Summer skin beauty bible

Welcome to the summer skin beauty bible!

Like the rest of the world, we love summer here at WHL HQ, but we’ve also noticed it isn’t without its side effects. No, we’re not talking about post-rooftop-drinking-hangovers or questionable tan (read: burn) lines; summer can bring a wealth of new and unwelcome problems to our skin. From breakouts to blotches, the season can make us feel anything but sunkissed. Lucky for you, we’ve chatted to the experts to find out how to tackle the main summer skin culprits…

Breakouts

The problem: If you think the sun causes a few more breakouts than usual, you’re not imagining it. ‘During the summer months we inevitably sweat a bit more – this can cause dead skin, sebum and bacteria to become lodged in your pores,’ explains Charlotte Ferguson, founder of Disciple Skincare. ‘We also produce more sebum in hotter conditions which can encourage acne bacteria growth and add to clogged pores.’

The solution: Cleansing is an obvious answer, but it’s important you do so using the right ingredients and methods. ‘It’s important to loosen the dead skin/oil/bacteria combo from the surface of your skin by using a glycolic or fruit acid treatment a couple of times a week,’ advises Charlotte. ‘Using a light moisturiser such as Disciple Good Skin Face Oil (£28, discipleskincare.com) helps to purify and fight bacteria with pre-biotic plant extracts. It also contains cucumber seed oil which actually helps to balance sebum production.’

Rosacea

The problem: Growing research suggests the most significant aggravating factor for red skin and rosacea is sun exposure. A common skin disease that mostly affects people over the age of 30, rosacea caused redness on your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Some people get little bumps and pimples, too, and it can also cause soreness of the eyes. Research carried out in 2004 by the Department of Dermatology at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, concluded: ‘The general consensus among clinicians is that rosacea is a photo aggravated disorder. Pathophysiologic processes induced by UV radiation, which are similar to those seen in photoageing, contribute to the signs and symptoms of rosacea.’

The solution: The research continued: ‘In addition to topical and oral therapy for rosacea, clinicians should recommend that patients use sunscreens or sunblocks (inorganic chemicals such as zinc oxide)’. And it was sunscreen Kalme that came out tops. Dermalogically tested to ensure it’s suitable for all kinds of sensitive skin (including children’s), Kalme has been proven to cause no irritation, just protection.

Sunburn

The problem: Sunburn is one of the most common gripes when it comes to summer skin, and unfortunately, some are more prone to it than others. ‘Fair skinned people have less of the dark pigment melanin in their skin which helps protect against burning,’ explains skincare expert Margaret Weeds. ‘Tanning is in fact the result of stimulating this protective melanin and indicates the skin has suffered a degree of sun damage.’ Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles and pigmentation spots, so it’s important to stay protected.

The solution: While a little daily low sun exposure is needed for the body to synthesise vitamin D, any prolonged time in the sun will require a good level of sun protection. If you do burn, however, lessen the discomfort and speed up recovery time by treating it immediately. ‘Swift action is needed to minimise inflammation, speed up healing and minimise damage to deeper skin tissues,’ explains Margaret. ‘Reduce heat immediately with a cool shower, pat away excess water and leave to dry. Follow with a light application of a cooling lotion – avoiding anything petroleum based as that will lock in heat – and reapply at least twice daily.’ Burnt skin also needs to be protected from further inflammation so stick to shady areas and light cover-ups. ‘Learn from the burn and stay sun-safe!’ concludes Margaret.

Psoriasis

The problem: Psoriasis, the common skin disease characterised by inflamed, sore, flaky patches of skin, is known to be worse in summer. ‘It’s caused by an overproduction of skin cells which causes a build-up, creating dry patches typically associated with psoriasis,’ explains naturopathic nutritionist Amy Morris from Water for Health (water-for-health.co.uk). ‘Getting sunburnt can aggravate your already sensitive skin; heat and sweat can make psoriasis worse, especially on your face and head where it can be especially bad, and although swimming in sea water can be beneficial to removing excess skin cells, this water can also dry out the skin.’

The solution: Amy recommends lathering up on natural, sensitive sun cream, replenishing skin after time in the water with a rich moisturiser and being wary of air conditioning for its nature to dry out your skin. She also advises an oral treatment: ‘Although many topical products are effective at treating psoriasis, I often recommend using oral products to boost your skin health from the inside. I recommend O’HISA (£49.75, water-for-health.co.uk) as it contains good quality fish oils and high levels of EPA and DHA. Numerous clinical studies on humans where participants have taken omega-3 supplements have shown to improve psoriasis symptoms, especially in terms of redness.’

Hair removal

The problem: In winter we can get away with stubbly legs, but the summertime resurgence of skirts, shorts and dresses doesn’t allow us to cut such corners. Hair removal is lengthy, boring and sometimes painful – but it doesn’t have to be this way.

The solution: Strip founders and sisters Maria-Louise Featherstone and Danielle Featherstone-Price think Strip waxing will mark the end of your hair removal woes. ‘If you want silky smooth skin, have a regular routine with your waxing to encourage all hairs to grow in a similar cycle,’ they say. ‘You may have found that when bearing your legs for a special event, having had a wax a few days before, it is never quite satisfactory, as the second cycle can reappear soon after!’ To get your hairs growing in sync, the girls recommend waxing every 3-5 weeks without shaving in between. Maria-Louise and Danielle also stress the importance of taking care of your skin post wax. ‘Pores can remain open for up to 48 hours, and skin may be more sensitive,’ they say. ‘Keep clothing loose, avoid heat treatments or sun, or very hot showers and baths.’ As for ingrown hairs? ‘Don’t squeeze or pick, which can lead to infection,’ the girls warn. ‘There are products to deal with ingrown hairs. Lycon Ingrown X-It Solution (£16, stripwaxbar.com) is our best-selling skincare product; it helps minimise swelling and redness and decongests the skin.’