The harsh summer sun is not your skin’s best friend and we’ve had a hot one this year. But Wwhile many of us take the necessary care to protect our skin against the harsh NZ sun, we may not realise that the summer months can overdry the skin, wreaking havoc on your complexion and leaving it looking dull and depleted.
Moisturising is a must for healthy, glowing skin and can give great results if we understand how moisturisers work and how best to use them. By following a smart, consistent skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking its best all year long. Incorporate these tips into your daily regimen, and you’ll soon start to notice a difference.
1. Choose the Moisturiser That’s Right For You.
Our skin contains hyaluronic acid, an incredible moisturiser that can hold as much as 1,000 times its weight in water. This useful little molecule maintains a moist environment around our skin cells. Our epidermis, the outer skin layer, contains a barrier to the loss of water from the body. Both of these are weakened by summer weather and sun, as well as inflammation from dermatitis and eczema and the effects of ageing.
Moisturising creams, lotions, ointments, gels and serums will all support the skin’s moisture barrier. Using products containing ingredients such as these can help prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of your skin. For best results choose the lightest one that does the job. So in the summer, try a lightweight gel instead of a heavy cream for your skin. This will lock in hydration and keep your skin moisturised all day long.
2. Apply Moisturiser on Damp Skin
Not only is it essential to choose the right moisturiser, but also to apply it at the right time. The prime time for moisturising your skin is when it is slightly damp. As soon as you get out of the shower, towel dry your skin and apply a good amount of moisturiser. It’s best to do this within 5 minutes of getting out of the shower while your skin still holds moisture. This will help lock in hydration and give your complexion a dewy, fresh appearance.
3. Exfoliate Regularly
The key to keeping your skin looking fresh in the summer months is regular exfoliation. A layer of old, dead, dry skin cells can build up on the skin. Removing these not only exposes the brighter, healthier cells underneath but stimulates the skin to produce more fresh skin cells. Moisturisers and cleansers containing alpha hydroxy acids are very effective at sloughing away dead skin cells and cleaning out pores. Glycolic acid is the most popular alpha hydroxy acid and works by dissolving the glue holding the old, dead outer layer of skin cells together.
Today advanced products available that combine several active ingredients to rejuvenate your skin in multiple ways. Remember though, that these can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, so be sure to use a sunscreen before stepping out.
4. Go beyond Moisturiser
If you’re used to just applying some moisturiser and calling it a day, it can seem intimidating to start a multi-product skin regimen. But there’s a reason why people incorporate more steps into their daily skincare routines. Putting in a little extra effort to cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate your skin can have a transformative effect on the way it looks. So if your skin is craving moisture, try using a nourishing serum, cream or oil regularly. You may also try using a moisturising mask a couple of times a week to add a boost of hydration.
5. Use a Good Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen at the end of your daily skincare routine is possibly the most crucial step to protect your skin in the summer. It’s necessary to use it liberally every day, even if you’re trying to get a tan. While unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can help you get a golden complexion, it will also do irreparable damage to your skin.
Excessive sun exposure will speed up the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. It also eventually causes skin cancer which may arrive as early as your thirties. So stop skipping the sunscreen and make it a vital part of your summer skincare regimen.
6. Apply Skincare Products in the Right Order
When it comes to dry skin, getting a daily dose of moisture is only half the battle. Layering your skincare products in the right order is essential. After using a non-drying cleanser, apply your serum. You can then top it up with a light moisturiser to replenish your skin.
If your skin needs a little more TLC, you can also add a lightweight oil, ointment or cream as a final step. Don’t forget to wear a good quality sunscreen during the day. Following these steps in the right order will lock in hydration and keep your skin moisturised for a longer period of time.
7. Try Hydrating Cosmetic Treatments
Hydrating dermal fillers are a fast and effective way to treat dull and dehydrated skin. The procedure is suitable for anyone who wants to improve the quality and texture of their skin. It involves minimally invasive micro-injections which promote the formation of new collagen and elastin.
The results can give you plump, hydrated and fresher looking skin. The fillers are administered over two or three sessions which are four weeks apart. Maintenance sessions can be scheduled as and when required. We are currently offering this treatment at a special end of summer price of $695 for two treatments. Click here to make a booking.
8. Drink Plenty of Water
In summer, many of us spend more time outdoors which can cause internal dehydration and leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. On a hot summer day it can even lead to nausea and dizzy spells. The simplest way to combat this is by drinking plenty of water. In order to maintain the moisture balance of your body, make sure you stay hydrated. On a hot day in the sun you could easily need more than eight glasses a day.
Our Final Thoughts
If your skin is too dry and flaky, no amount of makeup can hide it. Dehydration is often the a major reason why your complexion looks dull and lifeless in the summer months. But it’s also the factor that’s easiest to treat. Follow the tips mentioned above to lock in hydration and keep your skin glowing from the inside out.
