Top tips to keep your cool when the heat is on
FEELING hot? You’re not alone. Temperatures have been unusually high for this time of year with much of the UK bathed in glorious sunshine. Unfortunately hot weather can play havoc with the complexion and it’s estimated that one in five of us will suffer from a warm-weather skin complaint this summer.
From flushing and rashes to pigmentation marks and spots, we’ve rounded up some of the most common summertime skin problems with advice on how best to tackle them.
PIGMENTATION MARKS
Freckles, age spots and pigmentation marks are mainly caused by overproduction of melanin in the skin after exposure to the sun.
The first step is to swap your regular serum or moisturiser for one that targets brown spots. Look for ingredients such as soy, ferulic acid and lactic acid or try Medik8 White Balance Click Intense Brightening Serum, £45 (dermacaredirect. co.uk), which contains kojic acid, a skin-brightener suitable for all skin types.
To prevent further pigmentation developing wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF30 every day and choose a product that contains zinc oxide to reflect the light. Try Skinceuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defence, £36.75 (skinceuticals.co.uk).
If you have a serious problem with age spots then laser resurfacing could be an option.
This salon treatment uses short bursts of light energy to break down the pigmentation marks, leaving clear skin.
You will need at least three days’ recovery time and should expect some swelling and redness after treatment. From £200 per session.
SUNBURN
If you do end up with sunburn, it’s important to act quickly. You need to reduce skin inflammation as soon as possible so take a cool bath or shower to stop the skin burning and calm redness.
Apply a cooling moisturiser such as La Roche-Posay Posthelios Melt In Gel, £9.75 (boots.com), which is packed with nourishing shea butter and enriched with anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties to restore hydration. Store it in the fridge to keep it cool and reapply every few hours.
Aloe vera gel is another good natural remedy for minor sunburn so keep a tube in the fridge in case of emergencies. Try Holland & Barrett Aloe Vera Gel, £4.29 (hollandandbarrett.com).
SUNSCREEN ALLERGY
When the chemical ingredients in sunscreens are combined with UV light, heat and sand, it can lead to skin irritation and sensitivity.
If you use a sunscreen that contains a physical rather than a chemical block, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, irritation is less likely to occur. Look for the ranges that are designed for sensitive skin, such as Avene Very High Protection Mineral Cream SPF50, £10.12 (boots.com) or Eucerin Sun Allergy Protection Sun Creme-Gel SPF50, £19 (boots.com).
If you’re prone to skin allergies, do a patch test before using a new sunscreen. Apply a small amount on to the inside of your elbow or the side of your neck each day for three days. If you experience any redness, stinging or itchiness, chances are you’re allergic to the product.
BLEMISHES
Even if you don’t usually suffer from spots, a heatwave could lead to an unexpected breakout. Warm weather triggers excess oil production, which can block pores. The wrong type of sunscreen or using too many rich products can also cause congestion.
Blemish-prone skin may prefer an oil-free sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Anti Shine Matte Fluid SPF30, £12 (boots.com).
Try using a micellar water cleanser, such as Bioderma Sensibio H20, £10.80 (boots.com), which contains no harsh chemicals or detergents to inflame the skin.
It contains microscopic oil spheres that suck up make-up and dirt without stressing or irritating the complexion. During the day mop up excess oil with NYX Blotting Paper, £5.50 (nyxcosmetics.co.uk). As well as removing shine this clever product contains salicylic acid to help fight breakouts.
DEHYDRATION
The combination of hot weather and sweating can leave skin parched and in need of moisture.
The first signs of dehydrated skin are dry flaky patches and a feeling of tightness. Look for intensely hydrating creams such as Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate, £34 (clinique.co.uk), which contains algae extract to calm red skin. Use a gentle exfoliator to banish dry patches such as Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash, £6.66 (superfacialist.co.uk).
During the day a facial mist will hydrate skin and calm irritation. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist, £21 (elizabetharden.co.uk) is perfect for the hot weather.
For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds.com