‘Oh, the summer night,
has a smile of light,
and she sits on a sapphire throne.’ Bryan Procter
There are many things to enjoy about summer, like evening walks and lazy days by the pool, but we all know that the sun’s rays are incredibly harsh on the skin.
As we emerge from our dry winter skin cocoons into the warmer months (hello oily skin!), it’s a good idea to reflect on skincare regimes and make a few lifestyle adjustments so that we can get the most out of this gorgeous time of year while keeping our skin in great condition.
Here are 10 holistic tips from skincare and lifestyle experts to help your skin look its best this summer:
1. Use the Right Type of Sunscreen and Keep Your Hat Handy
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB and be sure to reapply regularly. We recommend a physical sunscreen that will provide a protective shield for the surface of the skin and rebound UVA/UVB rays, as opposed to a chemical sunscreen which is absorbed into the skin.
Look for ingredients like zinc and titanium when choosing a sunscreen.
Wear a hat and sit in the shade whenever possible.
Senior Clinician Sally Cussell of Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia
2. Top up Your Antioxidants
Antioxidants have been clinically proven to effectively fight free radical damage and can help to prevent dullness, fine lines, ageing and skin inflammation. Antioxidants are abundant in many natural skincare products and can be found in Green Tea extract.
Amy Saunders, holistic acne and skin consultant at Skyn Therapy
3. Keep Hydrated From the Inside, Out
Start with two glasses of water in the morning, one before every meal, and then one at bedtime. Then you get all the water your body needs to feel replenished.
Margarita Nazarenko, presenter and beauty blogger @theblondeavenue
4. Keep Your Skin Moist with a Mist
Aside from carrying a water bottle, you can use a hydrating mist spray to give your skin some gentle hydration (as a bonus, it also cools you down and keeps your finishing powder from looking cake-y). We like the pommist spray from Jane Iredale.
Senior Clinician Sally Cussell of Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia
5. Let Your Skin Breathe
Go make up-free when you work out. I know it’s tough but it’s a must avoid if you want those pores to breathe.
Margarita Nazarenko, presenter and beauty blogger @theblondeavenue
6. Exfoliate to prevent clogging
Exfoliating is important to help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. The best way is by using a glycolic acid cleanser as well as concentrated AHA skin care.
Dr Daniel Lanzer, Australian Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon
7. Dab the Oil Away Throughout the Day
Carry a tissue so you can dab the sweat from your forehead throughout the day - this will prevent the dirt and bacteria from sitting on your skin once the sweat pushes it out.
If you're prone to breaking out from sweating or you wear a heavy foundation, cleanse twice at the end of the day.
Senior Clinician Sally Cussell of Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia
8. Eat Seasonal Foods
Eating seasonally will always benefit your body because the ingredients are fresh and in sync with the energy of nature.
You need to consume good oils in foods like salmon and avocado to keep your skin protected and supple.
Sally Lydia Paech, founder of Organiq Australia
9. Don’t Forget Your Feet
Give the soles of the feet, heels and the toe area a good clean using an exfoliating foot paddle after a shower or bath to help with the build-up.
Follow this by applying coconut oil or a foot balm a few times a week and leave it on overnight, covered by socks. Apply the oil and balm to the entire foot including the toes.
Heidi Fenech, Dermal Therapist, Esq Plastic Surgery and Skin Clinic
10. Review Your Products to Suit the Season
If your skin is prone to oiliness, you can swap out your moisturiser for a moisturising sunscreen in the summer, but don't rely on a moisturiser with SPF because it's not enough protection.
Consider using lighter makeup to let your skin breathe, such as a mineral powder instead of foundation.
Senior Clinician Sally Cussell of Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia
