The summer affects our skin in different ways and with the season change, so too does our skincare routine and requirements. The combination of sun, dust and pollution, it is hard work to keep skin soft, protected and glowing. Most of us, even me, over the course of the summer will suffer at some point from dehydrated, dull, lifeless skin especially during pregnancy.
Today, we look at top tips to look and feel elegantly fresh, hydrated and glowing.
What Are The Signs of Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin is thirsty skin and can happen to anyone. Unlike dry skin which is a skin type defined by a lack of sebum or oil, dehydrated skin is a condition caused by lack of moisture. Dehydrated skin can be caused by diet, lifestyle, incorrect use of skin care products, and environmental factors.
What Can Cause Dehydrated Skin?
There are many factors which contribute to and can cause skin to be dehydrated. These are as follows:
- Intense heat
- Humidity
- Sunbathing / intense UV radiation
- Hot baths / showers
- Aggressive cleansers and stripping active skincare ingredients
- Air conditioning
- Ageing process
- Alcohol, coffee and smoking
- Hormone changes including pregnancy and the menopause
How To Protect Our Skin This Summer
1 – Exfoliate
It is very important to exfoliate during the summer two to three times per week for the face and once to twice per week for the body. Exfoliation removes dead dull skin, skin dirt to prevent congestion, improves hydration from toners, serums and moisturisers as the skin is more receptive to the active ingredients in our skin and body care and helps improve blood circulation. Skin is more sensitive to UV rays after exfoliation so make sure that sun protection is part of the daily routine.
2 – Skin Treatments
Use an intense hydration mask once or twice a week. These types of masks can generally be left on overnight to deeply hydrate the skin but do not forget to cleanse in the morning. Toners are an essential refreshing moisturising step and keep a revitalising , refreshing mist with you at all times. Whenever the skin feels tight or needs a boost, refresh the skin with a spritz or two or three.
3 – Moisturise Outside & Inside
The body loses a lot of moisture during the summer. Experts tell us that we must drink 10-12 glasses of water and increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetables to keep us hydrated all day long. Doing so will show effect on your skin too. Other than that, we must have a good, solid skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day. Look for products with Hyaluronic Acid . This important ingredient holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water which means it helps the skin retain moisture and regulates skin repair, Use Hyaluronic Acid products in the morning and use oil based nurturing skincare products in the evening for the ultimate moisturising combination.
Most of us will shower more often during the summer months which can dry out the skin. To help, apply moisturiser right after the shower or bath and this will help lock in the water molecules. However, if the skin is perspiring, it is best to wait until perspiring has stopped and then moisturise.
4 – Apply Sun Protection
Sun protection is essential in shielding our skin from harmful UV radiation that can bring about the early onset of skin ageing. We need to be wearing a minimum of SPF 30 broad spectrum on the face and 20 on the body. If it is not a once a day formula like Ultrasun then it needs to be re-applied every 2 to 4 hours and in the shade so it has time to bond with the skin. Wear a hat and sunglasses whenever possible and try and stay indoors during the intense midday sun to prevent sun damage and skin pigmentation.
5 – Gentle Cleansing
6 – Summer Supplements
Increase supplementation in selenium, zinc, vitamins C, D and E. Vitamins C and E play such important roles in protecting our skin from the sun, deficiencies in either vitamin can increase the risk of skin damage and potentially worse. Vitamin D is important as it helps the body to create healthy cells. Vitamin D plays an important role in skin tone and skin repair.
Vitamin B, in particular B3 and B5, has a well-documented positive effect on the skin’s hydration levels as well as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
7 – Exercise
Exercise helps rid the body of toxins and gives us glowing skin. Do simple workouts to feel good and stay fresh. If you feel too lazy to work out or the heat is too much, walk as much as possible. Exercise increases the blood circulation of the body and promotes supply of blood that gives the skin a natural and healthy glow. This is the simplest answer to how to get glowing skin.
If you have any questions, please send me a message.
