From summer shine to dehydration! A LloydsPharmacy expert reveals how to look after your skin this summer with summer skin protection …
Aside from the usual year-round advice for looking after our skin – eat a well-balanced diet, keep hydrated, don’t smoke, consume alcohol in moderation and sleep enough – summer can have its own unique challenges on our skin.
Kate Taylor, a LloydsPharmacy pharmacist, is here to give her top tips on how to ensure your summer skin is well looked after…
Use high protection
First and foremost, the importance of sun protection against harmful UVA, UVB and Infrared A rays cannot be overstated, not only to reduce skin ageing from sun damage but also to reduce the risk of skin cancers. While certain beauty products, such as moisturisers, often contain some sun protection, if you are spending time outside, you should invest in a quality sun cream such as Solero which protects skin against UVA, UVB and Infrared A.
Don’t overly wash your face
For those who find they are still experiencing excess shine, don’t be tempted to overly wash your face as it will only stimulate more oil production. Instead, try keeping some blotting papers or a mattifyer handy.
Use the right moisturiser
You may find that you need to change your moisturiser during the summer season, depending on the type of skin you have. For example, people with oily skin may find that their usual moisturiser or make-up feels sticky or heavy in summer months. Switching to a lighter version will be more comfortable and help to avoid looking sweaty or shiny.
For those of us prone to dry skin, pay extra attention to how much water you drink, as dehydration can leave the skin feeling tight, make fine lines more pronounced and leave it looking dull.
Consider your skin type
While sunshine, humidity and warmer temperatures are often helpful for people who experience eczema, there can be triggers in summer such as pollen, sweat, swimming pool chemicals, and fragranced beauty and body products like sun protection.
If you are prone to sweating and notice that it aggravates your skin condition, opt for a sun protection that is specifically designed for people with eczema, such as Solero Sun Allergy Prevention Spray, which is designed for those whose skin flares up in the summer months with prickly heat.
Always use protection, even when it’s cloudy
Yes, you need to wear sun protection when it’s cloudy. Clouds are suspended water droplets and, while it may not feel like you are burning, the sun’s harmful UV rays can pass through them, depending on the thickness of the clouds.
From oily to dry, from spot-prone to eczema-prone, everyone’s skin comes with its own particular needs which require specific sun protection.
JLife shines some light on summer skin protection…
Solero Sun Allergy Prevention Spray
Sun allergy can occur when skin is hypersensitive to UV radiation. LloydsPharmacy’s sun allergy prevention spray has a high sun protection (SPF30) which creates a barrier on the skin to block UV-A and UV-B radiation. The spray formula makes it easy to apply and is suitable for both adults and children and is designed for those with sun allergies to help prevent the skin from flaring up when exposed to the sun.
£8 (200ml)
Lloydspharmacy.com
Manuka Doctor Daily Defence SPF20
Hollan
d & Barratt’s bestselling honey brand, Manuka Doctor has created Daily Defence SPF20 multi-tasking skincare product which is not only functional but also leaves your skin looking healthy and glowing, thanks to its floral nectar: a sweet liquid obtained from the combretum farinosum flower giving skin a comforting softness. Eliminating the need for a separate moisturiser, SPF and primer, the daily defence lotion protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
£24.99
Hollandandbarratt.com
Epionce Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50
After months of your skin spent hidden under layers of clothing, it can be easy to get out of the habit of applying sun protection – but this really is a step to adhere to all year round. Epionce’s Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50 provides broad spectrum protection that evens out skin tone while giving a natural-looking healthy glowing shade. Perfect for all skin types – even sensitive skin – the very water-resistant formula is enhanced with botanical ingredients for antioxidant benefits.
£45
Epionce.co.uk
