Summer skin is meant to be all smooth, bronzed and glowing, but the reality can be quite different as we deal with sweat, sunburn and dehydration caused by warmer weather and more time spent in the sun. So, how do we keep our complexion plump and protected when the temperatures rise? We asked the experts for their skincare essentials.
Remember to exfoliate
It’s one of the easiest skincare steps to skip, but it’s important to exfoliate once or twice a week, especially in the summer months. 'Removing dead skin cells reduces dullness and helps skin achieve that coveted summer glow,' says Dr Sasha Dhoat, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics. 'Adding a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliator to your routine will promote cell turnover and help improve the overall texture and clarity of your skin.'
Use a multipurpose moisturiser
Dr Dhoat also recommends using a one-step combination of moisturiser and sunscreen. 'It avoids over-layering products, which is especially important for people with blemish-prone or oily skin,' she explains. For a daily moisturiser that hydrates and protects, try the new L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Day Cream SPF 50. Enriched with pure hyaluronic acid, it helps the skin retain moisture, leaves skin looking plumped and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It also has a new lightweight texture, which melts into the skin without feeling sticky, and it contains SPF 50, the highest concentration of SPF found in any of L’Oréal Paris' facial sun creams, helping to protect your skin from sun damage, which can accelerate skin ageing.
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Repeat: SPF, SPF, SPF
Speaking of sun protection... every one of our dermatologists lists SPF as their number one skincare staple. 'Adopting good sun-protection habits and wearing an SPF every day is the best way to avoid premature skin ageing,' says Dr Adam Friedmann, clinical director and dermatologist at Stratum Clinics. 'Almost all signs of ageing are caused by photo damage through ultraviolet exposure. Ultraviolet light damages the collagen in skin, causing it to gradually fragment over time, leading to increased lines and wrinkles.' He recommends using a product with both UVB and UVA protection and applying it daily, all year round, adding: 'The higher the SPF, the stronger the protection against the burning UVB rays.'
Revitalift Filler Day Cream SPF 50 is formulated to provide UVA, UVB and long UVA protection. Apply it every morning after cleansing, massaging it into the face, neck and décolletage.
Pop your products in the fridge
'On really hot days I like to put my moisturiser in the fridge and apply it to cool the skin. It's really refreshing,' says Dr Fiona Worsnop, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. She also recommends cutting down on your shower time and turning down the temperature of the water to avoid drying out the skin and causing inflammation.
Choose non-comedogenic make-up
Just like we wear lighter clothes in the summer, the experts recommend using lighter products on your skin. The term non-comedogenic refers to products that are developed without pore-clogging ingredients, which could lead to unwanted breakouts and spots. 'Skin in the summer should have a natural glow to it anyway, meaning you can probably get away with lighter coverage,' says Dr Worsnop. For lightweight formulas, look for oil-free and mineral-based products.
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