With the British weather currently doing a classic yo-yo between intense sunshine and frosty gales, and basically nothing in between, it might seem somewhat premature to be talking about summer skincare essentials. However, I’m optimistic that sunshine season will be sticking around on a more permanent basis soon and with more and more of us spending time outdoors whatever the weather, it makes sense to be overly prepared when it comes to caring for our skin—especially as summer can bring with it a whole host of unexpected changes for our complexions.
“The summer bring with it a desire to be outdoors more, enjoy sports outside, sit by windows and enjoy the warmth and light from the sun [and] this results in an increase in radiation to the skin,” explains Dr Emma Craythorne, SkinCeuticals Consultant Dermatologist. Skin experts agree that this increased exposure to UVB rays alongside UVA radiation can lead to skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation, increased sebum production which can cause breakouts and increased dryness causing anything from eczema to premature ageing. Yikes.
Luckily, there are certain products that we can all incorporate into our summer skincare routines to minimise the effects of increased sun exposure and keep our skin feeling healthy and looking its best.