SUMMER SKINCARE HEROES
Warmer weather and sunnier days call for a fresh look at your skincare routine – here’s all our favourite buys for a new summer regime from cleansers to SPF
Step one: cleanse
A good skincare routine starts with the basics: beautifully clean skin. Never underestimate the power of the right cleanser to kickstart your new summer regime. Skin comes under multiple pressures during the warmer weather, blocked pores due to sweat and sunscreen, plus irritation caused by higher temperatures - so you need a hardworking cleanser in your beauty arsenal to get the job done properly.
Melt away impurities and rejuvenate tired skin with Apothecary’s Revive Nourishing Cleansing Butter that’s rich in essential oils or try Clinique’s well-loved Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm to effortlessly remove make-up and sunscreen. Sensitive skin? Then Ren’s Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel could be for you, the soothing foaming wash removes dirt, pollution and calms irritation. If you want a more traditional cream cleanser, try Formula’s Prevent & Brighten Hydrating Cleanser. And, if you need a helping hand on busy mornings, wake up tired skin with Origins Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser. Containing caffeine, it brightens, deep cleans, and invigorates.
Step two: tone
Toners have had bad press in the past for being too astringent, but modern formulations are much gentler and should be an essential part of your summer skincare routine. Designed to remove any excess dirt or impurities left on your skin after cleansing, a toner can be a valuable tool in keeping your skin calm and non-irritated. It can also help skin to absorb moisturiser more effectively – vital for keeping skin hydrated in warmer weather.
We like Pixi’s hydrating Rose Tonic, that helps to minimise redness and calm skin, whilst Ren’s Ready Steady Glow formula gently decongests clogged pores and brightens skin. Products containing hyaluronic acid such as Emma Hardie’s Pump and Glow Hydrating Facial Mist can help to keep skin hydrated, simply spray over your face day and night after cleansing. Need more heavyweight help? Alpha-H Liquid Gold is an overnight resurfacing tonic that diminishes pigmentation and sun damage – perfect for giving over-exposed skin a helping hand to recovery.
Step three: moisturise
Keeping skin hydrated in summer doesn’t mean you have to use rich, heavy moisturiser; lightweight lotions work just as well. Clinique’s classic Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion is light and easy to absorb, yet still packs a powerful moisturising punch. Ren’s Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream falls into this camp too, gentle enough for sensitive skins, it’s anti-inflammatory ingredients such as blackcurrant and camellia help protect skin against dehydration and damage caused by pollution.
If you do need a creamier moisturiser, Darphin’s Hydraskin Rich is perfect for drier complexions, containing nourishingly rich shea butter or, if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, Formula’s Ultimate Sleep Cream tackles dry, dull and dehydrated skin overnight, so you wake up refreshed with a glowing complexion. If anti-ageing properties are on your wish list too, try Elizabeth Arden’s Lift and Firm Day cream. With SPF15 for all-day protection, and ceramides and edelweiss extract to firm, hydrate and tighten, it’s the ultimate summer go-to for mature skin.
Step four: SPF
We all know that wearing SPF every day protects your skin from UV damage, which can dehydrate skin and accelerate the signs of ageing. The latest formulations came in many guises to suit your preference, from wearing a moisturiser with built-in protection such as Apothecary’s Revive Barrier Repairing Day Cream SPF 20, which works its magic for 72 hours, leaving your skin plumper and rejuvenated, or Clinique’s Moisture Surge SPF25, a lightweight cream that contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and effortlessly protects your skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Anti-pollution Face Fluid 50+ is another option from well-known sun protection brand Ultrasun, creating a barrier against urban pollution to combat both pigmentation and premature ageing. You can also layer a protective primer such as Emma Hardie’s Protect & Prime SPF30, over your everyday moisturiser or invest in Clinique’s iconic City Block SPF50, which helps to wick away perspiration and absorb excess oil, as well as protecting from the sun’s rays.
Words: Sarah Lafarge
