BEAUTY Stay cool in the heat

Can’t handle the heat? It might be time to switch up your skincare routine. Here are some refreshing updates to help your skin survive the warmer summer weather

Gel textures have a high water-to-oil ratio, so you can layer them up and they won’t leave a sticky residue

Things have been hotting up. But with sliding make-up and moisture-sapping airconditioning, summer can be unkind to your complexion. Plus, when humidity rises, sweat and sebum production ramps up. “But sebum isn’t all bad,” says Dr Kaywaan Kahn, aesthetician at the Hannah London clinics. “It helps protect and moisturise our skin; however, too much can clog pores and cause spots.”

The heat can also increase the rate at which moisture evaporates. “Dehydration through hot temperatures and sweating can lead to skin becoming drier,” says Professor Firas Al-Niaimi, expert dermatologist at Sk:n. But, while you can’t control the weather, there are products that can provide some relief…

WELL GEL

Swap heavy creams for lightweight gels containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, which draws in moisture without leaving a sticky residue. As gel textures have a higher water-to-oil ratio, you can layer them up without worrying about blocking your pores.

Skin Proud’s Frozen Over Moisturiser ([ 8], £16.95, from asos.com), is packed with hyaluronic acid and has a fresh and fastabsorbing slushy texture. Just pop it into the freezer for 30 minutes before applying.

And since you’re supposed to reapply sun cream every two hours, Hello Sunday’s The Take-out One Invisible Sun Stick ([2], £14, from cultbeauty.co.uk), is ideal for fuss-free application on the go. This clear gel formula also has a fresh, minty scent.

Finally, at the end of the day, the refreshing Q+A Peppermint Daily Cleanser gel ([ 6], £7.50, from feelunique.com), will cut through sebum and SPF to reset and soften skin. Just remember to cleanse with tepid water, as hot water strips your natural oils.

COOL TOOLS

Ice-rolling is a form of cryotherapy, subjecting skin to sub-zero temperatures to depuff and calm inflammation. Models Irina Shayk and Kate Moss do it to perk up their complexions.

“It works by shocking the skin and circulating fresh blood to the massaged area,” says celebrity facialist Ada Ooi, who uses her own CRYOpress tool ([ 5], £78, from 001skincare.com) on clients such as Iris Law.

“More blood means more oxygen and richer nutrient delivery, which helps flush toxins and drain excess fluids.” Roll the tool in upwards motions across your cheeks, jawline and forehead.

To wake up tired eyes and clear sinuses, try Temple Spa’s cute, matchstick-size Eye Therapist Eye Massagers ([ 7], £10, visit templespa.com). Stash them in a fridge and use to massage around your eyes in static, circular motions. And this smart innovation from Charlotte Tilbury, the CRYO-Recovery

Face Mask ([ 3], £49, available at spacenk.com from Tuesday), is embedded with metal beads to target acupressure points, as well as cooling gel pockets to kick-start circulation.

COLD COMFORT

For instant relief from the heat, Dr Kaywaan Kahn recommends a cool spritz. Avène Hydrance Hydrating Mist ([ 4], £17, from boots.com) combines niacinamide and vitamin E to strengthen skin and ease tightness. Too much sun or just sensitive? Try a cold compress, then apply La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Ultra 8 mist ([ 1], £19.50, from lookfantastic.com). It contains thermal spring water and soothing allantoin (an extract from the comfrey plant) to ease angry, irritated skin. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick ([ 9], £21, from cultbeauty.co.uk) instantly cools on contact with skin. Roll it over red or parched patches. And thanks to the cool kids over on TikTok, Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Moisturising Mask with Hyaluronic Acid ([ 10], £10, from selfridges.com) has seen a huge spike in sales. Made from algae and clay, it lowers skin temperature and boosts moisture retention.