Summer is characterised by longer days, and at the peak of afternoon heat especially, hotter temperatures can really cause, what appears to be unexplained havoc to our skin. Considering that our skin is the largest organ of the body, we can interpret the function of skin as the outer protective covering to our underlying complex networks of structures. It is therefore obvious that our skin is also our first line of defence in preventing bacterial infections. The top layer of our skin, the epidermis is constantly in a state of renewal, in fact it takes on average 27 days for the top layer of skin to replace itself with a new layer. As we age, skin does tend to become thinner and more susceptible to environmental damage; the skin cell renewal process progressively slows as well.
However, the deeper layers of our skin, known as the dermis, do not go through this cellular turnover, hence tattoo dyes applied in the dermis will remain. Our skin thus requires particular attention, and more so during summer if healthy radiant supple skin is to be achieved.
Before we explore summer skincare tips, it’s a good idea to understand some of the common skin issues experienced during summer. This is because heat can cause excess sweating and oil production, which can block pores. Further, often when moisture is trapped under the skin surface, inflammations such as bumps, pimples, rashes, or acne could occur. The effect of sun is another concern, as prolonged exposure of skin to high UV rays can cause the production of free radicals which may not just contribute to premature aging, it can also lead to skin diseases. Other negative effects of UV solar exposure include the appearance of sunspots and pigmentation.
Summer Skincare tips
To reduce the harmful effects of the sun on our skin, it is recommended that we choose products with SPF protection. Our 2bYoung Facial Moisturiser is a good option, offering both SPF15 protection as well as a high active botanical content to help smooth and soften skin for a clearer glowing complexion.
The sun’s rays can damage your skin even when you think it doesn’t feel too hot, so avoid peak high UV periods to mitigate this risk.
It would also be value adding to include antioxidant rich serums or creams as part of your skincare regime. In terms of high antioxidant rich botanicals, sandalwood oil stands supreme. A recent cellular research paper published in the Cosmetics Journal confirms the efficacy of Indian sandalwood oil as a highly potent antioxidant ingredient. This research demonstrated a notable protective effect against pollutants; and found that Indian sandalwood oil is capable of significantly decreasing the damage to the collagen in skin tissues caused by stressors such as blue light from solar and digital sources, as well as pollution from cigarette smoke!
Due to the extra sweating during hot summer days, people with oily skin are typically more at risk of acne outbreaks. Bacteria and excess sebum on the skin’s surface can easily clog pores, so it’s a good idea to wash your face regularly with a gentle pH balanced face wash. It is also beneficial to avoid using heavy moisturisers, instead opting for a lighter, non-greasy formula that can be easily absorbed by the face. Our Mt Romance Facial Moisturiser containing Australian sandalwood oil and enriched with vitamins E and A is a another good option to fit this space. Unnecessarily heavy makeup, coupled with extreme humidity could also hamper our skin’s ability to breathe- so reach for a SPF15 lip care stick instead and simply embody the no-makeup look!
Scrubbing once or twice a week will also be conducive for achieving healthy supple radiant skin as it helps the skin renewal process via gentle exfoliation of the epidermis. Our Mt Romance Australian Sandalwood Powder is ideal, use it both as a mask or scrub, its versatility and efficacy is a standout! Below are a couple of popular face treatment recipes using our flagship Australian sandalwood powder.
Reducing the look of dark spots:
Mix 1 Tbs powder with 1 Tsp coconut oil.
- Combine ingredients, mix until a smooth paste like consistency. Leave 10 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water. Regular use required for visible results.
Acne prone skin:
Mix 1 Tbs powder, 1 Tsp milk and a pinch Tumeric.
- Combine ingredients, mix until a smooth paste like consistency. Leave approximately 30 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water. Apply once weekly or fornightly depending on skin type and need.
Another easy way to maintain summer skin health, is via hydration. Drinking generous amounts of quality non-chemically treated water is key. You can extend this further by using a hydrating face mask once a week to enhance the suppleness of your skin, for a more radiant appearance. Positive hydration also includes coconut water and regular cold-pressed fresh juices. The extra electrolytes from coconuts will help you power through the day, while the vitamins, fibre, and nutritional value from fresh juices, over time will certainly be fortifying for your general wellbeing. Getting ample sleep is the other obvious but hot tip for achieving summer ready skin. So essential for the healthy functioning of our mental capacity and physical body- further the cells within our bodies are most active during sleep. A time of healing, as the body produce collagen, an essential component of healthy skin.
Steering clear of sugary drinks or excessive carbonated drinks at the same time will help you avoid feeling sluggish. Our bodies are sacred temples according to the bible and our skin is a good indicator for our general state of health, so it makes sense that we should be mindful of what we put into our bodies.
It’s also important to understand that extreme temperatures in general can affect our skin. Not just in summer, as the cold or even dry winds can exacerbate existing skin issues or perhaps even causing new ones. It’s therefore vital that we have more environmental awareness and understand its impact on skin health- as different situations will require particular attention, should we desire clear radiant skin. Healthy skin is not an overnight process, but by incorporating these few simple steps, you will be on the road to achieving glowing summer skin in no time.