Summer skincare tips from an expert

 

When I’m asked to talk about summer skincare, obviously my first topic is going to be sun protection, I could write a whole book on that specific topic alone, as it’s so important and also as a sector of topical skin products, really quite varied and often confusing. 

When to apply? How much? What SPF factor? Which type, physical or chemical? Which is best for oily skin? Are they safe?  The list goes on. 

Firstly, let me tell you a bit more about the sun’s rays and why they’re not great for the skin. UV rays can cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal ageing. It does this by penetrating the dermis, causing an abnormal build-up of elastin. When these elastins accumulate, enzymes are produced which break down collagen fibres. 

UV radiation is also one of the major creators of free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. Because electrons are found in pairs, the molecule must scavenge its missing electron from other molecules, causing a chain reaction that damages cells at the molecular level. Causing DNA damage. 

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – protect 

UV rays can and will damage and prematurely age the skin. In fact, the sun is the largest cause of skin cancer. Often people believe that you are protected by the UV rays when indoors, but UV rays do penetrate through glass, so wearing SPF daily is essential whether you are indoors or outdoors. 

As a rule of thumb, a minimum of factor 30 should be applied to the face. This will need replying to maintain this level of protection at least every two hours. It may seem too frequent, but remember that the sun damage done in your 20’s won’t become visible until your 30’s and beyond when you wished you had been more careful in the sun!

To simplify some SPF tips here are some key points to finding your perfect SPF:  

1. The SPF in your makeup is not enough, wear a specific SPF under your makeup
2. Finding a texture, you like is key, if you don’t like how it feels, you won’t use it. 
3. If you find your SPF irritates your skin, try switching to a mineral SPF. Mineral SPF generally sits on the surface of the skin and will wash off with water and sweat. 

Heard of some SPF myths? Head over to my blog to understand more about SPF.

Collagen Supplement - enhance

A key part of sun damage is its impact on the collagen within our skin.  UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage collagen fibres. Along with protecting our skin with SPF, we need to support it in other ways too. Enhance your skincare routine with peptides. These are a key ingredient to look out for within your skincare, they support collagen production. As well as applying topically we can also support our collagen production internally with supplements. Ancient + Brave’s True Collagen is a hero product. It provides easily digestible, highly absorbable and clinically researched Type 1 hydrolysed collagen peptides. Because it’s tasteless and odourless, it can easily be added to hot or cold drinks and food.  

Vitamin C is another key antioxidant for internal and external use. When taken internally it not only boosts our immune system but our collagen production. Ancient + Brave’s Collagyn collection is rich in buffered vitamin C. When it’s applied topically it works as a skin brightener, it’s essential to be staving off all that free radical damage created from sun exposure. It’s also an essential skin ingredient to help reduce pigmentation within the skin. It’s safe to use all year round and safe to use while in the sun. I recommend applying Vitamin C under your daily SPF.

 

Hydrate – nourish 

With the added heat and sun exposure it’s essential to ensure your skin is getting enough hydration, topically and internally. 

Skincare products with hyaluronic acid are great for adding hydration, we naturally have Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies and skin, during the hotter days we are losing water, combined with the drying effects of the sun on the surface of the skin.  It could be in the form of a serum or a spritz, these are safe to apply morning and evening with no risk of creating any sun sensitivity (it’s not actually an acid) and can actually be soothing and calming to the skin. A weekly hydrating mask is also a lovely way to boost the skin and give yourself a moment of calm. 

And obviously not forgetting to hydrate internally, making a specific effort to drink more water and drink throughout the day, as skin cells are 64% water. 

Care – effective cleansing

Cleansing is still a key part of your skincare routine during the warmer months, we are ideally wearing SPF daily and sweating more, pores are going to be more prone to becoming blocked. I’m not a fan of too many acids in the summer months, however, a gentle lactic acid within a facial wash can be a great boost to just effectively cleanse the skin without overdoing things. So, I do love a gentle wash or a gentle cream cleanser with added AHA’s just to keep on top of things. 

Don’t overdo the at-home peels during the summer, when we peel, newer baby skin cells are closer to the surface which are going to be more susceptible to sun damage. If you are exfoliating SPF is just the law! 

Written by Abigail James 

www.abigailjames.com

Instagram: @abigailjames1

YouTube: Abigail James