Our skin is constantly working to adapt to its environment, and the transition from the cooler months into summer can really throw our skin off balance and create some interesting skin challenges.
In the summer, warmer temperatures and higher humidity increases oil production, making the skin feel greasier, especially as the day wears on. This extra oil can trap dead skin cells and debris, leading to congestion and breakouts. With longer days in the sun, we’re also more prone to pigmentation (those stubborn dark spots) thanks to New Zealand’s strong UV rays. Annoyingly for some, even heat alone can cause pigmentation, making it really tricky to counteract in a warm climate.
So when it comes to seasonal change we’re facing right now there are some small tweaks you can make to your daily routine to make all the difference.
When summer rolls around, think about switching to lighter skincare formulations. If congestion increases, try exfoliating more, but remember not to overdo it and try a gentler option for at-home. For anyone prone to pigmentation, adding a serum with ingredients like vitamin C or Niacinamide can help prevent dark spots before they appear. Of course, SPF is always a must, not only to prevent pigmentation but to protect against premature aging and skin cancer. Your makeup routine might need a seasonal update too. With the added humidity, a “less is more” approach is usually best; try a light BB cream or a mineral powder, which I personally love because it has natural SPF and is easy to reapply throughout the day.
If it’s within your budget, consider visiting a trusted skin therapist for a seasonal check-in. They can make sure your home routine is still on track and provide a custom treatment for any new skin concerns.
As well as these tips to help your skin ease into summer, here are some common mistakes to avoid all year round.
- Using too many products at once can overwhelm the skin, potentially causing irritation or breakouts as the layers interfere with one another. It’s far better to create a great simple skincare routine which has been prescribed to target your skin type and specific goals.
- It’s easy to be drawn into the skincare hype, but relying solely on product advice from social media can be risky, as not every influencer is a skin expert, and what works for one person might not suit everyone. Chat to a trusted skincare expert to seek guidance if you can.
- Over-exfoliating is another common pitfall; while exfoliation can leave skin looking brighter and help to decongest, too much can damage the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity and dryness which can make breakouts worse.
- Constantly changing your skincare routine can also cause issues, as it doesn’t allow the skin time to adjust to products or experience their full benefits. Also, continually exposing your skin to different active products and ingredients may cause sensitivity.
Armed with a little bit of knowledge, summer doesn’t have to mean stressed out skin or a stressed out you.
Rebecca Spencer has been working in the skincare industry for the past 20 years, and owns/runs her own West Auckland based clinic in Titirangi.
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