With the late summer temperature on full blast, skincare expert & facialist Cecilia Ross comes to the rescue with her expert advice on how to keep your skin radiant and protected amidst a heatwave. Follow these 5 invaluable tips to ensure your skin stays healthy and glowing throughout the sizzling season.
1. Hydration with Hyaluronic
After excessive sweating during a heatwave, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep. This is super important for protecting the skin, and externally I’d recommend adding a moisturising hyaluronic based gel or serum, to provide your skin with the moisture it needs without using anything too heavy which could clog the pores. I love using hyaluronic because with long term use it can improve your overall skin health, and it keeps your skin flexible, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Editor’s Picks:
Simple Replenishing Cream Cleanser with 11% Ceramide Boosters & Hyaluronic Acid 230ml (£8)
This cleanser is not only brilliant at cleansing your skin but is also infused with actives to improve the skin and support its protective barrier. Containing Simple’s very own Ceramide Booster technology, Replenishing Cream Cleanser actively restores the skin barrier from the very first wash while Hyaluronic Acid provides instant hydration.
PH Optimised Cleansing. This product is a sulphate-free blend of amino-acid derived cleansers gently remove oil, pollution, and make-up without drying the skin. Available at Boots and Boots.com
Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF30 with Hyaluronic Acid 200ml (£19.50)
Ultra-protective, water-based sun care activated by broad-spectrum UV protection and natural ingredients. Delight in the skin-quenching protection of the Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50 and SPF30, enriched with Vichy Volcanic Water and Hyaluronic Acid to protect and hydrate sensitive skin. Perfect for the face and body, this lightweight, fast-absorbing formula provides broad-spectrum SPF50 in a 40% Vichy Volcanic Water formula for optimal hydration and high protection against UVA and UVB rays. Ideal for those who love the sun and want to stay hydrated, the ultra-protective formula contains Hyaluronic Acid, a key dermatological ingredient known for its hydrating properties. Lightweight, stain-proof and a must-have in every suncare routine. Available at Boots and Boots.com
2. Add Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin C are ideal to add into your morning or evening routine, as they fight free radical damage including UV rays and pollution, protecting the skin. I’d recommend applying your vitamin C and follow with a hydrating moisuriser and then SPF. Vitamin C can also brighten the skin, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. Great for achieving that golden hour glow!
Editor’s Picks:
Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment 15ml (£34)
Achieve radiant skin in just two weeks with this brightening booster from Trilogy. Its potent formula includes hyaluronic acid, daisy extract, aloe vera juice, rosehip, mandarin oils, and powerful antioxidant vitamin C. Simply combine the vitamin C powder with the serum (as per instructions), and enjoy the benefits of even-toned and glowing skin all year round.
Available at www.trilogyproducts.co.uk
Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Skinscreen 750ml (£37)
Introducing Ultra Violette’s latest creation, Fave Fluid. This lightweight fragrance-free sunscreen is packed with advanced UV filters and nourishing ingredients. It strengthens the skin, keeps it hydrated, enhances its radiance, and helps fade pigmentation.
- Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C): acts as a very effective antioxidant to brighten the skin tone, and reduces visible signs of aging.
- Vitamin E: A top-notch antioxidant that combats free-radical damage, moisturises, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Available at www.ultraviolette.co.uk
3. Smoother with SPF – what’s in your foundation isn’t enough
Use a high-quality SPF on your face, neck, arms, and hands daily, and remember to regularly reapply it throughout the day, every two hours. Women often believe that having an SPF in their foundation is sufficient, but it is important to apply a sun protection product before applying foundation for optimal protection. SPF is the ultimate anti-aging ingredient, so it should be a step in your skincare routine that you never miss out, even during the winter months.
Editor’s Picks:
See Summer Beauty: 5 Common SPF Myths Debunked by a Skincare Expert for more on SPF!
The One For Your Hands – NourishingHand Cream (£9)
Did you know that your hands are often exposed to UV rays as much as your face? And even if you apply SPF to your hands, the first time you wash your hands, you are washing away the protection? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Quite Literally! The One For Your Hands offers lightweight, essential SPF30 protection from UVA + UVB rays.
The One For Your Hands is a lightweight hand cream with essential skincare ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera. It protects and nourishes your hands without feeling greasy. The compact tube is perfect for on-the-go SPF application.
Available at www.hellosundayspf.com
Vichy Capital Soleil Tan Illuminating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF50 200ml (£19.50)
High protection suncare available in SPF50 and SPF30, for face and body, in a unique solar water format. Enriched with Vichy Mineralising Thermal Water, broad spectrum UV filters and natural beta carotene for an enhanced tan. This innovative spray is lightweight and quickly absorbed, for ultimate comfort.
- Ultra light and fast absorbing spray for a barely-there feel
- Enriched by Beta carotene, rich in antioxidants to give skin a natural-looking tan
Available at Boots and Boots.com
4. Keep it light
When you’re moving from air conditioned offices, this can be very drying for the skin so I’d recommend layering up with light skincare and make-up products. To avoid clogging your pores, opt for lighter make-up products such as BB creams over heavy foundations, using concealer to conceal any dark under eye bags or blemishes.
5. Freshen up with a facial mist
There are many affordable facial mists with skin loving ingredients which you can spray on throughout the day for an instant refreshing, moisture boost. Ideal for taking with you to work to hydrate on the go. Unlike spritzing water on your face, using a mist can replenish dry skin. Remember to let it air dry so that it can fully absorb into the skin.
Editor’s Picks:
Jane Scrivner SKIN DRINK 3 HYDRATE Frankincense Hydrating and Toning Mist 150ml (£29.99
For skin that’s tired, dehydrated or in need of a boost, spritz a fine layer of a hydrating facial mist over skin, Skin Drink (£29 / 150ml) to feed your skin with natural hydration and increase the moisture ‘grab’ from your following hyaluronic-based products.
- This high octane facial spritz is bursting with trace essential oils to refresh, tone and hydrate the skin.
- Organic, high altitude Lavender Hydrosol – calming, balancing and anti-inflammatory
Available at www.janescrivner.com
Editor’s Picks products recommended by editor-in-chief, Kai Lutterodt aka The Soho Girl @the.soho.girl
Written by Cecilia Ross @cecilialondonskin
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