The Complete Guide to Summer Skincare

The Complete Guide to Summer Skincare

facial skincare courses north east

In the summer, we all have more skin on show, but if the thought of baring your skin fills you with dread, you need to prioritise getting your skin summer ready and that involves having a smart skincare routine and undoing any neglect from the winter.

Here’s the complete guide to summer skincare, so you can have great looking skin to show off all summer long;

Changing your skincare routine in the summer

We all love the warmer weather, but it brings with it a whole new set of skincare challenges. Pores can get clogged from sweating and the skin produces more oil, which leads to breakouts. And then there’s the dreaded sunburn.

Summer skincare essentials for the face

Cleanser

Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and as you will more than likely find that your skin is oilier in summer, you should switch to a gel or foaming cleanser. Cleanse twice daily and follow it up with a good toner. Don’t over cleanse though, even if your skin feels oily, as this will strip your skin of its natural oils and the glands will only produce more oil!

Moisturiser

Whatever your skin type, you should always moisturise. Use an appropriate moisturiser for your skin type, and in the summer, think about switching to a light water-based moisturiser. If you have a problem with acne or general breakouts, look for a moisturiser with ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label, which means that it won’t clog pores.

Sunscreen

Using a sunscreen and moisturiser with SPF is important year-round but it’s extra important in summer as you will most likely be spending more time outside, and the sun’s rays are far stronger.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply it 20- 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply it every 2 hours, and more often if you are sweating a lot or swimming.

Facial scrubs and masks

Exfoliating can help to buff away dead, sun damaged skin cells. Choose a gentle scrub for the face, and use it once per week if you have dry skin, and twice per week if your skin is oilier.

Gel face masks will boost hydration but they won’t leave skin oily, and they are also great at soothing sunburn if they contain ingredients like aloe.

Summer skincare tips for the body

Exfoliate

This is the key to super soft skin. If you don’t buff away dead skin it can look dull and dry. So hit the shower, take a handful of a good body scrub and massage it into your skin in a circular motion, concentrating on the bits where skin tends to be rougher, like the knees and elbows. Use a scrub 2-3 times per week.

Hydrate your skin

Forget the thick body butters and invest in a light summery scented lotion, which will absorb quickly. Moisturise as soon as you get out of the shower to seal in moisture.

Get a summer glow

If you read my last blog, you’ll be an expert on how to get the perfect spray tan by now! But a sunless tan is the only way to get glowing skin without the risk of burning or getting skin cancer. Gradual self-tans are another good choice, and they have the added benefit of hydrating your skin too. Just remember that spray tans and self-tans don’t contain SPF, so they won’t protect your skin from the sun.

Treat your feet!

If you haven’t as much as looked at your feet since the winter, it’s time to assess the damage. Use a foot scrub or foot file to get rid of any hard skin, then choose a bold nail varnish. You can generally get away with brighter colours on your toenails, and polish tends to last longer. Apply a base coat, 2 coats of your nail colour, then a top coat to protect the colour and add shine. When your nails are dry, slather on a rich moisturiser. For extra soft feet when you wake up, moisturise before bed, and pop a pair of socks on. To learn how to treat a client’s feet the professional way, have a look at our pedicure course.

And it’s not all about products…

The best way to nourish your skin is from the inside, so take advantage of the warmer weather, and fill up on fruit and salads which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins for healthy skin. And don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and your skin will thank you!

Knowing how to help a client to look and feel their best is the most important part of a therapist’s job. If you want to help clients to look and feel amazing, and build up your skills, why not consider doing our 6 Day Beauty Specialist Diploma, which covers beauty treatments from head to toe?

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