With warmer temperatures comes hot air, humidity, some seriously strong rays and a new skincare routine to match.
Now is the time to swap heavy creams for gels, retinols for antioxidants and add an extra layer or two of sunscreen to achieve our best summer skin.
Try these saviours to prevent, protect and hydrate …
PREVENT
Swap your winter priorities of nourishing and treating skin to your new summer cause: prevention.
The best way to start protecting the skin from environmental aggressors is to load up with more antioxidant-rich serums.
Keep products like retinols and exfoliants to a minimum and go for a simpler approach with light layers of radiance-boosting and damage-fighting ingredients like the famed vitamin C.
Go-To Skincare Much Brighter Skin Brightening Vitamin C Serum, $59, from Mecca
Treat hyperpigmentation and dehydration in one with Go-To’s glow-giver, loaded with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, $111, from Mecca
A new mix-yourself version of their prior vitamin C serum, maximising the potency of their delicate 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid while keeping the formula fresh.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum, $228, from Adore Beauty
This is specifically designed to give the benefits of their cult C E Ferulic antioxidant serum but with blemish-prone, skin-friendly ingredients.
PROTECT
We should be well-versed in sun protection, wearing it all year round and even inside, right?
Well, if you’ve skipped some days, this is your reminder to slip, slop, slap. Even better, there are so many skin-loving formulas out there you can essentially swap out your day moisturiser for a SPF, rather than adding another step.
“The oxidative damage that UV radiation can cause to our skin can impact our skin health and beauty in multiple ways, so an SPF 50+ sunscreen should become integral to our daily regimen,” explains La Roche-Posay’s medical communications manager, Rachel McAdam.
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid, $10, from Chemist Warehouse
New from the self-tanning experts is a lightweight face fluid that’s undetectable under makeup, making it a cinch to add to your routine.
Dr Roebuck’s Barrier Reef Daily Facial Shield SPF 50+, $49, from Dr Roebuck’s
A clean, mineral sunscreen that doesn’t have a white cast? Yes, it exists with this invisible, broad spectrum, antioxidant-rich formula.
Aesthetics Rx Tinted Water-Resistant Sunscreen Cream, $59, from Adore Beauty
Skip the day moisturiser and the foundation because Aesthetics Rx’s cream does it all. Fragrance and paraben-free, reef-safe and cruelty-free, it suits everyone, even those with sensitive skin.
HYDRATE
Dryness and dehydration are a constant battle and one we might forget in summer. According to Rachel, it’s time to keep up hydration but adapt to the season.
“We should begin thinking about going a little lighter with our skincare, particularly moisturisers. This can mean lighter texture, small amounts of a serum,” she says.
Try gel-like textures or layer lightweight, concentrated serums for an invisible layer or hydration.
Essano Intense Hydration Hyaluronic Acid, $21.49, from Chemist Warehouse
Don’t let the cute little bottle fool you, this packs a punch with multi-depth hydration to cure dehydrated skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $23.99, from Chemist Warehouse
For 24 hours of hydration, try this silky, non-comedogenic, gel-like formula that binds moisture to the surface for smooth, plump skin.
Mecca Max Watercooler Calming Hydration Serum, $25, from Mecca
Rich in vitamin B5 and green algae extract, this fragrance-free, no-nasties elixir is like a glass of water for your skin.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
