Modifying the care of your complexion in line with the seasons doesn’t have to be a big undertaking or a big investment. Often a few purposeful substitutes can make the world of difference, especially when going from Winter to Summer. When it comes to my home regime, a few simple, strategic swaps always see me through when transitioning to warmer weather…
✔ Change over your rich and nourishing moisturiser for a lightweight lotion, gel or water-based emulsion to prevent occlusion and congestion. I like Victoria Beckham Beauty The Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser and Biologique Recherche Emulsion Gel Biosensible
✔ Up the anti with antioxidants. Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Superoxide Dismutase are all incredibly beneficial at keeping the skin clear and bright, promoting collagen stores and shielding against free radicals that can be more damaging in the summertime
✔ Ensure you’re cleansing twice in the evenings – once with a milk, balm or oil to remove makeup, pollution, dirt and oil and then with an active formula that contains AHAs or enzymes to ensure the pores are completely free of sweat, free radicals and debris
✔ Exfoliate with a manual scrub, enzyme mask or liquid acid blend 2-3 x per week in the evenings to refine and clarify the complexion. I like Cosmedix Purity Detox Scrub, Biologique Lotion P50and Odacite Bioactive Rose Gommage
✔ Apply broad spectrum SPF as the final step in your regime, each and every morning. Most modern formulations contain a host of hydrators so can double as your day cream and suncare in one
✔ Store your restorative winter favourites in the fridge – they’ll keep well for a few months and you can revisit them again come Autumn
Once your home regime is well underway, there are a few other things you can incorporate to ensure that you’re keeping your skin supple, vibrant and strong all summer long!
✔ Prioritise hydration first. Something I’m always trying to get better at! I find having a big glass of room temperature water upon waking – as much as I love my coffee – always starts the day on the right note. I notice better digestion, improved energy and mental clarity and a reduction in sugar cravings
✔ Top up wherever, whenever you can. If you’re not a keen water drinker, I find placing a few carafes around your home, office, or home office acts as a good reminder. I like to add a few slices of cucumber, mint, grapefruit or lemon to boost hydration and keep it interesting
✔ Go faux! I’m a huge advocate for sunless tans – there are so many wonderful formulations that give a beautiful, bronzed and olive-toned glow and without streaking, mottling and dryness. I love a mousse or cream and always apply with a tanning mitt after a vigorous scrub and ice-cold rinse in the shower. A fine layer of your favourite body cream over the heels, knees and elbows helps with hyperabsorption in these areas too
✔ Eat the rainbow. So many of my favourite antioxidant-dense, skin-boosting foods are in season during the warmer months – like avocados, berries, cherries, tomatoes, bright green leaves, mangoes and cucumber. Summer for me is the best time for big, bright salads with cold pressed Olive Oil and grilled wild fish
✔ Maintain microdermabrasion, peels and LED Light Therapy. In-Studio treatments during the summer are a great time for boosting cell turnover, infusing actives, refining, brightening and really boosting collagen and elastin in the complexion that can be effected with the increase in UVA and UVB exposure
✔ Don’t forget your neck, decollete and hands. These areas are particularly susceptible to sun damage and are more exposed as the mercury rises, so make sure you’re taking your skin care right down to the bust, topping up your SPF throughout the day and applying whatever’s left to the backs of your hands
