We promise, you are not the only one who tends to breakout in the summer months. The combo of higher temperatures, heightened oil production, and increased sweat leads most of us to experience blocked pores, breakouts, or the dreaded summer shine. You’re not alone! It’s just that more oil means there’s more chance that pores will get blocked up, which is essentially what a blemish is. So, what can we do to wave bye bye to summer breakouts?
Seasonal Skincare Reviews
Just like putting away coats, boots, and knitwear for the start of summer, it might also be a good idea to semi-retire heavy winter skin products and rethink your routine for the warmer weather. We strongly recommend meeting with your skincare pro so you can discover what to ditch and what to embrace for your exact skin type, lifestyle and of course, skin goals.
Upgrade Your Mask
One of the quickest and easiest ways to boost your skincare results is to add a mask to your weekly routine. Hydrating heroes like our Aqua Infusion Mask are a win all year round, but when it comes to summer, our Refining Clay Mask is THE ONE. Dr Sonia Khorana, an expert dermatologist with a specialist interest in acne, says “This multi-tasking mask has powerful exfoliation and soothing properties. You will experience smoother, brighter and clearer skin and the effects of the mask will help your makeup to last longer. Ideal if hot weather leads to oil slick skin.” Our unique, new formula includes bentonite clays that absorb oil, dirt and toxins, and kaolin – a sponge-like clay that absorbs oil and helps to decrease the appearance of pore size. It also contains lactic acid – a gentle AHA which exfoliates and enhances cell turnover to improve skin texture. Plus, papain and bromelain – fruit enzymes from pineapple and papaya which both soothe and exfoliate for smoother skin.
In Sunscreen We Trust
You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, sunscreen helps to protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays and prevents premature skin ageing. Make it part of your daily routine and use it all year round. If you already have an AlumierMD sunscreen, then here’s your yearly reminder that it’s powerful enough to use in strong summer sun – even on holiday, just make sure you regularly reapply. If you do happen to have a summer breakout thanks to the aforementioned increase in oil production, don’t dump your sunscreen! Your skin will be sensitized and potentially even more susceptible to sun damage, so sunscreen is crucial. Choose a non-comedogenic (means it won’t block pores) sunscreen like our Clear Shield which is specially formulated for combination and oily skin types.
It's Good to Sweat
We’re all for workouts that lead to sweating, not just for the lovely endorphins, but also for the multiple benefits to skin. Sweat flushes out impurities that can have a detrimental effect on skin health if they stay in the body. The key is to get these toxins off your skin as soon as possible after a sweat session, otherwise they may be reabsorbed. So, the post workout cleanse is your best friend this summer! For oily/combination skin take our gentle, pH-balanced Clarifying Cleanser to every workout. If you’ve got Refining Clay Mask on your shelf, pop on for 3-10 minutes for the perfect post-gym self-care treatment.
Don’t Go Anywhere Without Water
While we love blue skies and sunshine, dehydration is not top of our summer wish list! As the temperature rises it’s important to drink more water to keep the body hydrated and in turn keep skin looking its best. Skin cells are full of water, it’s part of what makes the surface of our skin feel plump and bouncy. Dehydrated skin looks dull, feels more sensitive and looks sunken with wrinkles and fine lines more pronounced. You might also notice that dark circles are move obvious. A few extra glasses of water a day and your skin will look brighter, plumper and healthier, there’s no quicker skin fix!
Our final word? If you want to avoid breakouts then run, don’t walk, to your pro for seasonal review to protect your routine and keep your skin on track right into autumn.