In the scorching summer heat, our skincare routines can often feel like a battle against the elements. With temperatures soaring, it's easy to feel like your makeup is melting off and your skin is rebelling. But fear not, because renowned facialist Joanne Evans and skincare expert Dr. Maryam Zamani have some invaluable tips to keep your skin healthy and happy during these hot months.
The Heatwave Challenge
The summer heatwave presents a unique set of challenges for our skin. From increased sweating and water loss to heightened UV exposure, our skin barriers are under immense stress. This can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased likelihood of breakouts. It's a tough time for even the most committed skincare enthusiasts!
Lightweight Moisturizers: A Summer Essential
One of the key recommendations from Evans and Zamani is to opt for lightweight moisturizers or gel creams during the summer months. Heavy creams can trap heat, sweat, and sebum on the skin, exacerbating the risk of breakouts. However, it's important to remember that every skin type is unique. Some individuals may still require heavier creams, even during the summer, and that's perfectly fine, as Dr. Zamani notes.
Protecting the Skin Barrier
Our skin barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. In hot weather, it's essential to protect and support it. Evans suggests using products like Mesoprotech Water Veil, which contains hyaluronic acid and provides high photo protection with its ultra-light gel-cream texture. Dr. Zamani emphasizes the importance of wearing SPF, avoiding over-exfoliation, and using pH-balanced cleansers and moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide.
Retinol Adjustments
While you don't have to avoid actives altogether, it's advisable to reduce retinoids to once or twice a week during the summer. Evans recommends applying them in the evenings, followed by a nourishing moisturizer, and stopping if any sensitivity or irritation occurs. However, if the skin shows no signs of irritation, maintaining retinoids is fine, as Dr. Zamani adds.
Keeping Creams Cool
Storing your creams in a cool place can make a big difference in your skincare routine. Some products, like eye creams, sheet masks, facial mists, and gel moisturizers, can be kept in the fridge for an extra refreshing experience. However, Dr. Zamani cautions that most skincare products are formulated to remain stable at room temperature, and unnecessary refrigeration can alter their texture.
Locking in Moisture
Hyaluronic acid can be more effectively absorbed when applied to damp skin after cleansing. Evans suggests sitting in front of a fan to cool down and then applying SPF as the final step. Dr. Zamani adds that completing your skincare routine within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower, especially in the morning, is crucial.
Reapplication: A Non-Negotiable
Despite the counterintuitive feeling, adding thin layers of product frequently can keep your skin in its best condition, especially when it comes to sun protection. Both experts emphasize that reapplying SPF every two hours if you're outdoors, driving, exercising, or near windows is essential. Even if you're mostly indoors, a morning application is sufficient, but reapplying before heading outside later in the day is still recommended.
Soothing Irritated Skin
Skin irritation is common during the summer due to heat, sweat, and sunscreen. Washing with cool or cold water, or even an ice bath for the face, can provide relief. Evans suggests using lightweight products and, if all else fails, antihistamines for their anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Zamani recommends blotting papers over repeatedly applying powder to remove excess oil without a cakey finish.
Foundation Tips
In hot weather, heavy makeup can congest and irritate the skin as sweat builds up. Evans recommends opting for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or medium-build coverage if needed. She suggests the Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation, Mesoestetics 130+ tinted SPF for pigmentation concerns, and Aveen for sensitive skin.
The Art of Layering
Taking your time and letting each layer of skincare sink in is crucial for long-lasting results and to prevent pilling. When applying foundation, do so in thin layers. Mineral powders, mattifying primers, and facial mists can help keep things in place and provide a refreshing finish.
The Power of Preparation
As Dr. Zamani wisely states, "Preparation is everything." Throughout the day, using blotting papers instead of powder can help remove excess oil without creating a cakey look. In summer, the most natural-looking makeup enhances healthy skin rather than masking it.
Gentle Double Cleanse
At the end of the day, a gentle double cleanse is essential to remove all the buildup on your skin. Evans recommends first cleansing with an oil-based product to remove SPF, followed by a second cleanse with a gel or micellar water. This ensures all the suncream, makeup, sweat, and pollution are removed, supporting the skin barrier.
In conclusion, the summer heatwave presents unique skincare challenges, but with the right preparation and products, your skin can thrive. Remember, every skin type is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your individual needs. Stay cool, and keep your skin happy and healthy!
