Give your skin a holiday glow
How to look luminous all summer long
Follow these simple tips to look dewy,
not sweaty, all summer long.
Summer holidays are great time to refresh your body and mind. But all the fun things you do to relax may impact on your skin, leaving it looking dull. Many factors conspire against a glowing complexion: dehydration, lack of sleep, over-exfoliation, a poor diet, and yes, you guessed it, heat and humidity. The sweet spot for fresh, dewy-looking skin is when the temperature is between 24 to 29 degrees with 40 to 50 per cent humidity, says dermatologist Dr Janet Prystowsky. Unfortunately, in the height of summer it’s easy to end up looking sweaty instead of dewy. Here are six ways you can look luminous all summer (and beyond).
Eat more nuts and vegies.
To get the dewy look you’re after, try eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, flaxseed and salmon, suggests dermatologist Dr Jennifer Haley. She also recommends cutting back on sugary, processed food (see our sugar detox feature on page 84). Vegetables like spinach and kale, which contain vitamins A and E, are also great choices. These vitamins help stimulate collagen production and encourage blood flow to keep skin looking, and feeling, fresh.
Cleanse and exfoliate.
Humidity can cause the skin to sweat and produce more oil, but that’s nothing a little face wash can’t handle. “Cleansing the skin with glycolic washes can remove excess oils, break down [dead skin cell] buildup, and brighten the skin leaving it radiant and smooth,” says dermatology nurse Christina Smitley. You can also try salicylic acid and glycolic acid pads, which will lightly exfoliate dead skin and expose the hydrated skin beneath. They can be used once or twice a day but if you notice any redness or irritation, use the pads more intermittently. “Over-exfoliating is a common issue,” Prystowsky suggests. “In the short term, it can leave your skin red and irritated. In the long run, it can cause your skin to get tough and thick.”
Moisturise.
Skin moisturises itself, and the ability to naturally create a barrier to water loss is its most crucial function, says dermatologist Dr Fayne Frey. Still, it can always use a little help. Applying a moisturiser can increase the skin’s water content, optimising its dewy appearance, says Frey.
Go easy on the foundation.
Less is more when it comes to using make-up to create a fresh look without too much shine. Keep things light by foregoing foundation and just using a tinted moisturiser, suggests make-up artist Hillary Kline. If you can’t imagine stepping out without foundation, she suggests applying a mattifying primer first to give the complexion a more velvety finish. “If you have oily skin, this is going to be your best friend.”
Try a hydration spray.
And finally, what if you only have five minutes, and want a fresher look? Try a little spritz, suggests Smitley. “Hydration sprays are a quick and easy way to reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin in a hurry.” Look for refreshing ingredients such as rosemary, rosewater and aloe vera.