Summer brings the promise of long days enjoying the hot weather, either in the UK or on holiday in far-flung destinations. But while we’re looking forward to the sunny season, high temperatures and dry conditions can cause damage to our complexions.
Skin care treatments help keep skin looking young and healthy. However, if you’re looking for a way to prevent damage in the first place, follow these five essential tips.
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SPF
Sun protection is absolutely everything when it comes to looking after your skin. Tanning is a response to damage already being done to our DNA by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This damage significantly increases the risk of skin cancer – so that ‘healthy tan’ is actually the total opposite!
Both UV-A and UV-B rays cause this damage, but UV-A rays also cause a secondary problem: they break down the natural collagen in our skin. A lack of collagen can lead to premature ageing and thin, papery skin. UV-B exposure increases in summer and decreases in winter,but UV-A is present year-round. That means the best thing you can do to keep your skin healthy is use your SPF, even on cloudy days but especially in the summer sun.
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Cleansing and moisturising
A great skincare routine which includes a cleanser, treatments and a moisturiser is the foundation of healthy skin, and it becomes even more important in summer when you’re going to be applying more sun protection than usual. When you’re safely out of the sun for the day, do a double-cleanse (once to remove your products, and again to cleanse your skin) and apply a rich moisturiser to counteract the drying effects of summer’s hot air.
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Shade
SPF is essential regardless of your plans for the day, but the best thing you can do for your skin is to stay out of the sun completely, or at least avoid it during the times of day when the sun is at its strongest. This is usually from around 11am until 3-4pm. Seek out shade and take steps to protect your skin, such as a wide-brimmed hat, to keep the rays off your skin and ensure you never burn.
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Water
Dehydration leads to dry, dull skin among many other issues, and naturally our risk of dehydration is significantly higher in hot weather. The usual recommendation is to drink 1.2 litres of water on a normal day, and during a heatwave this increases to about 3 litres, so fill up your favourite reusable bottle and drink up at regular intervals – not all in one go.
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Face mist
Face mists are incredibly refreshing on a hot day, and if you choose the right one, can also help to achieve your skincare goals. Look for sprays that are free from alcohol, which can be very drying, and instead contain ingredients like aloe, glycerin or minerals for a hit of hydration on the go.
How skin care treatment at Helen Hunt can rescue damaged skin
A skin care treatment at Helen Hunt can reverse the harmful effects of the sun, treating wrinkles and fine lines and restoring a natural, youthful glow.
Helen recommends skin peels, medical-grade skin care products or micro needling treatment for fine lines, so if you’re ready to invest in your best skin yet, book a free consultation at Helen Hunt.
As an experienced aesthetic practitioner, Helen can guide you through the entire aesthetic treatment process, from an initial chat to comprehensive aftercare.
