Staycation Skincare

Although travel restrictions continue to ease, many of us will have already planned a staycation this summer. While we might not experience the consistently warm temperatures of the Mediterranean, the British summer can still offer us some wonderful opportunities to top up our vitamin D.

With more time outdoors, which can give your skin a sun-kissed glow, it is very important to not forget about sun protection to avoid excess wrinkles, ageing, and other negative effects of excessive sun exposure. As we move into summer, I advise my patients about the vital need for sunscreen, along with wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. However, sunscreen is not only for the warmer months.

Whilst a high SPF is important during the summer (at least factor 30, preferably 50), our skin does benefits from continuous UV protection all year-round. I find a good sunscreen to be one that is oil-free as high factor sunscreens can often feel heavy and greasy. Oil-free options tend to work well especially under makeup. I also prefer mineral sunscreens as they create a physical barrier that is better for the skin. With SPF as a staple of summer skincare, what else might we add to our skincare routine in the summer while staying nearer to home?

During the summer months controlling oil and cleansing, the skin is more important, but more often the issues come when people overdo it and make the problem of oily skin worse. As the weather becomes warmer, we sweat a little more and naturally, most of us think that more cleansing will help to combat this effect. What we do not want to do however is strip away the skin’s natural oils as the skin will simply compensate by producing even more. So, when it comes to cleansing just a little adjustment is needed. What is important is to build skin health that is consistent throughout the year rather than interrupting the skin’s natural processes.

Moisturising is more complex for those who suffer from dry skin. Through winter the low humidity, warmer showers, and drying effects of indoor central heating can take their toll. Those who switch in winter to a thicker moisturiser should dial back to something lighter for the summer months. And remember, moisturise before you apply SPF, making sure you reapply your SPF throughout the day, ideally every 2 hours especially if you are swimming for example. I often recommend adding in a vitamin C serum to your routine, as it not only works as an antioxidant but will also help to combat some of the pigmentation that many often develop from more intense sun exposure.

A great choice when on holiday is a non-comedogenic tinted sunscreen as an alternative to your usual foundation, making it easier to reapply regularly. Do not forget also that while products can help your skin it is important to stay well hydrated and avoid being out in the sun during the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest.

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