Summer is fast approaching, and protecting and nourishing your skin against the increased sun, humidity and heat is essential to keeping it healthy.
With this in mind, beauty experts at Alinea Lipo NYC have shared their top tips for adjusting your skincare routine during the sunnier months.
Always protect your skin from the sun
This is arguably the most important tip on the list, and if it’s not already incorporated into your daily skincare routine, make sure it is this season. It’s recommended that you apply a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse, but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin from damage. Doing so will help reduce your risk of skin cancer, premature aging, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation.
Remember to apply sunscreen all over, including those easy-to-miss areas, such as your ears, neck, and exposed scalp. Reapply as the day goes on, as sweating, water, and increased movement can lead to sunscreen rubbing off, leaving you unprotected.
Maintain hydration from the inside out
It sounds obvious, but drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only nourishes your body, but also keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out, so be sure not to neglect this.
Eating water-rich foods, such as oranges, cucumbers, avocados, and even sweet potatoes, is also a great way to achieve glowing and hydrated skin.
During the warmer seasons, opt for a lightweight moisturiser to hydrate your skin. Look for ones that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera and lactic acid, as these help to lock in moisture.
Keep a cucumber or rose facial mist handy to hydrate your skin on the go for an easy refresh.
Managing oil and sweat
If you can, choose oil-free and non-comedogenic skincare products. These are specifically designed to prevent clogged pores, which can lead to product buildup, breakouts, and blemishes.
Blotting papers can be a great way to manage your oil and sweat, as these small, compact sheets absorb excess oil on your skin. Gently press the sheet to oily areas, such as your nose, forehead and chin, until the sheet has absorbed all it can.
However, be careful not to over-blot your skin by repeatedly removing all oil, as this can lead to increased production of oil on your skin.
Gentle exfoliation is key
With our skin naturally renewing itself every 28 days, exfoliating two to three times a week removes dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that glue them together, allowing new cells to surface. This not only reduces the risk of clogged pores, which can be more prevalent in the heat, but it also gives your skin an instant boost of glow.
Gentle exfoliation can also smooth the skin’s surface, even out skin texture and minimize the appearance of discolouration, providing a smooth base for makeup application.
Remember to find the exfoliator that works for you and your skin and always opt for a gentle one, staying away from harsh and irritating ingredients such as perfumes, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulphate.
Opt for light makeup in the sun
Under a blazing sun, a full face of makeup can feel heavy and may not withstand the heat. Instead, opt for a lightweight and breathable base, such as a lighter foundation or BB cream, to go on top of your sunscreen.
Embrace the beautiful glow that the summer gives us, swapping matte powders and lipsticks for light, illuminating setting powders and tinted lip balms. Finish with a refreshing setting spray to keep your makeup in place all day.
Don’t overload your skin with new products
It is important to remember that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can evoke skincare issues or exacerbate existing ones.
Aim to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a daily basis. Using one product at a time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. These steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in the warm weather.
Dr. Ammar Mahmoud from Alinea Lipo NYC adds:
“The summer can bring challenges to your skin, so adapting your skincare routine to this warmer season is vital. This is especially important if you’re experiencing or expecting a heatwave, such as those across the northern and the southern Plains, the Southwest and Texas.
“This guide emphasizes the importance of hydration, UV protection, and gentle exfoliation to protect and nourish your skin’s barrier. Hopefully, these tips can offer inspiration to those struggling with issues of oiliness, irritation or sun damage during these warmer months.”
