Here in Chile it’s so cooooold, but all my friends back in Europe are whinging about the heat wave. Top of the first world dilemma list is: what’s the best skincare for hot weather.
I asked my cousin, Emma, for her holiday sun beauty tips. Emma is Education Manager at skincare brand Dermalogica. She’s based in sunny Sydney, and I often call on her infinite knowledge of skincare.
Here are her recommendations for the best skincare for hot weather.
Why is my skin more oily in the summer?
Summer can be tough on our skin. The rise in heat, humidity and pollution levels can lead to oilier, congested skin and more frequent breakouts. What’s more, increased exposure to air-conditioning can strip the skin of much needed moisture, causing dehydration and an impaired barrier, which in turn can lead to skin sensitivity.
How can I get clear skin in the summer?
The warmer climate means focusing on three key areas: boosting the skin’s hydration levels, preventing skin congestion, and protecting the skin from pollution and U.V. damage.
No. 1 tip for hot humid weather
I recommend double cleansing. Cleansing is particularly important in summer: clean skin is healthy skin.
You’ll need a pre-cleansing oil or balm for your first cleanse if you want to really get your skin squeaky clean. Oil attracts oil so these products do a fantastic job at removing surface oil, dirt, long wearing cosmetics and most importantly, pollution and SPF.
Your second cleanse needs to be with a product that matches your skin type. It should offer secondary benefits, such as hydration, soothing and calming, treating breakouts etc.
Which are the best cleansers for hot weather?
For oily skin you’ll need a cleanser with a stronger surfactant (degreasing agent) that won’t strip the skin of natural oils like soap based ones can. These normally come in the form of a clay based cleanser or a gel facial wash.
For oily skin with dehydration, go for a milder cleanser with less surfactant. They often come in the form of a milky, creamy cleanser.
Meanwhile for combination skin choose a cleansing which sits in the middle of the surfactant cleansing spectrum – a light milky cleanser or a gel facial wash.
If you experience sensitivity, opt for a cleanser without any skin irritants. Make sure it’s free from artificial colours and fragrances, and offers calming, anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients. These are often free of water, between a milk and a gel consistency. For very sensitive skin challenged by water, they can be removed with a tissue.
For a skin with visible signs of ageing or a rough texture, choose a cleanser that has a creamy, milky base, with lactic acid to aid exfoliation.
How can I keep my face glowing in the summer?
In summer you need to pick up your exfoliation to achieve smooth, luminous skin.
My preferred choice is to use hydroxy acids which gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, leaving behind soft, refreshed skin, without the need of harsh abrasives. They add radiance, smoothe fine lines and help fade pigmentation. They also allow other topically-applied ingredients to penetrate deeper and quicker into the skin.
How can I keep my skin hydrated in the summer?
Using a hydrating spritz toner throughout summer can keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh. Carry a travel size spritz toner in your handbag and give your skin a hydration boost every hour or so to combat the hazardous drying effects of air conditioning.
What are the best skincare products for hot climates?
One of the best ingredients to boost hydration is hyaluronic acid and can be found in an array of beauty products in varying concentrations.
Other ingredients that are great at boosting hydration include glycerin, sodium PCA, ceramides and salicylic acid. Masks, boosters, serums and spray toners usually have the highest content of these ingredients and really help when used regularly during the hot summer months.
What moisturiser should I apply on my face in the summer?
There’s a tendency to think you don’t need a moisturiser in summer if your skin is oily. This is not true.
Choose a light weight, oil-free moisturiser with a mattifying effect. You might like a tinted version for the day time so it can double up as your make-up base.
How can I keep my skin cool in the summer?
Pop your products in the fridge so they’re refreshingly cool on application. Your spritz toner and a cool hydrating gel masque will feel great when you get home after a hot sticky day. You may also want to keep your after sun in there too.
For an incredible skin pick me up on a hot summer’s day, soak a facial cloth in cold water with a few drops of essential oil. Squeeze out the excess water, roll up and keep in a plastic bag in the fridge ready to revive hot tired skin. For sensitive or dry skin types try chamomile, sandalwood, geranium or neroli, for oily skin use lavender, lemon, juniper or bergamot.
Dermalogica products I use & love
Do you have any other skincare tips for hot weather? Let me know in the comments below.
Great Blog! where in Chile do you buy Dermalogica?
Author
Thank you. Don’t hate me but I bring it over from the UK. I very rarely bought my skincare in Chile, but when I did I’d go to Lush, the Body Shop and Kiehls. Let me know if you’re looking for something in particular.