Summer is a time for sunshine (hopefully!), holidays and outdoor adventures, but it can also be a challenging season for your skin. The heat, humidity and increased sun exposure can lead to a variety of skin issues, from sunburns and pigmentation to dehydration and breakouts. At SkinHD, we are dedicated to ensuring your skin stays healthy, radiant, and protected all summer long. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best treatments and skincare recommendations for the summer months and for sun-filled holidays.
Summer treatments at SkinHD
Botox
Botox is widely known for its wrinkle-reducing effects, but did you know it can also be used to treat excessive sweating? If you’re worried about sweating through your summer outfits, botox injections in the underarms can be a lifesaver and significantly reduce sweating for several months, keeping you dry and confident. For facial sweating, we incorporate Botox in our WOW Fusion facials.
Facials
Regular facials can help keep your skin clean, hydrated and glowing. Opt for hydrating and soothing facials that address summer-specific skin issues like dehydration and sun exposure. Our hydrating facials are perfect for maintaining that summer glow.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers can restore lost volume, enhance facial contours and smooth out wrinkles. They provide immediate results and can be used to enhance areas like lips, cheeks and jawline. They work particularly well when combined with skin boosters for a comprehensive rejuvenation. Remember, if you’re planning a trip, it’s recommended to have filler treatments at least 3 weeks before your departure to avoid potential swelling during air travel. Additionally, sun and UV exposure can break down fillers faster, so ensure you protect your investments with proper sun protection like an SPF lip balm.
Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Sunekos, Redensity 1, Sculptra)
Skin boosters like Profhilo and Sunekos improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall skin quality. They work from within to provide a natural-looking, dewy glow, whilst simultaneously boosting collagen production for long lasting results. Multiple treatments may be required for best results, so plan accordingly before your holiday or speak with your practitioner to determine the best course of treatment depending on your timescales!
Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen production by creating micro-injuries in the skin, promoting healing and rejuvenation. It improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and helps with evening out skin tone, making it a great option for prepping your skin before the intense summer sun. Just remember that we’d advise to wait at least 2 weeks after your microneedling session before direct sun exposure, and consider a course of treatments for optimal results.
Light Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help with pigmentation, sun damage, reduce breakouts and improve skin texture. Opt for superficial chemical peels at least two weeks before your holiday to ensure your skin is smooth and congestion free. Remember to protect your skin with SPF daily after the treatment, topping up every couple of hours. Mid and deep peels are not recommended in the summer or just before going on a sunny holiday as it can increase your chances of developing hyper- or hypopigmentation. Speak with your skincare practitioner for advice if you’re not sure if this is the right treatment for you.
General Tips for Preparing Your Skin for Sun and Heat Exposure
- Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water and use hydrating skincare products to keep your skin plump and healthy. Look for serums and moisturisers with hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps your skin retain moisture.
- Sun Protection: Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, and seek shade during peak sun hours (11am-3pm). Choose a mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for maximum protection. Don’t forget to protect your lips with an SPF lip balm, and wear hats, sunglasses and UV-protective clothing to minimise sun exposure.
- Lightweight skincare: Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores and causing breakouts in the heat, especially if you’re prone to oily skin or breakouts.
- Exfoliate regularly (but not too often!): Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows better absorption of skincare products. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate your skin in the sun. Gentle chemical exfoliants like PHAs (rather than more aggressive acids like glycolic or salicylic) are more appropriate for the hotter summer months.
- Cooling masks/sprays: Use cooling masks or hydrating face mists to soothe and calm sun-exposed skin, reducing inflammation and providing much-needed relief after a day in the sun.
Preventing Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Antioxidant serums
Incorporate antioxidant-rich serums, such as Vitamin C, into your morning routine to help protect your skin from free radical damage. Antioxidants help neutralise harmful UV rays and prevent pigmentation, whilst also stimulating collagen production for anti-ageing benefits.
Want to learn more about Vitamin C?
Tanning and Regular use of SPF
We know we bang on about SPF every chance we get, but it really is the simplest and most effective way to protect your skin from premature ageing, pigmentation/sun damage, inflammation, and irritation. Look for formulations that offer broad-spectrum protection and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating – even if the formulation is water resistant.
Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ tan!
The concept of building a base tan on the sunbeds is a myth – it does not increase the amount of time that you can later be exposed to the sun and can actually cause significant damage to your skin. Sunbeds emit harmful UV radiation that accelerates skin ageing, increases the risk of skin cancer, and can lead to other skin issues such as pigmentation and sunspots. Tanning pills, often marketed as a quick fix, can also be dangerous. These pills usually contain high levels of canthaxanthin, a colour additive, which can lead to severe health issues including liver damage and retinopathy, an eye condition. They can also increase the risk of developing symptoms of hyperpigmentation!
If you want to achieve that tanned glow safely, opt for gradual self-tanner lotions or drops. These products can provide a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of UV exposure. Look for formulations that contain moisturising ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and ensure even application. Remember to exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner to avoid streaks and achieve a smooth, even finish.
What to avoid in the Summer
- Avoid over-exfoliating: Over-exfoliation can lead to increased sensitivity and sunburn. Stick to gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week to avoid irritating your skin. This advice includes any mid or deep peels.
- Skin retinoids/strong acids before sun exposure: Retinoids, AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (such as salicylic acid) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use them at night and consider taking a break before prolonged sun exposure to prevent irritation and damage.
- Consider avoiding Laser Treatments in the Summer: While laser treatments such as Laser Genesis and IPL can be highly effective for rejuvenating the skin and treating various skin concerns, they require caution during the summer months. These treatments can increase skin sensitivity to UV rays, heightening the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation. If considering laser treatments, it’s advisable to plan ahead and avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after procedures like Laser Genesis, and 4-6 weeks for IPL or Laser Hair Removal. This precaution ensures your skin heals properly and minimises the risk of complications.
- Avoid heavy make-up: Heavy make-up can clog pores and cause breakouts. Opt for lightweight, breathable formulations or mineral make-up that allows your skin to breathe. Consider using BB or CC moisturisers or a tinted SPF rather than your standard foundation for a lightweight dewy glow that evens out your skin tone.
Ready for That Holiday Glow?
By following these summer skincare tips and incorporating SkinHD’s recommended treatments you can ensure your skin stays radiant, healthy and protected all season long. Whether you’re preparing for a tropical getaway or simply enjoying the warm weather at home, our expert team is here to help you achieve your best skin this summer. Book a consultation with one of our specialists at SkinHD and discover the best treatments and products tailored to your skin’s needs.