Dr. Rupert’s 10 Top Tips for That Summer Glow!
The great British summer can wreak havoc on our skin, with notable changes to the temperature, our lifestyle and beauty routines in full force. Here Dr Rupert Critchley, Director of VIVA Skin Clinics gives his top 10 tips in order to achieve that much lusted after 'summer glow' the healthy way!
1. SPF! SPF! SPF!
Come rain or shine, make sure to apply SPF every day! Sun protection for your face, legs, hands and any other exposed parts of your body is vital throughout the summer months. Excessive UV exposure can permanently damage your skin causing wrinkles, pigmentation and premature ageing. Invest in a high quality broad spectrum SPF (30+) and apply regularly.
2. Cleanse Properly!
Irrespective of the climate or season, cleansing your face is a basic and vital step that should be followed in every skincare routine. Throughout the hotter summer months our faces tend to produce more oil and therefore it's important to cleanse properly in order to keep skin clean and refreshed.
3. Exercise!
Exercise improves blood flow, which means your skin cells get more oxygen. Therefore, not only does your complexion look brighter but your body can heal any applicable tissue damage (like a sunburn or acne) more easily.
4. Exfoliate
During the summer months your skin works hard to keep itself healthy and heal any irritation or sunburn. You can help this process along by gently exfoliating which helps to slough away the dead skin cells, leaving skin looking radiant.
5. Add an Antioxidant Boost!
Try to invest in 'dual purpose' products such as serums, moisturisers, and sunscreens that come with an additional punch of antioxidants. For instance, vitamin C protects your skin from environmental damage and boosts collagen development. Creams and serums loaded with natural extracts and antioxidants reduce inflammation and help to neutralise harmful free radicals and repair the skin.
6. Eat Well!
Applying antioxidants topically isn't enough. In order to maintain radiant skin, you need to nourish it accordingly. Therefore, eating a healthy diet throughout the summer is a non-negotiable. Make sure to consume lots of seasonal foods, such as fresh berries, seafood, citrus fruits, nuts and vegetables. These contain essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
7. Hydrate Yourself!
Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the hotter climate. H20 is incredibly important in order to keep your skin hydrated, flush out toxins and get that all important 'healthy glow'!
8. Go Minimal with your Makeup
Keep your makeup routine minimal in Summer so that skin can breathe. If you can't live without foundation, try to switch to a tinted moisturiser or a BB cream with SPF.
9. Update Your Moisturiser
Ditch your thick winter moisturisers and switch to non-greasy lightweight textures that have SPF included. This will help to lock in essential moisture but not clog the skin.
10. And finally....don't forget to rest!
With the longer days, Summer can bring with it a non-stop mentality of socialising and activity. However it's crucial to give your body time to rest in order to repair itself and maintain healthy skin. When you rest, melanin development is boosted, damaged skin cells are repaired and your immune system is revitalised.