Summer Skincare Essentials

Summer means hot summer sun (hopefully) and increased humidity and sweating! And, of course, sunscreen is a daily must-do, but it needs to be removed each evening. Cleansing and exfoliation are essential to avoid clogged pores and dull, flaky skin.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Most of what happens on your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body. Late nights, alcohol and overeating can affect our skin and leave us dull skin, dark circles and puffy eyes.

During January, I’ll be talking more about how to detox your skin after the party season, but you can get a head start now with these simple tips.

1. Drink Water

Your body needs hydration from within to help keep it’s without moisturised. Aim for 30ml of water for each kilo of your body weight. Plain water is the best option, but you can also try herbal tea and infused water.

2. Cleanse every evening

This is extra important in summer as sunscreen, makeup, and sweat clog your pores. You need a cleanser that will remove all that buildup without stripping your face’s natural oils.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and deeply cleanses your pores, giving your skin a new glow. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.

4. Use a Mist Toner

A spritz with a toning mist is refreshing for summer skin, hydrating your face and perking up your complexion. You can also use it to remove all traces of cleanser and makeup - use a cotton pad soaked with toner.

5. Use a Light Moisturiser

Make sure you moisturise after swimming in chlorinated pools, as chlorine is drying. You may need a lighter moisturiser than usual due to increased humidity. Use a small amount of your favourite moisturiser and layer more if needed.

6. Be Sun Safe

Our bodies need the sun to make Vitamin D, but it’s also the primary cause of wrinkles, pigmentation and premature skin ageing.

Wear a hat, avoid the sun during the most intense times of the day (11am-4 pm), and generally stay in the shade as much as possible. If you know you will be in the sun, please use high-SPF sunscreen. There are lots of safe, natural products available. I use and recommend Sunny Skin and Glow Filter. They are Australian-made mineral-based sunscreens, so they are ideal for our climate.

7. Eat Cooling Fruits and Vegetables

Take advantage of summer fruits and salad veggies!

They provide hydration, keep you cool and deliver essential vitamins and minerals into your body. Cooling fruits include grapes, watermelon, berries, apples, rockmelon, pears, peaches and nectarine.

A good skincare routine can make all the difference in how your skin looks, feels and even functions throughout the year, so it's worth investing in a few products to help keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

My summer skincare essentials:

  • Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products in summer because it protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging and damage the skin’s DNA. . Look for an SPF of 50+—the higher the number, the better it will protect your skin from burning—and make sure to reapply after swimming or sweating too much. 

  • Hydrating Face Mask

To keep your face looking fresh during the summer months, you need an effective mask that will help reduce puffiness around your eyes and calm redness on your forehead and cheeks. To ensure both of these needs are met at once (and get a little relaxation time for yourself), apply a hydrating sheet mask, then lie down for 10–20 minutes before massaging the residue into your skin. You can cool your mask for 10  

  • Daily Cleanser

A gentle cleanser removes debris, oil, and makeup, as more than rinsing with water is needed to cleanse your skin. Clean skin allows your products to absorb deeply and evenly. Gently cleanse your skin once in the morning and twice in the evening, removing the cleanser with a warm face cloth. The first cleanse removes your makeup, and the second cleanses your skin.

  • Gentle Exfoliant

Exfoliants gently remove built-up dead skin for smoother, noticeably renewed skin. Use two-three times a week, morning or evening, after cleansing.

  • Serum Intensive to address your skin concerns

Applying a hydrating, nourishing or brightening serum daily helps to protect your skin from environmental damage (UV, dryness, pollution). A serum also helps to smooth and plump your skin, helping to minimise the look of fine lines. Brightening Serum reduces helps to beak down melanin deposits that cause pigmentation.

  • Moisturiser

Moisturiser is an emollient that ‘seals’ moisture and nutrients into your skin and helps to provide a protective barrier from environmental damage. It also helps to smooth your skin’s surface, giving you a smooth base for applying makeup.

Used daily, moisturisers help to keep your skin feeling smooth, plump and soft. 

  • Night Cream or Serum

Our bodies repair themselves while we sleep, so your night elixir must contain active ingredients to support skin renewal and collagen production. Oil-based elixirs are perfect for the evening as they absorb deeply into the dermis to provide nutrients for skin renewal.

A consistent, gentle skincare routine will keep your skin looking great all summer!

Not sure where to start with a daily skincare routine?

Book a virtual consultation to get your personalised skincare routine. Your consultation will include a skin assessment, nutrition advice and product recommendations.

Diana MilnesRestore Face Body SoulComment