Some of us welcome summer and others don’t, but everyone needs to take extra care during the hotter months.
Are you a beach bunny or a snow queen? That is, do you think that you look your best in summer or in winter? There are very definite differences between people who love the warmer weather and those who prefer cooler temperatures.
Beach bunnies crack up (literally) in winter, suffering from chapped lips, split cuticles and crocodile legs, not to mention blue marbled limbs and red noses. Snow queens keep their cool in colder weather but often complain that in summer they are blotchy and sweaty, their skin is prone to breakouts, redness or freckles and their hair goes lank or frizzy.
For beach bunnies, the increased activity of the sebaceous glands due to heat stimulus gives their skin an all-over glow; a more active circulation plus the masking function of a tan makes their skin tone more even and they happily flaunt their sun-streaked hair. But both groups need to look after themselves during summer. Beach bunnies risk over-exposure and snow queens need to avoid meltdown.
Beach bunnies
Don’t be fooled by your skin’s increased oil production. During hot weather we lose most of our body salts through sweat and the skin needs more water. Hydration is critical for the entire surface of your skin and you also need to drink lots of water.
During the day use hydrating moisturiser on your face and apply body lotion after your shower to lock in moisture before you put on your sunscreen. Ninety percent of premature ageing is caused by overexposure to the sun. Failure to protect and care for your skin can lead to wrinkling and discolouration and also increases the risk of developing skin cancer, the most prevalent of all cancers. Always apply a sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget the eye area, use an eye cream with SPF. Bunnies usually need less makeup in the summer, often opting for just waterproof mascara and a swipe of gloss or stain on the lips.
Your sunglasses should provide ultraviolet ray protection and you should wear a hat with a brim or carry a bandanna to protect your neck if you are heading out for an extended time.
Shower off salt water and sunscreen and thoroughly cleanse and moisturise your skin all over while your skin is still damp. This is when you need to use replenishing products to compensate for dehydration during the day.
Sun and surf can take a toll on your hair. The downside of sun bleaching is a brittle, strawy texture. When heading for the beach, spray on a protective product, always rinse after swimming and go easy on the heat treatments such as blow-drying and straightening. Give yourself a home treatment once a week and get a salon gloss and trim to remove dry ends each month.
Snow queens
Snow queens tend to approach summer with a ‘duck and cover’ attitude, but too much makeup may result in overheating, so make ‘less is more’ your mantra.
If you break out during the hot summer months, use a light antioxidant moisturiser or skip the foundation and opt for a tinted moisturiser finished with a little loose powder.
Consider swapping to mineral makeup which can help minimise outbreaks. Apply blush sparingly and fake a golden glow by dusting your face, shoulders, chest and arms with gold or bronze highlighters. Use non-powdered blotting papers to absorb shine during the day and remove under-eye foundation or powder buildup with a clean cotton swab. Tame your hair with anti-frizz products such as a leave-in conditioner or a volumiser at the roots to counteract a sweaty scalp.
If you are prone to burning or freckles, use SPF 30+ sunscreen before you leave the house. Cream formulations provide a physical as well as chemical barrier but need to be rubbed well into the skin.
Those with sensitive skin should exfoliate with caution. Using scrubs on the face can produce micro-tears in the skin that can lead to uneven pigmentation if you’re exposed to the sun. Apply topical Vitamin C serum before sunscreen or makeup to help protect your skin against sun damage.
You also need good sunglasses and a hat, but add to these a sarong and a very lightweight cotton top in white or a light colour to cover up. Remember dark or bright colours attract heat.
