Essential summer cleansing and toning

Summer is finally here, meaning warmer weather, longer days and more time spent outside. Your legs may be rejoicing in their new found freedom but its really important not to neglect your skincare routine which also needs adapting to suit the hazy days to come. If like me, you’re not overly thrilled at the prospect of shelling out twice, take a look at some of the new products on the market which are designed to be multi-functional. In essence, one item is effectively doing the job of three. The beauty industry knows that what we want is a less-is-more approach to skincare – we want our skin to be as under-dressed and free to breathe as the rest of us!

One of the key things to remember for smarter summer skin is that as the weather hots up and the humidity rises, oil production increases. If your skin is prone to dryness and dehydration, this is not such a bad thing but if you have oily or combination skin already, the increased sebum can lead to shine and make skin more prone to outbreaks.

For drier skins, heavy lotions and thick creams which are great for protection and repair during winter months are just too much. They sit on the skin leaving it feeling clogged; switching to an oil-based cleanser at night will leave the skin purified and softened and can then be followed with a lighter moisturiser. Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oils are perfect for this and there is a nourishing formula for every skin type. The oil is massaged into the skin removing the day’s grime and dirt including stubborn make-up. Then add just a splash of water to transform it to an emulsifying milk.

If you’re more prone to breakouts, particularly during the summer months, you may want to introduce an astringent toner to your regime. These work to help eliminate impurities and reduce excess sebum and tighten pores after cleansing. Some people find these too harsh and drying on the skin but Vichy’s Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner is made with thermal spa water for extra hydration and is hypoallergenic too.

For an alcohol-free formula, try Instant Boost Skin Tonic from Liz Earle which comes either in a bottle for application with a cotton pad or as a facial spritz. Its gentle formula adds a fine layer of hydration while the floral components including rose-scented geranium work to revitalise, soothe and brighten the skin. It also contains a conditioning natural source of Vitamin E which clings to the skin reducing moisture loss. Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner contains lavender, aloe vera and balm mint to cool, soothe, purify and soften the skin. It’s revered by many as being the perfect rehydrating mist for long-haul flights or air-conditioned environments which strip moisture from the air thus dehydrating the skin.

Now it’s tempting to forego moisturiser altogether during the summer but it is still an essential step in protecting the skin from dehydration and repairing damage from harmful UV rays. Opt for a lighter moisturiser such as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel or Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Power Berry Daily Moisture both of which are readily absorbed into the skin without leaving a sticky residue. If you want to be really efficient and have already banished your thick, heavy foundation then opt for a lightweight tinted moisturiser – great if you’re not quite brave enough to be a bare-faced beauty. Laura Mercier’s Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser is the go-to product – its formula helps to control excess oil production, it’s lightweight yet hydrating and it’s got buildable coverage to ensure an even finish. Not to mention it has an SPF 20 which protects the skin from harmful UV rays and adds anti-ageing capabilities.

Oily and combination skins will also benefit from a weekly facial including exfoliation and a deep cleanse. This helps to rid the skin of toxins, remove the layer of dead cells which sit on the surface and reduce the appearance of pores. Skin will feel brighter and tighter and the risk of outbreaks should diminish. For normal to dry skins, try a weekly treatment such as No 7 Heavenly Hydration Moisture Mask to replenish and nourish.

Summer bodycare from Kiehl's and Rodial

It’s not just our faces that need a revamped routine – the skin on our bodies will also take some adjusting to the warmer weather and more humid conditions. Heavy creams will leave skin feeling sticky and clammy so a lighter lotion is needed to keep you feeling cool yet hydrated. Johnson’s 24 Hour Moisture Body Cream is a lightweight cream that is so readily absorbed, you’ll be left wondering if you’ve even applied at all. It contains shea butter so really does leave skin feeling soft for 24 hours but its formula is light enough not to smother the skin in warm weather.

If you want something a little bit more intuitive try Kiehl’s Crème de Corps light-weight body lotion with SPF 30. This iconic moisturiser has now been developed to feel even lighter on the skin and with an SPF 30, combines moisturising with the benefit of sun protection without the need for two separate products. Similarly, Rodial’s Skinny Beach combines an SPF 15 for protection and tan-boosting peptides to enhance your colour whilst at the same time, slimming actives help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve the silhouette. Genius!

Drinking plenty of water is also crucial to maintaining healthy skin particularly when the weather is hotter and you’re more physically active. Think of it as moisturising from the inside! There are so many products on the market to combat our every need so you should have no trouble in putting together a new regime for the summer but just remember that the best tip for anti-ageing is to use an SPF every day come rain or shine. The effects of the sun unfortunately cannot yet be reversed so as the saying goes, prevention is definitely better than cure.