13 steps to perfect summer skin – Healthista

Sunshine, sweaty temperatures and air-conditioning aren’t exactly your skin’s best friend. Skin and beauty expert Karen J. Gerrard reveals 13 steps to perfect summer skin 

There’s nothing like a warm summers day to increase our energy levels and boost our mood – but the toll on our skin can be irrevocable if it’s not protected.

The hotter it gets outside the drier you skin will become, as even just general exposure to the environment when you are out and about completing errands can cause the moisture to be zapped from your skin.

the toll on our skin can be irrevocable if it’s not protected

Not only that, but harmful UV rays are not good for our skin either – which we know all too well.

Skin and beauty expert Karen J Gerrard, founder of SEAMS Hand Care reveals the 13 simples steps you can do to keep your skin safe and glowing this summer…

Step #1 Protect

Daytime calls for SPF in both your moisturiser and make-up. The SPF found in many foundations isn’t strong enough to protect you from the sun.

Even if you are used to using a lower SPF on your body, you should still opt for a higher SPF for your face.

Oh and just because the sun isn’t out doesn’t mean you should skip adding SPF to your morning routine. UV radiation is not affected by the temperature and UV rays can penetrate through the clouds.

So, come rain or shine, be sure you’re protecting your skin with an SPF.

READ MORE: 6 steps to creating your ideal summer workout routine

Step #2 Hydrate

Drink plenty of water before you start to feel thirsty. Keep a bottle of water on your desk or bag and sip throughout the day.

If you pinch the top of your hand and the skin doesn’t’ immediately bounce back then you are dehydrating and could be losing collagen which will cause skin to become saggy and dull. 

Step #3 Cleanse

Never go to bed at night without a cleanse, tone and a moisturise. Wash with warm water only as very hot water will strip the natural oils from your skin.

Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth cleanser gently exfoliates dry skin whilst removing impurities.

warm water only as very hot water will strip the natural oils from your skin

Step #4 Exfoliate

You must exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells as smoother skin will absorb products better.

Keep an exfoliating wash in the shower for your face neck, across the shoulders and decalage. Be gentle though as skin can be extra sensitive in the summer.

Use a wet exfoliating mitt in a circular motion over your body with your favourite body wash, try Ameliorate Exfoliating Body Mitt or Massage Clarins Tonic Body Polisher to wet skin and rinse. 

READ MORE: 10 things you need to know about SPF – plus 5 sun protection products we love

Step #5 Exfoliate your Heels too

Our heels see the light of day more than ever during the summer – sandals, flip flops, sliders even bare feet – our tootsies are exposed to the elements far more than usual when the weather heats up.

Save a bit for your exfoliator for your heels. A little bit of exfoliator added to your heels when using a pumice can keep cracked skin at bay.

Step #6 Moisturize

Use a body moisturiser every day. If your skin is really dry, then base with bio oil.

On a practical note get a body lotion that’s in a bottle and pump it just seems easier to use when you’re in a hurry.

Have an essential rescue cream or balm to hand at all times

Step #7 Essentials

Have an essential rescue cream or balm to hand at all times, I use Elemis SOS cream which helps repair and protect weathered or sunburnt skin.

A bottle of Rosehip oil is also an essential. It’s full of fatty acids and has a multitude of properties to hydrate, fade scars, nourish skin and combat the effects of sun damage.

READ MORE: Melasma, freckles & SPF – 6 ways to care for your skin in time for Summer

Step #8 Microbiome

All that perspiring in the warmer weather can cause an imbalance in your skin’s microbiome. A balanced skin microbiome will therefore help to keep your skin glowing.

Avoid using heavy products as these can strip away the good bacteria needed to keep skin conditions such as acne at bay. 

Step #9 Nourish

Help your skin from the inside with there 3 summer superfoods:

• Watermelons – nicknamed ‘summers blessing’ as they are packed with nutrients can help to flush out toxins and certainly keep you hydrated.
• Cauliflower – is rich in sulforaphane which can help protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.
• Avocadoes – are full of vitamin E that can help keep skin plump.

Step #10 Don’t forget your Hands

Don’t forget your hands they are exposed most of the time and can be a true teller of age – so it’s important to give as much attention to your hands as you do your face.

The skin on our hands is thinner than any other part of  the body and when it becomes dry it can split and become painful. Keep nails shorter and redo nail varnish more often than usual as warm humid climates are a haven for fungus to grow when water gets in-between the polish and the nail.

The skin on our hands is thinner than any other part of  the body

SEAMS Hand Cream is non-greasy and can be used throughout the day and has a Biomimetic Lipid Complex that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier function and restore split cuticles.

If you have been a sun worshipper stay out of the rays you will notice age spots starting to fade and skin brighten – it’s never too late!

READ MORE: Adult Acne: expert reveals what causes it plus 7 important skincare tips

Step #11 Fake it, don’t bake it

Want a sun kissed look without the harmful rays of the sun? Use a liquid bronzer that you can blend into the skin.

Perricone no make-up bronzer mimics the pigment of your skin, just dab some liquid onto the hollows underneath each cheekbone and buff into the skin for a natural look.

dab some liquid onto the hollows underneath each cheekbone

Another favourite summer skin product of mine is Luxe Face illuminating Self-Tan Drops. Add some into your moisturiser for a smooth natural glow, or highlight cheekbones with Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream.

Step #12 Wear lighter make-up

A lighter weight foundation is always best in the warmer weather to avoid too much make up as well as perspiration clogging your pores.

Better still, use a tinted moisturiser – I love Charlotte Tilbury’s light wonder SPF 15.

Remember, your skin can tan even in the shade or in cloudy weather, so you may want to use a slightly darker shade than usual.

Step #13 Legs

Want to create a silk-stocking effect on your legs? Massage in NUXE Golden Shimmer Multi-Purpose Dry Oil.

Then give yourself a spritz of Estee lauders Bronze Goddess perfume to waft a delicious scent of coconut, vanilla and sandalwood as you walk.

Karen J Gerrard is a skin and beauty expert and founder of SEAMS – www.seamsbeauty.co.uk