We all love long summer days, but few of us like the toll they take on our skin and hair. And let’s face it, you never know what way the harsh summer climate may affect you.
Humidity can make your hair frizz and your skin sweat, while the sun can dry out your locks and sunscreen block our pores. So here are a few tips to prepare your body for the summer months and become a beach-alicious beauty.
Shed your winter skin
Long pants and baggy jumpers mean it’s all too easy to let your skin go into hibernation over the winter months. We often forget to exfoliate, allowing dead skin cells to build up, producing a dull, lacklustre appearance.
However with summer in our sights, now is the perfect time to begin sloughing off the outer layers of the skin and reveal a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.
There are various exfoliation methods available: body scrubs, granular soaps, wash cloths, body gloves and loofahs, which are all very effective in removing dead skin cells.
In recent years body scrubs have grown in popularity and offer endless options for mild to intense exfoliation, from premium brands to more affordable products.
If your skin is sensitive, opt for exfoliants that contain gentle ingredients, such as a scrub with sugar or a chemical scrub with fruit acids.
More intense facial exfoliation treatments, such as microdermabrasion and hydrabrasion are available as in-clinic procedures. They usea system of intense exfoliation for skin resurfacing and vacuum to sweep up the skin’s cellular debris, leaving you with a refreshed, rejuvenated complexion.
Lighten up
Set aside heavy-duty skin creams and stock up on light-weight products. Summer moisturisers should feel light and weightless on your skin. For the face, use an oil-free moisturiser that contains a sunscreen with broad-spectrum sun protection.
There’s also a range of moisturisers that contain low levels of the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone. Not only are these hybrid formulas more foolproof than traditional tanners, but they are also very moisturising, with versions for both the face and body.
Kissable lips
Fewer things can suck the fun out of summer than sunburnt lips. Aside from the sensitivity and soreness, the chapped appearance can make you feel very conspicuous.
If you do get chapped lips, remember you have to go through the peeling process before your lips will heal. That is, until your lips are free of the top layer of dried out skin, they’ll be unable to absorb moisture. If you want to help the process along, you might want to use a washcloth and gentle cleanser and in a circular motion brush off the dead skin cells.
You should also consider avoiding flavoured lip-glosses to minimise lip-licking, and steer clear of matte lipsticks, which tend to be drying.
Summerise your look
Opt for sun-kissed bronzers and shimmery shadows that give your skin a radiant, healthy glow. Try using a gold-tone eye shadow across the whole eyelid and into the crease to make your eyes sparkle. Cream formulas are more water-resistant and blend nicely with your skin, making your makeup appear more natural.
This summer, lip colours are neutral and soft. Pinks, peaches, nudes and lots of gloss soften your look and even make your lips look larger. Bronzing gels and powders are a great way to warm up the entire face. Blend them into your cheekbones, temples, under your eyes and chin.
Bronze-alicious
We all know how harmful the sun’s rays are so why not bluff your way to being a bronze goddess?
Self-tanners have come a long way so these days it’s virtually impossible to have a faux glow disaster, but to further minimise the chance of streaking, exfoliate your skin before application to remove any dirt and dry patches that the tanner could cling to. And remember by keeping your skin hydrated by using a moisturiser everyday, your skin will be less likely to peel and the precious pigment will be sealed in for as long as possible.
Healthy hair
High humidity is hair’s number one summer enemy. The moisture in the air makes hair cuticles stand on end, causing what is commonly known as ‘frizz’.
Chlorine, wind and sun are also hard on our hair in summer. Protecting your hair with shampoos and conditioners that offer moisturising and soothing benefits, as well as protection against the weather, is especially important at this time of year. You might want to choose products with panthenol and vegetable proteins that strengthen hair.
Leave-in conditioners that contain an SPF can also protect your hair against the sun’s damaging rays. For extra highlights, try using a conditioner that contains botanicals, such as chamomile or henna, that work with the sun to lighten hair.
