Beautiful clothes, chilled strawberry daiquiris and freckles on your nose – summer’s on the way! To give our skin the best possible start to the season, we asked Oriflame skin expert Holly Grenfell for advice. She gave us five simple but oh-so-effective tips on prepping for sun and fun.
‘When it gets hot, the skin’s natural oil production increases and the blood rushes to the skin to cool the body. That’s when we perspire,’ explains Holly. ‘Perspiration is good for the skin, since it removes excess fluids from the body. But you do need to wash it away, because it can cause blocked pores, acne and inflammation and knock your pH out of balance,’ she says, adding, ‘Perspiration also increases the risk of sun damage. Use gentle cleansing products and pat your skin dry afterwards.’
‘In addition to a water-resistant sun cream, a lighter moisturiser is a good idea, preferably one with hydrating hyaluronic acid,’ Holly advises. ‘You might also try day creams for normal to combination/oily skin, since they balance the skin when you perspire.’ Even though your skin may seem oilier when it’s hot, you shouldn’t skip your day or night cream. ‘A proper skincare routine is the key to keeping your skin balanced,’ says Holly.
Use a face peel and body scrub once or twice a week to prevent blocked pores and increase blood circulation. A cellulite cream massaged into your thighs and bottom and left to work over night can give an extra boost and make your skin smoother.
4 PROTECT EXPOSED BODY PARTS
Your feet and hands need extra TLC when it’s time for sandals and digging in the garden. Massage hands or feet with an exfoliating scrub followed by a nourishing cream. And don’t forget your lips! ‘Always carry a lip balm with SPF and use it often. And that applies to guys too,’ suggests Holly. And if you swim in a pool, it’s a good idea to use a richer cream. ‘The chlorine can break down the vitamin E in your skin and dry it out,’ she explains. ‘Make it a habit to end happy days in the pool with a shower and a nourishing cream.’
UV rays trigger pigmentation that makes your skin tone grey and dull. Make a smart investment in a face cream with SPF and always use sun cream on exposed skin. For a safe sun-kissed look, self-tanners are unbeatable! The modern varieties quickly give your skin a natural-looking golden glow. Apply a rich cream to your brows and hairline to avoid discolouration.
