Sunshine and Skincare: Your Summer Survival Guide
Summer arrives with its wild weather, intense sun rays, long days, and a buzzing calendar of outdoor adventures. But in the hustle to soak up the season's joys—beach trips, backyard barbecues, and festive soirées—our skincare routines often take a backseat. With more makeup, heavier sunscreen, indulgent meals, and soaring temperatures, your skin does much more heavy lifting than you realise.
What happens when sunscreen isn't properly removed? Why does makeup feel heavier in the heat? And how can you rescue your skin after too many festive indulgences? This isn't just another seasonal skincare guide—it's your roadmap to navigating the demands of summer with smart, effective, and science-backed rituals.
In this short slow skincare blog, we'll explore everything from how to keep your makeup tools spotless to why exfoliating matters more in the heat. You'll discover clever ways to cool your skin after a day in the sun, techniques to counter the effects of festive feasting and tips for making every product in your routine work harder for you.
Let summer be a celebration for your skin, too—because healthy skin is the best way to shine all season long.
1. Festive Glam, Fresh Skin: Your Guide to Surviving the Season.
Summer festivities often mean more makeup, whether a polished daytime look or bold evening glam. But heat and humidity can wreak havoc, causing makeup to melt and clog pores. To keep your skin happy:
- Clean Brushes, Happy Skin
Dirty makeup brushes harbour bacteria, leftover makeup, and oils that can lead to breakouts. To protect your skin, clean all your brushes weekly—even powder ones. Use a gentle cleanser like Selkia's Aloes Doux Cleanser for a thorough clean. Add a drop to your palm, swirl the brush gently, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and hold the brush head downward to prevent water from seeping into the base. Dry them on a clean towel or stand up near the window overnight so they're fresh and ready for your next glam session, or better off, after your makeup application in the morning.
- Disinfect on the Go
When you don't have time for a full clean, a quick spritz of Selkia's Apaiser Tonic on your brushes helps disinfect and keep bacteria at bay. It's an easy, skin-safe way to stay fresh during the social season.
- Less is More
Simplify your summer makeup routine with lightweight, breathable products. Tinted moisturisers with SPF or mineral foundations are great options to reduce clogging while giving you that polished finish.
Cleaning tools and clever choices will keep your makeup flawless while helping your skin survive the festive season!
2. Sunscreen 101: Balancing Summer Protection
While sunscreen is a year-round necessity, the increased outdoor activities during summer demand extra diligence. Adhering to best practices ensures your skin remains protected and radiant.
Perfect Application: How Much Is Enough?
Applying the correct amount of sunscreen is crucial for adequate protection. Use approximately a 5-cent coin/ nickel-sized dollop for your face and neck—about 1.5 millilitres. For your body, aim for a shot glass amount, roughly 30 millilitres. Ensure you cover often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
Layering Like a Pro: Integrating Sunscreen into Your Routine
To maximise the efficacy of your skincare products and sunscreen:
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
- Tone: Apply gentle tonic to balance your skin's pH levels.
- Moisturise: Hydrate your skin with a suitable moisturiser.
- Wait: Allow your moisturiser to absorb fully—typically about 5 minutes.
- Apply Sunscreen: Spread an even layer of sunscreen over your face and neck.
- Wait Again: Let the sunscreen set for approximately 5 minutes before applying makeup.
For a simplified routine, consider using a tinted sunscreen that offers coverage and protection, eliminating the need for foundation. Adding a touch of bronzer can enhance your look without layering multiple products.
Removal Matters: Cleansing Away the Day
Proper sunscreen removal is vital to prevent clogged pores and maintain skin health. Here's how:
- First Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser like Selkia's Aloes Doux Cleanser to dissolve sunscreen and impurities.
- Face Cloth: Dampen a reusable face cloth with lukewarm water and gently wipe away the cleanser, ensuring all residue is removed.
This method ensures a thorough cleanse without irritating your skin, leaving it fresh and ready for your nighttime routine.
By mastering these sunscreen practices, you can confidently enjoy the summer sun while keeping your skin protected and healthy.
3. Rescue Your Skin After Festive Indulgences
The festive season brings many social events, disrupting at-home dining habits and balanced routines. Whether or not you drink alcohol or indulge in sugary treats, the sheer shift in schedule can wreak havoc on your gut—and in turn, your skin. Here's how to bounce back:
- Hydration Hacks
Staying hydrated is your first line of defence. Aim to:
- Drink water between every festive drink to keep your body balanced and flush out toxins.
- Start your morning with a glass of lemon water to support digestion and alkalise your system.
- Infuse your water with cucumber slices, fresh mint, and a splash of coconut water for an electrolyte boost.
- Sip on herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or fennel, which are known for their soothing digestive properties.
Your skin reflects what's happening in your gut, and probiotics are key to restoring balance. Incorporate:
- Yoghurt with active cultures.
- Kombucha or kefir for a fermented boost.
- Probiotic supplements are available if your diet doesn't already include these foods.
Puffiness after salty meals or a disrupted gut is common. Instead of disposable sheet masks, reach for:
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Selkia Reusable Eye Masks: Apply these to the under-eye area to soothe, depuff, and revitalise.
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Gua Sha Tool: Gently massage your face to encourage lymphatic drainage and improve circulation.
Combat dehydration from festive indulgences with a white clay mask or a nourishing facial from your local small business beauty spa. Avoid single-use sheet masks, as they are not only bad for the planet but bad for your skin, too. Try a face oil paired with your favourite Reparation Balm. Pair this with plenty of water to replenish your skin's moisture levels inside and out.
These practices allow you to enjoy the season's delights while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
4. Weathering the Elements: Sun, Heat, Aircons and Salt
Seasonal changes, especially during summer, expose your skin to varying temperatures and environmental factors that can affect its health. Understanding how heat and cold impact your skin is essential for maintaining its integrity.
The Impact of Heat and Cold on Skin
Extreme temperatures can significantly affect skin health:
- Heat: Elevated temperatures can exacerbate conditions like heat rash (miliaria), where blocked sweat ducts lead to red, itchy bumps. Prolonged exposure to heat can also worsen Grover's disease, characterised by itchy spots on the chest and back.
- Cold: Exposure to cold can cause vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to conditions like non-freezing cold injury (NFCI), which may result in tissue damage.
Individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema may experience heightened reactions to these temperature extremes. Adding to the challenge, transitioning between hot outdoor environments and air-conditioned spaces introduces rapid changes that can strain your skin. The cool, dry air indoors pulls moisture from your skin, increasing dehydration and sensitivity. To combat this, consider adding humidity to your space with a humidifier or by placing indoor plants like peace lilies or areca palms, which naturally boost moisture levels.
Combined Environmental Effects
Summer activities often expose skin to a mix of elements:
- Heat and Humidity: High heat index levels can accelerate skin aging and intensify skin concerns.
- Saltwater and Sand: Saltwater strips natural oils, leading to dryness, while sand causes physical abrasion, disrupting the skin's protective barrier.
- Wind: Wind exposure can draw moisture away from the skin, resulting in dryness and irritation, particularly for those spending extended hours outdoors.
The combination of these factors can compromise the skin's barrier function, making it more vulnerable to damage and inflammation.
Tools and Skincare Strategies
To protect your skin from these environmental stressors:
- Cooling Face Cloths: Carry a waterproof travel kit with reusable facecloths. Soak the cloth in cold water or store it in the freezer for instant relief from redness and irritation after exposure to heat.
- Chilled Eye Masks: Keep reusable eye patches in the fridge and apply them to alleviate puffiness after sun exposure or a sweaty workout.
- Post-Exposure Care: After exposure to harsh elements like saltwater or sand, gently cleanse your skin to remove irritants. Use a hydrating cleanser, such as Selkia's Aloes Doux Cleanser, followed by a lightweight dry face oil; that's it!
"By incorporating these simple yet effective practices, you can shield your skin from the challenges posed by heat, cold, and other environmental factors, keeping it healthy and resilient all summer long." Tameryn (Founder of Selkia)
5. Polish Up On Summer Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, brighter skin beneath. This practice not only enhances skin appearance but also improves the absorption of skincare products. However, exfoliating correctly is essential to avoid irritation, especially during the summer months.
Why Exfoliate in Summer?
Increased sweat and oil production during summer accelerate cell turnover, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. About one to two times a week, regular exfoliation helps maintain smoother, more radiant skin.
DIY Coffee Body Scrub Recipe
Creating your own body scrub is a cost-effective and natural way to exfoliate. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup used coffee grounds, thoroughly rinsed and dried
- 1 cup brown or coconut sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- Optional: a few drops of your favourite essential oil for fragrance
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the coffee grounds and sugar.
- Add the melted coconut oil and mix until the consistency is smooth.
- If using essential oils, add a few drops and stir well.
- Transfer the scrub into a clean, airtight container for storage.
To use, gently massage the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly. This blend not only exfoliates but also nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and revitalised.
Towel Hygiene: A Key to Healthy Skin
Proper towel care is crucial in maintaining skin health. Damp towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to skin irritations or infections. It's recommended to replace bath towels every three to four uses and ensure they dry completely between uses, preferably in direct sunlight to reduce germ proliferation.
Additionally, using separate towels for your face and body can prevent the transfer of bacteria and oils, reducing the risk of breakouts. Ensure that towels are hung properly to dry and are laundered regularly to maintain hygiene.
Remember, your pillowcase also collects oils and bacteria, so changing it frequently during the summer can further protect your skin.
Tool Tip: Enhance Your Exfoliation Routine
Incorporating tools like an exfoliation mitt or a soap sock with a gentle soap bar can provide additional care. These tools help in sloughing off dead skin cells effectively while being gentle on the skin, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.
Following these practices can maintain smooth, healthy skin throughout the festive season.
Your Summer Skincare Adventure Awaits
Summer skincare doesn't have to feel like a chore. With skincare strategies, thoughtful tools, and simple rituals, you can embrace the season while keeping your skin happy and healthy. Whether perfecting your sunscreen routine, hydrating after indulgent meals, or combatting the elements with reusable facecloths, these tips are designed to support your skin's needs.
What's your favourite tip from this guide? Or is there something new you're excited to try this summer? Share your thoughts, and let's keep the conversation about summer skin alive.
As you soak up the summer sun, remember the importance of protecting yourself, staying hydrated, and giving your skin the care it deserves. By looking after your skin and making sustainable choices, you also show care for our planet—a win for you and the Earth!
Enjoy the sunshine, stay safe, and let your skin shine as brightly as the season!
The Selkia Team