The summer heat has a way of drawing out our energy, and the idea of complicated routines suddenly become superfluous. When it comes to summer skincare, the simpler, the better.
Nicole O’Grady, advanced aesthetician and founder of Olivia Cole, explains the essentials of achieving glowing summer skin without a product list the length of your arm.
1. Water-based moisturiser
There’s a fine line between glowing and looking oily. Prioritising hydration doesn’t mean you have to lather yourself in various serums and oils – opting for formulas that are water-based as opposed to oil-based will help achieve this.
Water-cream moisturisers are great for summer as they provide the skin with much needed hydration without feeling too heavy. If you’re looking for extra hydration, "Other topical products that include retinols, vitamin C and glycolic acid are great for a glow," says O’Grady.
2. Hydrating cleanser and serum
Opting for gel and cream-based cleansers will help clean the skin without stripping it of all natural oils. "Serums can be a great alternative to moisturising creams if your skin is on the more oily side," explains O’Grady. Serums add a layer of hydration that you feel your moisturiser may not have achieved, but without suffocating the skin.
Reaching for products that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide and aloe vera will quench thirsty skin. "Hyaluronic acid-based products are particularly beneficial, as this compound is naturally present in your body," says O’Grady.
3. SPF
We often associate looking sun-kissed with a healthy glow. But actually, the sun is one of the worst culprits for dry and dull looking skin.
For daily wear, opt for SPF 30 or higher, and in summer reach for 50 on your face. Choosing a water-resistant formula will also withstand any sweat or rainstorms you encounter.
4. Exfoliate
A great way to boost your skin with both immediate and long-term effect is exfoliation. This removes dead skin cells allowing the smoother and clearer surface of your skin to reflect more light and appear more glowing.
Using a physical exfoliant like a facial scrub, or a chemical exfoliator like a peel, once a week, will brighten and even out your skin tone.
5. Brighten with antioxidants
While including polyphenols in your diet is crucial for glowing skin, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is a great way to promote plump and dewy skin.
Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant that is widely recognised for its ability to accelerate the skin’s healing process. Therefore it’s often found in products formulated for dry skin or those aiming to reduce scaring and stretch marks.
Vitamin E also helps to stabilise other antioxidants and improve their effectiveness, so you’ll often find it paired with vitamin C or resveratrol.
