It’s finally almost here, my favourite season – Spring! The sound of birds chirping in the early mornings, warmer days, long walks in the evening and a burst of new energy.
Every season comes with different environmental conditions that can affect your skin so it’s important to tweak your skin routine slightly according to the season.
Here are some of my top tips to keeping your skin looking glowing, radiant and protected throughout Spring and Summer.
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water is your skin’s best friend. Hot weather can dehydrate your skin, making it look dull and lifeless. Drinking adequate water has several great benefits for your skin. It helps the body flush impurities and toxins. It increases blood flow to the skin, giving a smooth and even appearance. It improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines. It also prevents the skin becoming dry and flaky. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and best beauty treatments.
2. Use sunscreen
This may seem obvious but it never ceases to surprise me how many people do not routinely wear sunscreen. Sunscreen should be worn regardless of whether you are at home or on holiday to shield your skin from harmful rays, premature ageing and to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. When choosing a sunscreen, select one with broad spectrum protection and at least SPF 30. Apply a generous amount. Always apply 20-30 minutes before you go into the sun to give it time to penetrate the skin. Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming.
3. Choose the right products
Your skin type should guide your product choices. If you have oily skin, hot weather may exacerbate it. Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products designed not to block your pores. For dry skin, a hydrating serum followed by a moisturiser can provide the extra boost of hydration your skin needs.
4. Stay in the shade
Although the sun has important health benefits, an estimated 90% of skin ageing is caused by the sun. Wearing sunscreen does not mean you can spend longer in the sun. Minimise direct sun exposure and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest – typically between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Be sure to cover up with suitable clothing and invest in a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses and do not let your skin burn.
5. Nourish your skin
Fruits and vegetables are great at nourishing the skin. Citrus fruits such as pineapples and oranges are packed in vitamin C which supports collagen production which the skin needs to maintain its structure and elasticity. Avocados help the skin stay supple and hydrated. Red grapes contain resveratrol and reduce the effects of ageing. Spinach and red bell peppers are rich antioxidants.
6. Try a revitalising mask once a week
Masks are becoming increasingly popular. Revitalising masks are great at restoring skin balance, moisturising the skin and improving skin elasticity. A chilled face mask can also provide relief from the heat and reduce inflammation. Using a mask once a week can help improve your skin defences. They also help rejuvenate dry, dull or tired skin. Additional benefits include clearer pores, boosting hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating a firmer, tighter and fresh glow. They can be super relaxing too!
7. Use antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect the skin’s surface from damage caused by free radicals. You can include antioxidants in your diet in the form of foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C serum can also be added to your skincare regime to help improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and premature ageing to give you smoother, brighter and even looking skin.
8. Take cool showers
Everyone loves a warm shower but cool showers have multiple benefits for your skin. Unlike hot water, cool water does not dry out the sebum layer, the natural lubricated protective skin barrier. Cool water also improves the blood flow to the skin and is particularly helpful in calming itchy skin.
Thank you for reading. Enjoy the sun and hope you find my tips helpful.
Water is your skin’s best friend. Hot weather can dehydrate your skin, making it look dull and lifeless. Drinking adequate water has several great benefits for your skin. It helps the body flush impurities and toxins. It increases blood flow to the skin, giving a smooth and even appearance. It improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines. It also prevents the skin becoming dry and flaky. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and best beauty treatments.
2. Use sunscreen
This may seem obvious but it never ceases to surprise me how many people do not routinely wear sunscreen. Sunscreen should be worn regardless of whether you are at home or on holiday to shield your skin from harmful rays, premature ageing and to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. When choosing a sunscreen, select one with broad spectrum protection and at least SPF 30. Apply a generous amount. Always apply 20-30 minutes before you go into the sun to give it time to penetrate the skin. Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming.
3. Choose the right products
Your skin type should guide your product choices. If you have oily skin, hot weather may exacerbate it. Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products designed not to block your pores. For dry skin, a hydrating serum followed by a moisturiser can provide the extra boost of hydration your skin needs.
4. Stay in the shade
Although the sun has important health benefits, an estimated 90% of skin ageing is caused by the sun. Wearing sunscreen does not mean you can spend longer in the sun. Minimise direct sun exposure and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest – typically between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Be sure to cover up with suitable clothing and invest in a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses and do not let your skin burn.
5. Nourish your skin
Fruits and vegetables are great at nourishing the skin. Citrus fruits such as pineapples and oranges are packed in vitamin C which supports collagen production which the skin needs to maintain its structure and elasticity. Avocados help the skin stay supple and hydrated. Red grapes contain resveratrol and reduce the effects of ageing. Spinach and red bell peppers are rich antioxidants.
6. Try a revitalising mask once a week
Masks are becoming increasingly popular. Revitalising masks are great at restoring skin balance, moisturising the skin and improving skin elasticity. A chilled face mask can also provide relief from the heat and reduce inflammation. Using a mask once a week can help improve your skin defences. They also help rejuvenate dry, dull or tired skin. Additional benefits include clearer pores, boosting hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating a firmer, tighter and fresh glow. They can be super relaxing too!
7. Use antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect the skin’s surface from damage caused by free radicals. You can include antioxidants to your diet in the form of foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C serum can also be added to your skincare regime to help improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and premature ageing to give you smoother, brighter and even looking skin.
8. Take cool showers
Everyone loves a warm shower but cool showers have multiple benefits for your skin. Unlike hot water, cool water does not dry out the sebum layer, the natural lubricated protective skin barrier. Cool water also improves the blood flow to the skin and is particularly helpful in calming itchy skin.
There you have it – try my tested tips to achieve beautiful, luminous skin and let me know how you get on.
