Published July 09, 2021
Want the secret to glowing summer skin? Just keep reading.
Yes, it may be a wetter summer for us in England, but the change in climate and temperature still very much calls for a change in skincare.
Towards the end of spring is when I usually tend to change over my skincare to something a little more gentle. In contrast to my winter skincare which is much more moisturising, summer skincare should be UV protecting and a more cleansing focused.
Without further ado.
As I mentioned, cleansing is super important in the summer due to the build up of excess sweat and oils which lead to clogged pores. In the summer, with the exception of sensitive or dry skin types, you must double cleanse to remove all of the dirt and SPF (which I will get on to later).
These are the top rated cleansers that actually work!
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm - Available at LOOKFANTASTIC - removes makeup, SPF and dirt.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - Available at LOOKFANTASTIC - recommended by dermatologists.
Cerave - Available at LOOKFANTASTIC - removes makeup and dirt from deep within pores and is much more affordable.
This is an essential for me during the summer, so much so that I even carry one in my handbag. Face mists lightly hydrate the skin plus cools the skin surface and if used as part of your skincare routine adds to the cleansing process.
My favourite face mists on the market right now are: [Rose + Hyaluronic Acid] - Ultra-Fine Glow Facial Mist - by Symbiosis London
Vitamin E Skin Cooling Gel Mist - Available at The Body Shop - Definitely check out their full range of mists too whilst you’re there!
During the summer months where I try to wear lighter makeup, I focus a lot more on my skincare and as I struggle with dark circles I cannot live without eye cream.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème available at Boots.
The perfect eye primer and treatment combo. [R.N.A.+ Collagen] - Lifting & Firming Eye Serum by Symbiosis London - A lighter alternative to a cream, this serum targets fine lines and wrinkles (which come out a lot for me during Summer too thanks to all the squinting).
There are endless serums on the market now. Serums are a great addition into your skincare, but it's important to research what ingredients are needed for your specific concern. There are also certain serums you should not mix with other ingredients in your skincare so make sure you are clued up on that before introducing a serum into your skincare routine.
If you’re new to the serum world, I would highly recommend starting with the most affordable range of skincare on the market, The Ordinary, it’s cut back ingredients and low prices mean you can really test what your skin needs.
Shop The Ordinary at LOOKFANTASTIC or Boots.
For a mid range option, try Medik8 also available at LOOKFANTASTIC
Opt for a lighter moisturiser in the summer as your skin is not exposed to such harsh conditions as it may be in the winter.
The 3 summer moisturisers:
[Hyaluronic Acid + Retinoids] - Full Neck Firmness Enhancing Treatment by Symbiosis London - This is a lightweight formula with Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol both incredibly key ingredients for the rejuvenation of skin and locking in that moisture.
Elemis Pro Collagen Creams available at LOOKFANTASTIC - Pair these with the Elemis cleansing balm and you have a dream team. You could even get away with using only these two products before SPF for a lazy summer skincare routine.
Neutrogena Hydro Gel available at Boots and LOOKFANTASTIC - This is my go to moisturiser in the summer. It hydrates AND cools. It’s super lightweight and oil free which is a win as you don't need that added into the mix, plus it's beautiful under makeup. This is a major dupe for Clinique’s moisture surge (also available at Boots and LOOKFANTASTIC.
I have tried and tested both and honestly, Clinique offers not a whole lot more so save your pennies go with Neutrogena.
As opposed to using a moisturiser at nighttime you may opt for an oil. It’s still important to repair your skin at night during the summer especially after a day of it being exposed to direct sunlight. Oils can be a lighter alternative to some night moisturisers. I prefer to use oils on their own in the summer but it's entirely up to you.
These are my top oils:
[Collagen + Sweet Almond] - Anti-Ageing Facial Oil by Symbiosis London- A fantastic oil for all ages. What I have learnt is that it’s important to start using anti ageing products in your early 20s to do just that, prevent ageing. You ideally don't want to wait until you see the signs of ageing, you want to avoid them in the first place.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery now available at LOOKFANTASTIC - a higher end product that I always come back to. It's natural, botanical and smells incredible even my partner compliments me on it! It works wonders overnight and I highly recommend it.
Estee Lauder Night Repair available at Boots and LOOKFANTASTIC - the holy grail of products. The best thing about oils is that they last for months and months. They will easily last throughout the summer so it's well worth spending the pennies on them. SPF If you take away nothing else from this list, I hope you remember this one step.
This is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL in the summer. It is just as vital in the winter too. You must, must, MUST wear SPF every single day, no matter the weather, temperature or activity. If you are exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time (i.e. sunbathing in Ibiza…. Wishful thinking?) you have got to reapply.
There is one SPF that I would recommend for all.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF30 50ml available at Boots and LOOKFANTASTIC - They have a wonderful range for all skin types so definitely check them out!
DUPE alert: whilst I couldn't recommend La Roche-Posay enough, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative with nearly identical ingredients then Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid is your best friend. Available at Boots and LOOKFANTASTIC
I love a facemask, as mentioned there is a significant increase in the amount of oil and sweat that gets built up in our pores during the summer. So treat your skin, perhaps weekly, to these detoxifying masks.
Available from The Body Shop : Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask Himalayan, Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask
[Rose + AHA] - In Depth Detoxifying & Oxygenating Mask - by Symbiosis
So there we have it, the ultimate summer skincare necessities. And as I said if you take away nothing else, cleanse, moisturise, SPF!!!
Anna Taylor - VoucherShares.co.uk
More blogs from Anna:
Shiseido, Garnier or Simple? Let’s talk about SPF
Step by Step How To for Beautiful Natural Nails
Veganuary Beauty - Top Vegan Beauty Brands
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