Summer SkinCare

Before you even realise it, the harsh summer sun and humidity will begin to damage your skin and hair. It’s time to arm yourself with concoctions and establish a routine that will protect you from the damage. Here are a few tips that can help you combat the onslaught.

In a couple of weeks from now, you’ll notice a change in the texture and quality of your skin as summer begins. It’s thirstier than a couple of months ago and won’t feel as smooth when you touch it. This tells you that increase in sun exposure and drying winds have taken their toll.


Hydrate Moisture is your skin’s best friend. During the day, fresh, gel-textured lotions and serums will restore a plumper, smoother texture and suppleness to the skin. You want a dewy look without a greasy feel.


Exfoliate To keep skin looking fresh, exfoliate regularly. But in summer skin needs TLC so look for an exfoliator that refines and hydrates at the same time.


Refresh A great fix to pep up dull, parched skin is to refresh with a water spray. These are rich in minerals and antioxidants and give your skin added protection with each refreshing mist. They also help set right the pH level in the skin, which could be thrown off balance by salt and chlorinated water whenever you go for a dip in the sea or the pool.


Nourish You can worry about more serious skincare at night when skin naturally goes into repair mode. With no sun or wind to battle, products laced with antioxidants and restorative ingredients will perform better to give you a true ‘beauty sleep’.


Pamper your skin
Come summer and all the time that you spent outdoors during the cooler months begins to show on your skin. The exposure to the elements can leave skin feeling dry and out of condition, so ensure you have some luxurious, pampering treats on hand.


Be gentle Look for natural-base soaps and cleansers. They’re gentle and will prevent your skin from getting drier when you shower to get rid of the stickiness of the day. And don’t let your shower water get too hot –
it’ll only dry out your skin more.


Boost circulation A gentle exfoliating body scrub will slough away particularly dry, rough patches of skin and will also give sluggish circulation a boost.


Soothe skin After a shower, smooth a luxurious body lotion on to still-damp skin to lock in moisture and leave your skin silky smooth.


Soothe your soles
It’s great to finally kick off those shoes and roam around barefoot. Just be sure to keep your feet in shape so that they look good enough to strap on a pair of sandals when it is time to head out to the town.


Smooth away crusty bits with a pumice stone. A handful of crushed shells will have a similar effect, or simply go for a long walk barefoot on the beach (of course, when it’s not too hot).


Cleanse your feet really well in warm water laced with a drop or two of antiseptic. Dry them properly, especially between the toes.


Rub in a clean-scented foot lotion. Massage in the lotion for a couple of minutes – it’ll leave your feet soft and smooth and help ease tension from the rest of the body.


Treat your hair
Sun, sea water and sand take a toll on your hair, so pay a little extra attention over the summer season and you will be rewarded with easy, hassle-free styling.


Deep clean Use a clarifying shampoo to wash away pollutants, mineral and waxy residues left behind by styling products or UV protective sprays. Use shampoos that help replenish amino acids in the hair but also remove excess product build-up. Try not to rub your hair when washing it. Massage your scalp gently to dislodge any greasiness, and then coax product down the length of your hair with your fingertips. Dirt tends to get trapped in longer sections and so rinses away easily. Use tepid water for your final rinse as it helps to lock in more shine.


Treat Leave-in treatments are so convenient to use, and mean you can leave your hair to dry naturally without it looking frizzy or brittle.


Detangle To avoid battling knots when your hair is dry and frizzy, brush out your locks before washing, then use a wide-toothed comb to comb conditioning agents all the way through to the ends.


Indulge your senses
A single spritz of your favourite fragrance can lift your spirits. These summer favourites conjure up fresh ocean breezes and long, carefree days.


Lavender therapy
Lavender is much more than just an aromatic scent, it has amazing calming properties. A drop of lavender essential oil in your bath water will help aid a restful night’s sleep. It promises a fast de-stressing fix any time of the day or night!