Why we still need to moisturise in summer

If you’re like me and have always thought you need to change or decrease your moisturising when the weather gets hot, you might need to read on to know why you should continue to moisturise in summer, with a few minor tweaks and tricks to suit the season.

Why we still need to moisturise in summer:

1.       Dehydration. Excessive summer heat can dehydrate your body and your skin. Unlike the dry and cracked skin we tend to associate with winter, dehydrated skin in summer tends to become oily due to the body increasing its sebum production to protect itself from drying out. So even if you feel hot, humid, and sweaty, your skin still needs to be moisturised.

2.       Sun exposure. Australians in general, but particularly us Queenslanders, need to be particularly aware of the damage being caused by sun exposure. Even the smallest change in skin colour (which we all find hard to escape over the long summer) indicates sun damage on a cellular level. A moisturiser with high levels of vitamins and antioxidants will help protect against free radical damage which is naturally elevated from damaging UV radiation.

3.       Air- conditioning. For those of us not out in the elements or enjoying time at the beach, your skin is still under stress from spending more time in air-conditioned environments. Artificially cooled rooms have dehumidified air, which dries your skin and can make facial wrinkles and fine lines look more pronounced.

4.       Increased showers. Between workouts, beach days, pool time and plain old summer sweat, many of us are showering numerous time a day during the summer. Recent studies into the skin microbiome suggests that excessive showering and bathing is actually having detrimental effects on our skin, as we are essentially washing away parts of the complex and diverse ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that are working hard to create a barrier between ourselves and our environments.

5.       Inflammation caused by heat. During the summer, some people may get itchy rashes on their skin or a flare up of their eczema conditions. This can be a result of dehydrated skin and exposure to environmental stressors. Milaria or “prickly heat”, for example, is a reaction to UV light.

How to moisturise in summer:

1.       Less is more. This philosophy really is the most pertinent during summer. If you’re using a moisturising sunscreen, you probably don’t need to add another moisturiser to your face and body during the day. Our Avocado Balm is ultra-hydrating and will not leave your skin feeling overly oily, but you can get away with using less during the warmer months. The lovely ingredients in the tin will be warmer than in the winter months, making it easier to scoop a little to use over your whole body.

2.       Timing of product use. There is no need to buy a lighter moisturiser for summer although you may want to change when you use your current product. If you are currently using an oil-based product, you may want to apply as an overnight mask to boost your skin’s moisture while you sleep. The heavy lifting of renewing and firming your skin can be done before you wake so that your daily moisturising routine can be kept light and simple.

3.       Make sure your product has high antioxidants. A good quality product with high-grade antioxidants and vitamins is essential in summer to help protect against oxidative stress. Lotions and light cream moisturisers may feel light on the skin, but may also be light in substance, containing mostly water. At the same time, be careful with high potent serums containing retinoids and AHAs which cause photosensitivity. Apply only at night and if you’re not going to wear a 50+ sunscreen all day, forget them.

4.       Head to toe. There’s a whole lot more skin exposed during summer. Your poor feet that have been neglected during winter are now on full display so be sure to moisturize your feet too. To avoid cracked heels and your feet drying out quickly, apply Avocado Balm for an hour at night under a pair of socks and you will be all set for those sandals the following day.

Best Summer Skin Tips:

·       Stay in the shade. The most obvious and cheapest thing on the skin care list but in Queensland not the easiest thing to do. The best Plan B is to make shade a fashion statement for you and cool for the kids by covering with bright beach umbrellas, a decent hat collection, rashies and light long sleeves for when you just can’t be out of the sun.

·       Wear SPF. Daily. No excuses. I’m loving The Kind and Standard Procedure. Buy one bottle and use it all up before buying another. The efficacy of sunscreens is reduced when exposed to temperatures over 30 degrees so that half bottle of sunscreen you’ve had in the beach bag or car for the past 12 months probably is not going to cut it any more.

·       Exfoliate. Dermatologists are often reminding us not to over-exfoliate, but in the summertime we have more dead skin to slough away. If you use zinc and heavy sunscreens you may need to cleanse and exfoliate using a slightly courser cloth to unblock pores- just be careful not to overdo it.

·       Embrace the facial toning mist. Find a product that hydrates as well as helps with skin regeneration and renewal. I keep it very simple and absolutely love Courlee naturals Pure Crystal Rose Water. Instantly cooling and hydrating, mists are a summer favourite.

·       Drink plenty of water. Again, pretty obvious, but no amount of product can make you look fresh, youthful and glowing if your body is dehydrated.