When the sun is out, you should be thinking of the closest beach you can visit to cool off in the water. Instead, you wake up looking at how greasy your skin looks in the mirror, and that is even before the sunscreen has been applied!
If you notice changes to your face in Summer, you can blame the quick transition from normal to oily skin on the humidity. In a panic, you may try to wash your fash profusely, however, there are more effective ways to control your oil production and exposure to the elements. Avoid the pore-clogging, sweating and skin burning, and take greater care of your Summer skin through following this easy guide. From sun protection to an essential cleansing skincare routine, you can feel more confident without the glistening skin.
How Your Skin Reacts to Summer vs Winter
Your skin really does not like the change in weather, even though it happens every year. Skin takes a while to adjust, and in the process, you may end up with the dryest or oiliest skin of your life. It is often not just the temperature itself that affects the skin, but rather how we as humans react to it.
When it is cold, we have heaters on often and hot showers which cause dryness and flakiness. During this time, heavy-duty moisturisers, and nourishment is a must for your skin, especially if you suffer from eczema. On the opposite side, the winter months really amp up cravings for carbs and sugar from comfort food, however, this can increase the oil production in your skin.
In transitional periods where high winds are present, your skin can be stripped of its moisture, leaving your skin rough and dry. The dust and pollen in the air can work against your skin’s natural oils and can create itchiness and inflammation. Your skin’s protective barrier, the stratum corneum, is at risk when exposed to the harsh elements such as UV rays and wind, which increases dead skin cells.
Alternatively, when the humidity is present, your body produces sweat to cool down. Then the oils of your skin start to fill your pores, which may lead to acne, blackheads and exceptionally shiny skin. The extra exposure to UV rays in the warmer months can accelerate the ageing process such as creating fine lines, wrinkles and age spots which are absolutely not ideal.
The dehydration experience in Summer can create dry skin spots, and despite popular belief, oily skin can be dehydrated which forces your glands to produce even more oil to compensate. This could result in a nasty looking breakout during these Summer months. Any wind or harsh elements that your skin has been exposed to over the year can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage during the Summer period. If you are trying to understand the type of skin you are experiencing such as dry, oily or sensitive skin, check out our Men’s Skin Type Guide.
How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer
Now that the seasonal effects on your skin are understood, how can you tackle your Summer skincare routine? There are a few areas to consider, involving how to clean your face as well as sun protection. A combination of these care tips will lead to your skin looking healthy and non-irritated whilst slowing down the ageing process.
1. Cleansing
Whilst washing your face profusely is not the way to solve oily skin, a light foaming face wash in Summer can help prevent sunscreen, dirt and oils from building up. Twice a day is enough, as any more can cause the opposite effect where your body starts increasing the oil production to compensate.
Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient to look out for in cleansers during summer, as well as a lightweight cleanser which will not clog pores further. The results of this will be smooth skin, as you will not strip your skin of all moisture, but simultaneously not suffocate oily skin.
Non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating cleansers are essential for your Summer skincare routine, and try a vitamin C serum after cleansing to stimulate collagen production to slow down the ageing process and avoid hyper-pigmentation.
2. Hydration & Moisture
Whilst those with oily skin may feel hydration is not necessary, this is untrue. Dry spots can develop even if the rest of your face is oily. You should increase your water intake in Summer to ten glasses a day, and even more if you are having caffeinated drinks. Drinking more water will not only hydrate your skin but also speed up any sunburn recovery.
Summer sweat may have you showering more times a day, which dries out your skin. Picking a Summer moisturiser should involve a product that is light-weight, with ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Perhaps opt for a gel moisturiser or another water-based product as these are known to not encourage further oil production. This differs greatly from the rich, thick moisturisers you need in Winter.
The best time to apply moisturiser is after a shower, to lock in the water moisture whilst you carry on the rest of the day. If you notice that instead of excess oils, your skin is feeling dryer in the Summertime commonly due to swimming often, a hydrating serum with natural ingredients like avocado oil, aloe vera and turmeric may be added to your routine for brightening.
3. Sun Protection
The first way to protect your skin from the sun is to remove yourself from the harshest UV ray period, which is between 10 am-2 pm. You need to apply water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF 30. Reapplying every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating can protect your skin for age spots, cancer and sagging. Opt for a matte finish sunscreen for the face in particular to control oil, such as products that involve Silica. And put a hat on your head for the day to create more shade which protects your skin from the harsh elements.
4. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells that build up on your body and should be used to handle oil overproduction once or twice a week. The worst thing you can do to your skin is over-exfoliate, especially when used with an abrasive tool or harsh chemicals. However, one chemical that can be beneficial for your skin is Glycolic acid, especially at night as it can create skin sensitivity towards the sun.
Exfoliation can remove excess oils built up from sunscreen also, however, if you realise you are over-exfoliating, you can hydrate your skin’s natural epidermal barrier. A skin peel can be completed to exfoliate, but ensure you stay out of the direct sun for 3-5 days in order to give your skin time to heal. If you are unsure about the best way to treat your skin, especially if it is acting differently in the summertime, consulting one of our skin professionals about potential skin treatments options could be beneficial for you.
Conclusively, the ultimate skincare routine requires a few changes for the Summer weather. This is because Summer can create excess oil production as well as dry spots from showering more often. Ultimately, you should start your skincare routine with a foaming cleanser and vitamin C serum. Then, add in greater hydration and a lightweight water-based moisturizer. Finally, exfoliate around two times a week to avoid abrasion, and this will handle oil and dirt removal from the skin to have your skin feeling smooth without the shine.
