Looking after your skin is very important. However, sourcing the right products for your skin type can be challenging. Throughout your life, your skin will go through multiple changes; whilst you may have suffered from oily, acne-prone skin as a teenager, you may now be noticing dryness. Although age plays a factor in this, so do the seasons, so you should make sure that you’re catering to your skin’s needs throughout the course of the year.
As the weather warms up, increased exposure to the sun, bugs and insects, in addition to a change in humidity, can alter the appearance of your skin. In this guide, we will look at some of the causes of changes to your skin and how you can combat them. Find out more below.
SPF protection
There are many benefits to spending time outside, and when the weather begins to heat up, spending time in your garden or at a park is a wonderful afternoon activity. With this in mind, you’ll need to ensure that your skin is properly prepared, during the summer the sun’s harsh UV rays can cause lasting damage, even penetrating your skin through thick clouds. So be sure to keep it topped up with a suitable SPF throughout the day to give your skin the best protection.
Sunburn
Not only can sunburn be painful, causing your skin to feel hot and appear red, but frequent bouts over long periods of time can increase your risk of skin cancer. This is a result of damage to your skin’s cells and the levels of ultraviolet radiation that are absorbed. If you have experienced regular sunburn over the course of your life, you’re more likely to be at risk, so taking preventative measures is best. Wear a high-level SPF when outside, even increasing the number of antioxidants in your diet could help lower your risk.
Insect bites
Bites and stings are never pleasant, and you’re more at risk of a painful surprise during the warmer seasons. Not only can these hurt and look unsightly, but some can cause lasting damage and disease. From wasps and bees to ticks and fleas, the first step is to identify what has bitten you.
Depending on the type of bite, you may experience a number of different symptoms, including rashes, swelling and pain. Most of these side effects will subside after taking an antihistamine or applying a bite cream, but some, such as a circular rash from a tick, may be cause for concern - and you should seek medical advice.
Summer skincare advice
Whatever your plans are this summer, making sure you’re protected from the sun is essential. In order to keep your skin feeling and looking great, be sure to follow the advice listed below:
- Always wear SPF with high coverage
- Reapply your SPF throughout the day, especially after swimming.
- Wear a hat to avoid sun damage to your scalp
- Swap out heavy-duty winter moisturisers and opt for something lightweight
- Stay out of the sun between its hottest hours to avoid burning
Take care of your feet
Wearing sandals and foregoing socks will have an impact on your feet throughout the summer. You may find an increase in hard skin on your heels, or general dryness on the soles of your feet. We have some fantastic footcare products to keep your feet looking in tip-top condition all season long:
- Make cutting your nails straightforward with Miracle of Aloe® Toenail Softener
- Our Professional Nail Clippers are designed to provide a precise, clean cut and are easy to use at arm's length
- Treat tired and aching feet after a long day with our Botanical Foot Soak
- Gehwol Fusskraft® Soft Feet Scrub works to remove dead skin cells and leaves feet feeling soft and smooth
- Our Manuka & Mint Foot Balm is easily-absorbed and refreshing, providing potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties