How to look after your skin in warm weather
It’s time to lighten up with fresh serums and gel-like textures. Meet your new-season skincare heroes
The change in season is the perfect opportunity for a skincare switch up, and now is the right time to give your skin a bit more love in readiness for the sunnier times to come. While your summer holiday may be on hold, the recent surge in temperature is the perfect call for a more targeted regime.
‘Warm weather can be very harsh for our complexions,’ says top facial therapist Nataliya Robinson. ‘Heat, changes in humidity and UV radiation dehydrate the skin – even through windows – and lead to premature ageing, so the most important things to focus on during the summer months are protecting it and infusing it with moisture.’ We spoke to Nataliya and oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani, to help you navigate the seasonal transition.
Clean and serene
First things first, go back to basics and get your cleansing right. ‘Use a cleanser and exfoliator that are gentle on the skin,’ advises Dr Zamani. ‘Summer months mean more perspiration, so you want something that will help keep your pores clean without irritation.’
We love Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water, which gently removes make-up and impurities without the need to rinse. And for a non-scratchy exfoliator that’s perfect for sensitive skin, try Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish, which contains lavender and vetiver to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate skin.
Lighten up
‘With hotter temperatures, we tend to sweat more – and if we’re covered in heavy moisturiser and make-up, this can cause a build-up of product, leading to clogged pores and outbreaks of spots,’ says Dr Zamani, who advises ditching heavier foundations for light, tinted BB creams and non-comedogenic products.
‘Choose skincare with light, water-based and gel-like textures,’ says Nataliya. ‘Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid are perfect ingredients for the warmer months. My motto for summer skincare is minimum intensity, maximum delicacy.’
Serums are ideal new-season companions as they’re packed full of antioxidants and skin-loving actives and won’t sit on the skin like heavy creams and oils. Vitamin C is a summer skin hero thanks to its free radical-fighting prowess – we love cult brand Sunday Riley's C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Quench parched complexions with Fresh Rose Face Mask.
Calm down
‘It goes without saying that a high protection SPF is paramount,’ says Nataliya. However, even with the best of intentions, our skin can end up less than happy. ‘Sunscreen can trigger sensitivities in some people,’ says Dr Zamani. ‘If this happens, switch from a chemical to a mineral sunscreen. Photosensitivity can occur when an ingredient is either ingested or applied topically then exposed to sunlight, causing redness, irritation, sunburn or hyperpigmentation. Some of the main culprits are vitamin A derivatives like retinol, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, so try and avoid where possible.’ Dr Zamani also advises wearing breathable fabrics and ditching heavy body lotions to prevent heat rash.
Vexed complexions will love Origins’ Mega Mushroom Relief Serum, which works to intercept inflammatory triggers within the skin to reduce redness and irritation. For summer breakouts, try Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum which soothes inflammation as well as diminishing blemishes.
Stay cool
When the heat is on, keep your cool by storing products in the fridge for a refreshing moisture hit. ‘When washing your face during warm weather, use cold water or cooled herbal infusions, like chamomile and green tea bags,’ says Nataliya. ‘Freeze serum in ice-cube trays and use the cubes to do a homemade version of a cryo massage. It helps to improve tone and is instantly refreshing.’
To cool skin during the day, we love the gently invigorating Eve Lom Radiance Face Mist. And don’t forget to treat the delicate skin around your eyes – try the No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes from Origins.