As delightful as Scottish summertime is, it can often be a nightmare for people whose skin is easily susceptible to hot weather and high UV levels. Not all summer skincare techniques are suitable for all skin types, whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or acne-prone.
Here are some methods on how to look after different skin types as we head into the hotter (and hopefully sunnier) months of the year.
Dry skin:
The key is to looking after dry skin in hot and sunny weather is keeping moisturised as much as possible. It is recommended to moisturise twice a day in the morning and night, preferably with a non-greasy moisturiser that your skin can absorb more easily.
It is also important to protect your skin from having its natural moisture stripped away, which can happen when you take long hot showers or baths, or when you wash your face with harsh cleansers.
To prevent your skin from being dried out, use lukewarm water instead and consider using gentle cleansers that protect the skin’s natural barrier.
And the other most important thing — ALWAYS make sure you wear sun cream with an appropriate SPF anytime you are going out to keep your skin protected.
Oily skin:
When the skin gets too oily your pores can get clogged which can lead to breakouts, and this can be an annoying experience during the summer.
It is important to wash your face twice a day to prevent oils backing up and prevent breakouts, and it is a good idea to do this with a gentle oil-free cleanser whilst adding exfoliation to your routine at least once a week. Following these can keep oil production at a minimum and keep your pores from clogging.
Keeping skin moisturised is also necessary during the summer months, with lightweight products containing salicylic or hyaluronic acid being good options as they can control any trapped oils and reduce breakouts.
For sun protection, applying lightweight and oil-free sun cream everyday can protect your skin from high UV levels while clogging the skin less than regular products.
Sensitive skin:
People who have sensitive skin may struggle to keep on top of their skincare routine due to irritations and an offset of issues.
The key to looking after your sensitive skin is to wash and moisturise daily with products that don’t contain harsh ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol or sulphates, as these are the main culprits for skin irritations.
Be sure to switch to a fragrance-free sun cream for your daily skin protection and avoid intense sun exposure, or wear a hat/seek shade more often to protect your skin further.
Also avoid having long hot showers and use lukewarm water to prevent your skin from drying out too much.
Acne-prone:
When trying to control acne-prone skin during summertime, it is important to use products daily that don’t clog your pores and can help to minimise breakouts.
These issues can be managed by switching to a face wash with ingredients such as salicylic acid, and using it twice a day to remove impurities that can offset acne.
Moisturising daily is key so that the skin doesn’t dehydrate, and using lightweight and non-comedogenic products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera may help soothe the skin.
General tips:
Make sure that you shower regularly to keep on top of any build ups, especially after sweating or being exposed to sun for long periods of time.
Regardless of what your skin type is, it is highly recommended by professionals that you wear sun cream with an SPF of at least 30 anytime you are exposed to sunlight.
It is recommended that you research which specific sun creams, face washes and moisturisers may be more suited to your skin type and which ingredients can help protect your skin during the hotter months.
Don’t let issues with your skin get in the way of enjoying your summer!
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
Third year journalism student at Stirling University
