Keeping Summer Skin Hydrated
As winter ends and the warm weather starts to heat up, we may think we no longer need to moisturise. This misconception can cause the sun’s rays, chlorine or salt from swimming, and the air-conditioners to dry out our skin further.
Skipping a moisturiser while enduring this damage, will break down healthy skin barrier over time, which makes your skin more prone to inflammation, irritation, flaking, and sensitivity. Whatever your skin type, moisturiser helps lock in hydration and the benefits of other products like treatments or serums used prior to moisturising. If you have oily skin and think you can skip the moisturiser, think again. Even though oil glands are more active in warmer weather, we tend to engage in more outdoor activities that break down the skin barrier—like swimming. If you skip a moisturiser, the oil glands will become hyperactive and overproduce oil. The key is to find the right moisturiser for your skin type and adjusting, as needed, with the seasons.
Here are all the reasons why you should not be neglecting a moisturiser after winter, tips to keep your skin in top condition in summer and which Plunkett’s moisturisers are best for what type of skin in summer.
1. The most crucial reason is that the harsh sun rays dry out your skin by taking away its natural oils. The result? Increased sebum production that can make your oily skin even worse. For those who have dry skin, the sun makes the skin get only drier
2. Taking shelter from the warm weather by constantly staying in air-conditioned spaces makes your skin more prone to dryness
3. That extra layer of sweat on your face does not count as a moisturiser. Moisturisers re-establish the stratum corneum, your outermost layer of the skin, which protects from harmful pollutants and chemicals and prevents further irritation or dryness
4. We lose plenty of fluids during summer and keeping our skin hydrated is as important as rehydrating our bodies. Certain moisturisers can help seal the moisture which is lost due to sweating
5. Taking several dips in the cool inviting pools is unavoidable in summer which is why we should protect the skin from the chlorine/salt in the pools. Like the sun, it too strips the skin of its natural oils
6. The harsh sun can also cause early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles to appear and the most effective way of keeping them at bay is moisturising. Making sure to regularly moisturise your skin will help keep it plump and lively
What else can you do to help your skin?
1. Between workouts, beach days, and plain old summer sweat, many of us shower more than once a day during the summer. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers short, around four to five minutes. Over-showering, or showering in water that is too hot, can lead to over-drying your skin, leading to inflammation and even summertime eczema
2. Take a close look at your makeup product labels and only keep those that are non-comedogenic. That's a fancy word for a product formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. Especially over the summer wear makeup that is not going to block pores. That might include options like a powder sunscreen, an oil-free primer, or a lightweight foundation
3. Stay in the shade. All experts recommend their patients wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses in the sun. Wearing long sleeves in Australia’s summer is highly unlikely, however, you should be mindful to expose as little of your body as possible to direct sunlight. That might mean sitting underneath an umbrella, wearing an extra-large hat, and avoiding the midday sun
4. Don’t forget to Hydrate. Hydration is always important for our skin, but even more so in the summer. Hydration can also help skin recover after a sunburn
5. Sunscreen. Skin experts recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin. Don't forget about hands, feet, ears, and lips. It is also important to note that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every couple of hours, so make sure to pack extra sunscreen for long summer days outdoors. Top tip: Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to reapply
So, what moisturiser should you be reaching for during summer?
Dry Skin Moisturiser: Vita E Natural Vitamin E Cream
Normal Skin Moisturiser: Vita E Natural Vitamin E Quick Dry Oil
Super Light Moisturiser: High Potency Aloe Vera Moisturiser
Soothing/Cooling Sunburned/Damaged Skin: 99% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
