two hours when outdoors, driving, exercising, or near windows. Evans recommends SPF spray as a convenient option for city dwellers, acknowledging its inferiority to creams but better than no reapplication at all.
Combat Summer Skin Irritation
Summer skin irritation can be managed by introducing antihistamines for anti-inflammatory effects. Evans suggests using lightweight products and washing with cool or cold water for oilier skin. She also recommends blotting papers over repeatedly applying powder to avoid a cakey finish.
Go Easy on the Foundation
Heavy makeup can congest and irritate the skin in hot weather. Evans recommends lightweight tinted moisturizers or medium-build coverage, suggesting products like Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation, tinted SPF Mesoestetics 130+, Aveen for sensitive skin, and mineral powders for a natural, long-lasting finish.
Take Your Time with Skincare
Patience is key when it comes to skincare. Evans emphasizes the importance of letting each layer sink in to prevent pilling and recommends using primers for mattifying and spritzing to refresh makeup. Zamani agrees, stating that preparation is everything and that blotting papers are preferable to powder for excess oil removal without a cakey finish.
Never Skip a Gentle Double Cleanse
At the end of the day, a gentle double cleanse is essential to remove gunk, SPF, makeup, sweat, and pollution. Evans recommends an oil-based product followed by a gel or micellar water cleanse. Zamani highlights the importance of promptly removing sweat after exercise and regularly changing pillowcases.
In conclusion, summer skincare requires a thoughtful approach, embracing lightweight products, nurturing the skin barrier, and reapplying sunscreen regularly. By following these expert tips, we can beat the heat and keep our skin healthy and radiant throughout the season.
