Do you feel your skin may be suffering the consequences of a summer well-spent?
Autumn is on its way, and rather than mourn the loss of summer, we are here to help you to revamp your beauty routine and give your skin some serious TLC.
Along with long term health side effects, over-exposure to the sun has a serious effect on the quality of our complexion; UV Light causes deep dehydration and is also responsible for wrinkles and fine lines, long-term redness, broken capillaries and pigmentation.
The immediate or short-term effects are particularly common in sensitive skin or sensitized skin; scar tissue, tattoos and after medical-esthetic treatment areas.
During the summer months, aside from the UV Rays, our skin is also exposed to a great deal of external aggressions such as chlorine, salt, wind and sand therefore indulging in some rehab for your skin should be at the top of your priorities.
Our suggestions for addressing your skin's post-summer issues are listed below:
Post Summer issues I: Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be a stubborn skin concern, especially for those with acne-prone skin, it’s a process which disrupts the balance of melanin production by producing more in some areas over others. To counteract pigment spots, you should use creams with brightening & classic ingredients such as vitamin C.
What to buy -
Check the labels on your skincare for the following wonders in helping to quench your skin.
Kojic acid, alpha arbutin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid ( aka vitamin c ) & licorice root.
Most of the ingredients above are in our PM Recovery Night Cream.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in our PM Recovery Night cream inhibits the formation of melanin and will dramatically reduce the colour of dark spots. Our pm is rich in liquorice root extract and Vitamin C, so it will lighten the skin while preventing further hyperpigmentation.
Using PM Recovery Night Cream daily will improve the texture of your skin and skin tone, all while leaving it feeling hydrated, smooth & silky at the same time.
II: Dullness
Dullness can occur for a few reasons - dryness, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor diet, chlorine, salt water and sun damage. Dryness is the most common cause; It creates cracks in skin’s surface and therefore dead skin cells build-up; making the complexion look uneven and lackluster.
So what is the best treatment - applying a moisturizer every morning and evening will fill fissures with lipids, which in turn, mimic the natural fats of the skin, thus creating a smooth, reflective surface.
What to buy -
Look for moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides to help repair skin barrier function and improve water retention, and hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin cells by attracting water.
III: Dehydration
All skin types can become dehydrated, even oily skin. Dehydration is caused by a lack of water within the layers of the skin.
Drinking 2 litres of water is a starting point, but you could also consider taking Omegas orally. Omega tablets can be very effective in addition to applying topical creams.
Taking vitamins and omegas help to condition our skin from the inside-out, giving you the healthiest skin, as this works at a cellular level; where cells are formed.
What to buy -
Look for formulas that offer powerhouse ingredients like ceramides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturise and restore your skin.
Smooth on your moisturiser within a few minutes of getting out of a shower, to help make the most of that surface water on the skin before it has a chance to evaporate. Moisturisers can act like magnets within the skin, drawing from the cream on the surface and holding it there.
IV: Redness and Broken Capillaries
The main cause of broken capillaries is weakened blood vessels caused by extreme temperatures or sun damage. Broken capillaries are extra vessels growing underneath the skin, becoming more visible; this is called vascular matting.
Broken capillaries are not limited to sun but can be the result of sensitive skin, a genetic predisposition, trauma to the face, hormonal changes or a medical skin condition.
How to prevent broken capillaries?
Aside from staying out of the sun and avoiding extreme temperature changes, ensuring your skin has sufficient oxygen flow is important for prevention.
Try to get more oxygenated blood flow to the skin by working your creams and serums into the skin or using a skin tool such as a rose quartz roller.
What to buy –
Both our AM Recovery Day Cream and PM Recovery Night Cream are charged with our Patented OX²® Oxygen Transfer Technology, which allows your skin to absorb more oxygen for up to 24 hours. AM and PM optimise the skin’s processes of renewal, increase microcirculation which delivers core nutrients. These nutrients are crucial to the optimal healing process of fine lines, wrinkles, and poor circulation areas.
Additional things you could try to are to wash your face in lukewarm water (instead of hot) and ditch the super-gritty exfoliants.
V: Breakouts
Numerous studies have linked summer months to acne development, but did you know, acne doesn't worsen from sun exposure?!
Most of the time acne is related to increased oil production, sweating and clogging of the pores that occurs with the warmer temperatures. We layer on sunscreen, lotions, body butters and oils to keep our skin glowing and moisturised, but sweat, dirt, and other factors can exacerbate breakouts.
How do we treat summer acne? It's important to maintain a proper skin care regimen even during the summer months. In order to avoid clogged pores, try using a lighter moisturisers and water based sunscreens. Another good tip, to preserve your skin is to take a hands-off approach when those blemishes pop-up. Squeezing and digging at blemishes and spots can cause inflammation, scars, and infection.
Overall, your skin should not be neglected at any time of the year. Nevertheless, it is particularly important to take intensive care of your skin after the summer and the annual beach holiday.
