How to stop summer from wreaking havoc on your skin

We all look forward to summer, but unfortunately, it can sometimes cause havoc on your skin! So for some of us it is not so fun. 

Why is that? 

Basically, the increased humidity and heat can lead to more oil production and allow bacteria to multiply, which is the perfect recipe for breakouts. Higher temperatures can cause dilation of blood vessels, leading to redness and flushing. Sweating can also increase, which can potentially lead to clogged pores. 

Here are my answers to your skincare concerns this summer:

First of all, the most important advice would be to cleanse thoroughly. When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores if not properly cleansed. Focus on adequate cleansing and double cleanse your skin with an oil cleanser to break down all the dirt and sunscreen! Find out more on how to cleanse in my chapter “Cleansing the building block to good skin”. 

Using a lighter moisturiser in the summer is key. Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck and chest. High temperatures increase your oil production to exacerbate acne prone skin. 

Overall hygiene would be my advice too! Due to a sweaty complexion, we are constantly trying to wipe our faces, transferring a lot of unwanted bacteria onto our skin. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your face and use a tissue to blot your skin. Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again! 

Keep makeup minimal. Heavy makeup can trap sweat and sebum, potentially leading to breakouts. Opt for mineral makeup or wear tinted SPF.

Do not skip your sunscreen! Sunscreen is obviously crucial for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and preventing premature ageing. With many summer activities such as hiking, swimming, or golfing taking place outside, your skin can burn easily if you don’t protect it. Sunscreen should become part of your daily routine. Remember, even when you cannot see the sun on a cloudy day, it can still cause damage. If you forego sunscreen, you are risking sun damage that could potentially turn into melanoma. 

Certain sunscreens can contain ingredients that might clog pores and potentially contribute to breakouts in individuals with acne-prone skin. It's important to choose mineral or oil-free sunscreens rather than a chemical one. 

A lot of my clients suffer from prickly heat. Blocked sweat glands cause this because trapped sweat builds up under your skin, causing a rash and tiny, itchy bumps. When the bumps burst and release sweat, many people feel a prickly sensation on their skin. 

My bespoke oil has been a game changer for many of my clients to soothe and prevent itching. My advice would also be to wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton. Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day or move your workout indoors where you can be in air-conditioning. Try to keep your skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and air-conditioning when possible.

Folliculitis is a very common skin problem that I see in the summer. When a hair follicle gets infected, they look like pimples and tend to be itchy and tender. To reduce your risk of folliculitis this summer, you should do the following: Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpools if you’re unsure whether the acid and chlorine levels are properly controlled. Keep your skin clean and dry by washing your skin regularly with a gentle cleanser and avoiding wearing sweat-soaked clothing for too long. Wash athletic clothing after every use. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles. Wear loose clothing, especially during exercise. Tight clothes can trap sweat and cause friction, irritating the hair follicles. Sharing towels and razors can also spread bacteria and fungi, so be sure to use your own. Shave in the direction of hair growth, avoid shaving irritated skin, and use an electric razor or new disposable razor every time you shave.

Dry, irritated skin is another concern in the summer. The biggest culprit is air conditioning, chlorinated pools and time spent in the sun. To combat dry skin, shower immediately after getting out of the pool. Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin because harsh body washes can dry you out. Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water. Use Baobab oil, Manketti seed oil or a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath. Use a humidifier in your bedroom or work space. I love using sheet masks in the summer. They will reduce the redness if I have spent too much time in the sun or if my skin feels dehydrated. I sometimes apply a Nimue Anti Ageing Leave-On Mask, which is a nourishing overnight face mask treatment that moisturizes and recharges my skin, resulting in radiant skin when I wake up. I also like to use Spritzer to rehydrate my skin during the day and give a cooling sensation. A good nourishing Organic Face Oil, which I use at night, regenerates and boosts my skin while I sleep, which is great to soothe and nourish my skin after being in the sun all day.

Finally, I commonly see melasma in my practice over the summer. These are  brownish and/or grayish-brown patches on your face. Sun exposure makes them more noticeable, much in the same way that the summer months bring out freckles on some people’s skin. Tips to prevent melasma, wearing sunscreen as an obvious first combative measure. Wear it every day and reapply every 2 hours. I also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside to create a “shady” barrier between those pesky UV rays and your face. 

Book a consultation to figure out what's going on with our skin and learn some easy ways to help keep your skin happy throughout the summer season!