Summer is well and truly upon us. For some this means jetting off and exploring cobbled streets and balmy beaches while for others it translates to seeking out the best UK sunbathing spots. No matter what your seasonal calendar has in store, one thing we can predict is that the temperatures will rise (at least we hope they will). And while wall-to-wall sunshine may sound like paradise to many, the heat can cause havoc on the skin for some. But don’t sweat it… Here at Cult Beauty, we caught up with Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, to understand everything we need to know about keeping our skin happy, healthy and hydrated during the rising climes.
WHAT EFFECTS CAN A HEATWAVE HAVE ON OUR SKIN
While we would never wish away the summer days, the heat can pose many challenges to our skin. Dr Deborah Lee breaks down what skin concerns typically arise when we are forecasted with warmer climes. “Blood vessels are dilated during heatwaves, so water is quickly lost from the skin’s surface causing dehydration. With this, skin tends to appear red, and feel dry and irritated. Excess sweating also causes excess sebum production, making the skin feel greasier than usual too. Skin rashes (such as prickly heat) occur when little bubbles of sweat are trapped under the skin and UV exposure increases the risk of sunburn, hyperpigmentation and sunspots.” Along with this, increasing sweating and sensitivity can also exacerbate existing skin conditions . “With your moisture barrier’s function already impaired, high temperatures encourages water evaporation within the skin, making conditions worse. Blemishes tend to appear more during the summer months and the increase in sebum production can cause clogged pores”.
SO, HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR SKIN IS DEHYDRATED
Many things can cause dehydrated skin – from lack of sleep and not drinking enough water to hot showers and, most commonly, warm weather. “According to Water Logic, only 53% of the UK population is staying hydrated on a daily basis. Most of us are unaware of it. Yet even 1% dehydration can cause disruptions in our body. The water content of the skin is vital to maintain optimum skin functioning. Water carries nutrients to our dermis and removes waste products. Well-hydrated skin looks glowing and plumped up, while dehydrated skin loses its radiance, feels tight, is irritable and heightens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN DURING A HEATWAVE
The good news is that all the above can be avoided as Dr Deborah Lee shares her top tips for keeping skin heatwave-happy…
01 Hydrate with hyaluronic acid
It's more important than ever to keep your skin hydrated during the warmer weather. That’s where hyaluronic acid comes into play. “Humectants are substances that attract and draw water from the deep layers of the skin to the skin's surface. Hyaluronic acid is a good example of this and vital during the summer months. It acts as a prime skin moisturiser as it can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Other substances which can improve your complexion’s hydration include honey, glycerine and AHAs.”
SHOP ALL HYALURONIC ACID SKIN CARE >>> READ MORE ABOUT HYALURONIC ACID >>> 02 Keep yourself cool
“Along with drinking cold drinks and indulging in regular lukewarm baths and showers, face mists are also a great way to keep you cool when on the go”. Offering an instant skin refresh, the summer saviours are packed with ingredients that replenish, revive and renew parched complexions. Simply spritz throughout the day and let the formula air dry.
SHOP ALL FACE MISTS >>> READ MORE ABOUT FACE MISTS >>> 03 Slather on the sunscreen
Use SPF Factor 30 or 50 on the face and any other area that’s exposed to the sun. “Choose a sunscreen with at least 4-5 stars for anti UVA protection. Apply it liberally half an hour before going outside in the sun by spreading it over the skin and letting it dry. Ensure to reapply your sunscreen again during the day and after exercise, excessive sweating, or swimming”
SHOP ALL SPF >>> READ MORE ABOUT SUNSCREEN >>> 04 Moisturise more often than usual
As we’ve previously mentioned, rising climes can cause dryness, sensitivity and increased oil production. Therefore, moisturising daily from head-to-toe is more important than ever. This vital step will lock in some much-needed moisture while nourishing your skin and limbs. What’s more, while it may be tempting to take a dip in the pool to cool yourself down, your body’s natural moisture can evaporate with the water after your swim. To prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated “exfoliate 1-3 times a week and always moisturise after being in the water (this includes your showers too)”.
SHOP ALL BODY MOISTURISERS >>> 05 Opt for lightweight make up
Not only is the heat dehydrating, but moving from the outdoors into air-conditioned rooms can be very drying too. With that in mind, one thing you can do to help is try to “avoid heavy make up as this can clog pores.” For heatwave-friendly make up, instead of full-coverage foundations opt for featherweight formulas that offer additional hydration (we’re talking tinted moisturisers), to help reduce blemishes, breakouts and excess oil production.
SHOP ALL TINTED MOISTURISERS >>> READ MORE ABOUT TINTED MOISTURISERS >>> THE DO’S AND DON’TS DURING A HEATWAVE
To conclude, Dr Deborah Lee presents us with her daily checklist to ensure the skin survives soaring the climes…
- Keep out of the midday sun between the hours of 11am – 3pm when possible.
- Apply sunscreen factor 30+ SPF liberally, half an hour before going out in the sun, and allow it to dry on the skin. If you are very fair-skinned, use a sunscreen SPF Factor 50+.
- Drink plenty of water (aim for three litres as day). To help achieve this easily, start with a large glass of water when you wake up in the morning, drink a large glass of water with every meal, fill a water bottle and take it with you during the day and drink a large glass of water an hour before bedtime.
- Limit make up application when walking around in hot climes to avoid clogged pores.
- Swap out your heavy creams for moisturisers with SPF protection.
SHOP ALL SUMMER BEAUTY >>> 
