Top Tips for Summer Skincare

Yay! The great British summer has well and truly arrived, and with it a real mix of weathers that seem to change on a day to day basis. One thing for sure though, whether the sun makes an appearance or not, the overall temperature and humidity has definitely increased and can upset the usual balance of your skin. So we’ve pulled together our top tips for beautiful summer skin.

1. Drink loads!

I wish I could say drink whatever you fancy (mine’s a gin by the way!) but we’re talking skin here and there is simply nothing better than drinking lots of water all through the day. Not only does water replenish moisture lost to the heat and sweat but also helps to flush toxins out of the body and keep skin looking clear and lustrous.

Adding a couple of slices of lemon will add to your normal vitamin C intake too. Vitamin C is vital for healthy, glowing skin and helps combat all those environmental stresses life throws at it.  Despite the very hot weather, try to stay away from iced beverages because they hinder digestion and can create toxins leading to skin breakouts.

2. Protect

We all know about the importance of using an SPF but do you wear enough throughout the day? It is recommended that to get the proper protection from the sun’s harmful rays you should apply at least a teaspoons’ worth to your face alone and re-apply every 2 hours. Now I don’t know about you, but whilst I listen to that advice, I find it difficult and impractical to maintain such a stringent regime. So, try to stay out of the mid-day sun, try to stay under cover or wear a hat. My own daily skincare regime always includes a sunscreen that is applied over my moisturiser before applying make-up with SPF included. I like to carry a mineral powder that has a broad spectrum SPF and apply throughout the day as needed which also doubles up at reducing some of that glistening shine.

3. Rest

Get plenty of quality rest and sleep each night. Avoid the caffeine, keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable and sleep on cotton or linen sheets. Get to bed early and awaken early for clear healthy skin and sparkling eyes. Take a cool shower before going to bed to lower your overall temperature down a little and use a cooling spritz for those really sticky nights. See our DIY recipe further down the page.

Pop your eye cream in the fridge for a really relaxing and cooling spa-like experience (better than falling asleep with cucumber on your eyes that either gets lost in the bed or worse, your cat/dog eats it!).

4. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse

To avoid blocked pores and breakouts, a good cleansing regime is vital to keep skin balanced and purified. Make sure to remove all make-up and perspiration built up during the day by giving skin a thorough cleanse at night. Unless you have sensitive skin, use a gentle exfoliator a couple of times a week to remove dead surface skin cells. Add a toner to remove any residue left and to re-balance skin. Repeat cleansing in the morning before applying any make-up.

*** Look out for our NEW honey-based cleanser which is currently being trialled and tested. To be released soon!

5. Lighten your moisturiser

As the weather gets warmer, your skin’s needs change too. Thicker creams which have seen you through the winter months become harder for skin to absorb. If you are an avid fan of our Night Cream, consider making a switch and using our Day Cream instead which is a lighter formula but will still give skin the hydration and moisturisation it needs when the thermometer peaks.

       6. Travel Light

Have you got your bags packed for a beach holiday or maybe you’re off to a summer festival? Regardless of where you’re going, I bet your bags are going to be jammed packed and the consideration of what you’re going to leave behind may be a reality? Well, let me tell you a little secret.

Our Intensive Gardeners Hand Balm is more that “just for hands”. Did you know that it can be used for:

• A leave-in hair conditioner and a de-frizzer (melt a tiny amount in between your fingers and rub through the ends of your hair (avoid your roots unless you want a greasy look!). Style as per normal.
• Use as a post-shave balm for legs or any of those delicate/sensitive areas.
• Use as a natural insect repellent as the lemongrass essential oil is known to help the fight against those biting/sucking critters.
• Use as a foot balm to maintain those feet after they’ve been been exfoliated after walking across the sand.
• Big into tanning products? Then apply some balm to knees and elbows to give an even application of your tanning lotion.
• Use as a healing balm for any minor scrapes, burns, cuts, grazes or bites.
• Use as an emergency lip balm to repair cracked, sore and burnt lips. The taste might not be to everyone’s suiting but it’ll have your pout back to normal before you know it and you did know that you weren’t supposed to lick it off your lips anyway didn’t you?

Who knew you could get so many uses out of one small tin? Just think how much space you could save in your suitcase now, and you may even be able to get those extra shoes in instead!

Our award winning Man Balm will do all of the above (except the insect repelling). Perfect for the guy who needs some softness in his life but without admitting to it.