The weather is really warming up which means summer is coming! And while I know I personally can’t wait for those hot beach days ahead, it does mean our skin will need a little extra TLC ahead of handling the heat, humidity and increased sun exposure to come!
Prepping your skin for summer won’t just help you achieve that coveted sun-kissed glow, it will also protect your skin against damage caused by the sun, sweat and environmental factors! Keep reading for 10 essential ways (and products!) to get your skin prepped for the sunny season ahead!
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Exfoliate for a fresh start
While you might have been occasionally exfoliating your face throughout the cooler winter months, I can bet your bottom dollar many of us have neglected the skin on our bodies!
Unfortunately, winter can leave your skin dry and dull, with dead skin cells building up on the surface. Exfoliating really is key to sloughing away these dead cells and revealing the fresh, smooth skin underneath! But that’s not all! Exfoliating your skin can also help fade uneven patches and hyperpigmentation that may have developed during the winter months too! And don’t forget! As the weather gets warmer that means increased sweating and oil production which can lead to clogged pores and blemishes – ekk, so get exfoliating today!
For your face use a gentle exfoliator with ingredients like lactic acid or jojoba beads 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation. Remember exfoliation also helps your skin absorb other products better, so your summer skincare routine can work its magic. Try Medicalia's Exfoliating Cleanser. This outstanding cleanser is formulated with Lactic Acid and Jojoba Beads to thoroughly remove makeup, excess oil and bacteria. It also works to eliminate epidermal keratin buildup, impurities, and pollutants and renders the skin clean, soft, and vibrant for a smoother, visibly brighter complexion!! Its amazing for all skin types too.
For your body opt for a deeply nourishing exfoliator rich in ingredients such as glycerin, aloe and shea butter. We love Pevonia’s Silky Skin Body Scrub. It’s been a favourite of ours and our customers for years for very good reason. It’s a beautifully creamy exfoliator.
For face and body (yes, it is recommended for both!) try Pevonia’s Chocolate Indulgence Foaming Salt Scrub. It smells divine, it’s nutrient rich thanks to its formulation of cacao extract and energizing sea salt, it is lusciously foaming when applied (which is kind of cool) and it leaves you smoother, glowing and positively refined from head to toe! Oh and it’s recommended for all skin types!
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Keep skin hydrated
Increased sun exposure and higher temperatures can quickly dehydrate your skin, leaving it parched and more prone to irritation which is why keeping skin hydrated is key especially in the hotter months. Start by switching to a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These humectants draw water into your skin, keeping it plump and dewy without feeling heavy in the heat.
We love Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream. Thanks to its beautifully lightweight texture, it helps keep that outer layer of skin perfectly nourished without feeling too heavy. Rich in vitamins, it revitalizes, activates your skin’s cellular activity to promote natural regrowth, hydrates, softens and smooths skin for a radiant youthful appearance
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Step Up Your SPF game
If there’s one non-negotiable in your summer skincare routine, it’s sunscreen. UV rays are stronger in the summer, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won’t clog pores or leave a white cast (because nobody likes that!)
We highly recommend Medicalia's Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. The one and only reason why so many people are reluctant to use sunscreen (despite knowing how important it is) is because they can’t stand the texture or smell. Well with this outstanding tinted formulation there is no thick white paste or unruly sunscreen smell in sight! It feels like a lightweight moisturiser, smells divine, is loaded with anti-ageing goodies and it won’t cause itchiness thanks to its mineral formulation including both zinc and iron oxides. Very slightly tinted (though most of the tint disappears once it’s absorbed) it leaves your skin looking smoother and calmer. Oh and it protects skin against not only UVA and UVB rays (yes it provides skin with broad spectrum protection) but pollution and blue light damage omitted from our screens too! What’s more the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones too! Its outstanding!
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Switch to a lighter cleanser
When the weather is warmer we are more likely to sweat which means increased oil production! Therefore it’s important to use a gentle, yet effective cleanser that can remove impurities without stripping your skin. Gel or foam-based cleansers are ideal for summer as they feel refreshing and can help control excess oil. Just be careful not to over-cleanse, as it can lead to dryness or trigger your skin to produce even more oil.
We can’t get enough of Pevonia’s best-selling CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. It’s a lightweight oil-gel to foaming formulation which gently but deeply cleanses the skin and regulates excess oiliness without causing dryness that many gel or foaming cleansers can. It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed, soft and supple after every application.
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Incorporate antioxidants into your routine
Summer means for many of us more time outdoors (who doesn’t love a little beach action) and with that comes exposure to free radicals from UV rays, pollution, and environmental stressors. These can damage your skin, causing premature ageing and dullness. Protect your skin by incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea extract, or niacinamide into your routine. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, brighten the skin, and boost your sunscreen’s effectiveness.
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Keep your skin cool with mists
Summer heat can often make your skin feel inflamed, irritated, or sweaty. A refreshing facial mist can be a lifesaver on those hot days. Look for mists containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera and rose flower oil to cool down and hydrate your skin throughout the day. Keep one in your bag for a quick refresh whenever you need it!
I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist. A true multi-tasker, it can be used in the morning to revitalise your senses and replenish the moisture your skin has lost overnight, after your makeup to set it in place, throughout the day to help your skin stay supple and fresh (or as the perfect pick-me-up), and as a toner to enhance your evening cleanse. What’s more it will actually improve the absorption of your serum and moisturiser optimising the benefits and overall results too!
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Don’t Forget About Your Lips
When it comes to our routine our lips can often be overlooked but why shouldn’t they receive the same level as TLC as the rest of your skin! After all they can suffer from sun damage just like the rest of your face. To prevent dry, cracked lips, apply a lip balm with SPF throughout the day. Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter to keep your lips soft and protected.
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Lighten Up Your Makeup
While many of us love to wear makeup, more heavy formulations can feel uncomfortable in the heat and may clog our pores which in turn can lead to breakouts. The warmer months of spring into summer is the perfect time to embrace a more natural, lightweight look. Swap out full-coverage foundations for tinted moisturisers or BB creams with SPF for breathable, sheer coverage that still gives you a glow too.
A personal favourite of mine is the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20. For warm summer day, or those days when you want a no-makeup makeup look or don’t feel like wearing much makeup at all, this sheer tint is a winner. It offers a light, breathable coverage while providing sun protection. The mineral-based formula is gentle on the skin, making it perfect for everyday wear.
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Protect Your Skin with Clothing
As we all know sunscreen is a must but pairing it with protective clothing can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays even more. Invest in wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. These items can keep your skin safe while allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without worry.
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Stay hydrated from within
We all know drinking a sufficient amount of water is imperative and upping your water intake in the hot, summer months is even more essential. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin looking plump and radiant, and prevents dryness or flakiness. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day and consider adding hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries to your diet. I love to drink herbal tea daily too! A hot drink might sound counterintuitive but I’m here to tell it it actually cools you down while quenching your thirst!
Preparing your skin for summer is all about hydration, protection, and balance. By making a few simple adjustments to your routine—like swapping heavy moisturisers for lighter options, being religious when it comes to applying your sunscreen, and adding antioxidants to your routine, you’ll keep your skin healthy, glowing, and ready to enjoy the summer months ahead. Remember, consistency is key, so start prepping now and get your skin summer-ready!
