Summer skincare survival guide: Expert tips to beat the heat
The scorching summer heat can wreak havoc on our skin, causing breakouts, puffiness, and foundation disasters. But fear not, dear readers! Renowned facialist Joanne Evans and skincare practitioner Dr. Maryam Zamani have shared their invaluable insights to help us navigate the challenges of hot weather and keep our skin healthy and happy.
Avoid Heavy Creams
In the sweltering summer months, heavy creams can be a skin's worst enemy. Evans and Zamani advise opting for lightweight moisturizers or gel creams to prevent heat, sweat, and sebum buildup, which can lead to breakouts. However, they acknowledge that not all skin types are the same. Zamani mentions that some individuals, especially those going through perimenopause, may still require richer moisturizers without clogging their pores.
Nurture Your Skin Barrier
Summer's heat takes a toll on our skin barrier, causing stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Evans recommends products like 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 can strip natural lipids. She also recommends using pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide.
Reduce Retinols
While active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid are safe during summer, Evans advises reducing retinoid use to once or twice a week. Apply them in the evenings, follow with nourishing moisturizers, and discontinue if sensitivity or irritation occurs. Zamani adds that maintaining retinoids is acceptable if skin shows no signs of irritation.
Keep Creams Cool
To prevent overheating products, store them in a cool place, and some, like eye creams, sheet masks, and gel moisturizers, can be refrigerated. Zamani warns against unnecessary refrigeration, as it may alter the texture of certain formulations. She suggests keeping products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Lock in Moisture
Evans recommends applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin after cleansing to enhance absorption. She suggests using serums first, followed by moisturizers, and then sunscreen. Zamani advises completing skincare routines within minutes of showering and removing sunscreen, sweat, and makeup at night.
Reapply Regularly
Contrary to intuition, frequent thin layers of product are key to maintaining skin health. Zamani recommends reapplying SPF every two hours when outdoors, driving, exercising, or near windows. Evans suggests SPF sprays for city environments, acknowledging their inferiority to creams but better than no reapplication.
Anti-Inflammatory Relief
Summer's heat, sweat, and sunscreen can irritate skin. Evans recommends lightweight products and antihistamines for anti-inflammatory benefits. For oilier or acne-prone skin, she suggests washing with cool or cold water or even an ice bath for the face.
Go Easy on the Foundation
Heavy makeup can congest and irritate skin in hot weather. Evans recommends lightweight tinted moisturizers or medium-build coverage, suggesting Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation or tinted SPF Mesoestetics 130+ for pigmentation and Aveen for sensitive skin. She advises taking time to let skincare sink in and applying foundation in thin layers.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Patience is key to successful skincare. Evans emphasizes the importance of letting each layer sink in and using mineral powders, primers, and spritzing to keep makeup in place. Zamani agrees, stating that preparation is everything. She suggests using blotting papers instead of powder to remove excess oil without a cakey finish.
Gentle Cleansing is Essential
At the end of the day, a gentle double cleanse is crucial to remove gunk and support the skin barrier. Evans recommends an oil-based product followed by a gel or BioEffect Micellar Cleansing Water. Zamani highlights the importance of promptly removing sweat after exercise and regularly changing pillowcases.
In conclusion, summer skincare requires a thoughtful approach, and these expert tips can help us beat the heat and keep our skin radiant and healthy. Remember, preparation is everything, and with these insights, we can navigate the challenges of hot weather with confidence and a glowing complexion.
