How to Care for Your Skin in Summer

Summer is finally here! Which means long, languid days in the park, beach trips, festivals and all manner of outdoorsy, sun-worshipping activities. We know the temptation to toast your pasty skin can be strong – especially if you’re more used to the UK’s bland, grey climate. But it’s important to be sensible.

Failing to wear SPF causes sunburn and heat rashes, while exposing yourself to excessive sunlight can store up lots of premature-ageing concerns for the future.

To make sure your skin is having as much fun as you are, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for keeping your complexion healthy and radiant.

1. Make sure you’re wearing the correct SPF for your skin type

The numbers on SPF represent the level of sun-busting power they contain. It is this formula which forms a barrier against UVB and UVA rays and helps to increase your skin’s tolerance to direct sunlight. How do you know which factor to go for? If your skin tends to turn pinkish after 20 minutes exposure to the sun, wearing factor 15 will prevent reddening for 15 times longer than your skin’s natural barriers. So, 5 hours.

Wearing factor 20 will prevent reddening for 20 times longer and so on. If you have very sensitive or pale skin, have previously suffered from any form of cancer or are concerned about pigmentation, you should wear a high protection like our Sun Screen Body Lotion with an SPF of 50+. And no one should wear less than factor 15. Because even without the visible signs of burning, your skin can be sustaining long term damage.

2. Eat some melon

Watermelon is not only delicious and prime summer-Instagram-snap material, it’s also fully-loaded with antioxidants and has been found to boost your SPF’s efficacy by several factors. What a super fruit!

3. Seek shade when the sun is hottest

Even with SPF, you should avoid being outside at the hottest part of the day (usually between 12pm and 2pm). After all, your sun cream can only do so much. When the sun is at its highest point, retreat to the shade and have an ice-cold drink to keep cool.

4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Large, floppy sun hats exude classic seaside glamour and also help to protect the delicate face from harsh sunlight. A hat can also provide extra coverage for your neck and ears and stop the sun beating down on your scalp – which can cause overheating and sun stroke.

5. Wear sunglasses

Squinting is never a good look. And squinting in sunlight can lead to a fresh onslaught of forehead furrows and crow’s feet. Time to get shady with a pair of peeper-protecting sunglasses.

6. Keep skin moisturised

Sunlight can have a thoroughly drying effect on your skin. So, if you’ve overdone it with the sunbathing, make sure you compensate your skin’s loss of hydration. A rich body cream like our Christialen Emulsion will help to replenish lost moisture and leave skin feeling super silky and soft to the touch.

7. Don’t forget your lips

Your lips are just as vulnerable to the effect of the sun. Burnt lips swell and can be incredibly painful and slow to heal. Don’t ignore your pout! Apply our Sun Screen Lip Balm packed full of SPF (50+).