Does summer affect your skin?
Warmer days and humidity increase the activity of our sebaceous glands, making our skin looking oily, while the strong sunrays intensify the production of melanin – making our skin darker, but also potentially causing premature aging and dark skin spots.
With the heat, pores open up to improve the transpiration. Dirt, makeup, sweat and oil can end up clogging our pores, causing unwanted blemishes.
What can we do to maintain a heathy, glowing skin?
Start and finish your day by thoroughly washing your face using a gentle cleanser. This removes excess oil and cleanses the pores from dirt and sweat. Avoid scrubbing your face with a cloth (especially after being in the sun) as this irritates the skin. Try pat-drying the skin with a clean towel instead.
After cleansing, apply a thin layer of sunscreen on the face and neck. It is important to use a SPF30 or 50 daily in order to prevent sun damage and the premature aging of skin cells.
Make sure the skin stays hydrated throughout the day: opt for moisturising oil-free face creams that ensure hydration without making the skin oily. You want to look for ingredients such as Aloe Vera, a natural antibacterial and hydrating gel which has soothing properties and is rich in minerals and vitamins. Antioxidants also play a big role in maintaining our skin firm, young-looking and protected from free radicals, so they are another key component for a great summer cream. They can be found in several natural ingredients such as berries, grapes, but also in green tea and caffeine.
Wearing less makeup can also benefit our summer skin: concealers and foundation can be carried by our skin oils and can end up clogging our pores. Less makeup lets our skin breathe, reducing oiliness, blemishes and patchy areas.
