We need to look after our skin all year round but now that summer is here, it’s a good time to think about switching up your skincare routine.
Your skin is so important. It’s the first thing people see when they meet you, and first impressions can often count for so much. When you haven’t eaten well, or slept enough, it will show on your face and your skin will suffer. If you’re looking after yourself, your skin will glow.
Hanna Byrne, a holistic massage and skincare therapist and owner of Sands of Siwa, has worked in the industry for more than 12 years and knows a thing or two about skin. Here, exclusively for Mums Off Duty, she shares her top ten tips for summer skincare.
1. Sunblock is a must
Wearing sunblock is an absolute necessity! You need to wear it on all exposed skin.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, or you have had skin cancer in the past, then you should apply sunblock all over your face and body as a moisturiser.
Refresh your skin during the day with water (read my ten minute skincare routine) and then reapply your moisturiser and sunblock (face and body). Always reapply after swimming. SPF 30 worn over moisturiser should be fine for a typical sunny day in the UK. When you’re on holiday, SPF 50 is a must.
If you’re prone to sensitivity or other skin issues, you can get a higher sunblock – even up to SPF 100. Please consult a doctor if you have extremely sensitive skin or suffer regularly from skin issues.
Use a specific facial sunblock for your face, and always choose a good quality brand. Please don’t forget your feet, they will burn easily and be very painful!
Send your kids to school with SPF 50 on each day – their young skin will be particularly sensitive and prone to burning much more easily.
2. Drink water
According to science, we need to drink about 2.5-3 litres of pure water a day, not including juice, coffee, tea etc. It’s simple – water really is your best friend.
Make sure your kids drink a good amount of water before school – they often forget to drink enough during their busy day.
3. Exfoliate all over once a week
It’s important to prep your skin and get rid of your dead skin cells – but you don’t want to overdo it. Exfoliate all over with a gentle scrubbing cream once a week. I don’t recommend scrubbing brushes, they are often too harsh.
4. Wear lighter make-up
I recommend going make-up free in the heat if you can, but if you must wear make-up, switch to a lighter foundation or a tinted moisturiser. And don’t forget a waterproof mascara for holiday!
5. Look for aloe vera in aftersun products
One of the best skincare ingredients of all time is Aloe Vera. It has moisturising, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant properties. Your after-sun care is very important. Make sure you cleanse your skin (shower twice a day when it’s hot) and moisturise with a good quality aftersun cream after sun exposure. Aloe vera, water, and natural ingredients will all help to cool your skin.
6. Use natural mosquito repellent
Stay away from nasty chemicals and instead choose natural lemongrass oil to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay – trust me, they hate lemongrass! Make sure you choose a lemongrass oil specifically designed for skin – never use an essential oil as this is not suitable for direct contact with skin.
Dab the lemongrass oil on your pulse points and you should be good to go.
7. Pucker-up
Lips can burn quite badly! So don’t forget your lip care. If you’ve got some dry skin, gently exfoliate your lips when needed and then apply lip balm with sun protection in it.
8. Avoid sunbeds
Please please never use sunbeds. They have been proven to be extremely dangerous and harmful to your health.
9. Wear a breathable fabric
Try to stick to cotton or light fabrics. Wearing tight clothes made from non-breathable fabrics could cause skin irritation and will make you sweat more. Not a good look.
10. Fuel your body with healthy snacks
What you eat is extremely important in the summer and will reflect in the health of your skin. Eat cooling foods – use less oil and butter in cooking and eat lots more fruit and veg. Avoid sugary drinks and eat lighter, more frequent meals.
Get your vitamins! Vitamin C helps to protect your skin from the rays that aren’t fully blocked by your sunscreen. Guava and green vegetables are really high in vitamin C.
Antioxidants from food, as well as from your products, will help to brighten and revive a dull complexion.
Thank you to Hanna for sharing these fantastic tips.
Enjoy the summer mamas, have loads of fun in the sun but please look after your fabulous selves. We know it’s a right mission to get the kids slathered up with suncream but please please don’t rush your own skincare – you’re important too!
Please feel free to share your own summer skincare tips below.