Sure, summer is the season to kick back, relax, and enjoy being outside, but it's not the time to slack on your skincare routine. UVA/UVB rays are harmful all year long but are especially damaging during the summer months when our exposure levels are higher thanks to spending free days on the beach, in the garden or at the park.

That's why it's important to focus on sun and heat, in addition to maintaining your regular skincare routine. But it can be tough to know what to do when it comes to protecting and looking after your skin during these summer months, so I’ve put together 7 essential tips you need to follow this year to help you out. Read on to learn more.

Keep hydrated

Summer is the time when your skin requires more hydration than ever before. So most importantly, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. After all, water is the most important ingredient in healthy skin tissue. It keeps your skin supple, soft, and radiant. Remember to drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day.

You also need to invest in good hydrating products which you use a couple of times a week. I highly recommend the Pharma Grade Hyaluronic Serum from the Crystal Clear skin care range as it repairs, rehydrates, and soothes your skin. I also recommend taking supplements to keep your skin hydrated through the summer months. My personal favourite must be the Nutricode COLLABEAUTY Q10 EXPERT. This product repairs damage from internal damage (hormonal imbalances) as well as the external damages caused by things such as UV exposure. Collagen, Vitamin A & C and Zinc are the key ingredients within this product that naturally slows down the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, helps support healthy skin, and improves flexibility of your skin. To learn more about the hydrating products and treatments we offer, contact me here.

Include antioxidants in your facial skin care routine

Invest in a good antioxidant serum during the summer. Not only does an antioxidant serum hydrate your skin, but it can also protect your skin from environmental damage. Pollution and other environmental contaminants take away your skin’s natural radiance, leaving it oily, dull, and blemished, so it’s important you use a product that protects your skin from this. Antioxidant serums help to boost collagen production and will scavenge harmful free radicals to prevent skin damage. Remember that you can include antioxidants in your skin care regimen by adding them to your diet as well. Stock up on citrus fruits, green vegetables, green tea, nuts, and whole grains to have healthy looking skin.

Exfoliate on a regular basis

Exfoliation is the key to clear, glowing skin. It removes dulling skin debris and piles up dead cells from your body. This debris prevents the skin from breathing and can congest the skin, the complete opposite for what you want. One of my favourite exfoliators on the market to date is again from the Crystal Clear Skin Care range – the Oxygen Face Polish and the Crystal Face & Body Polish. Both see results instantly when it comes to visibly softer and smoother skin. Remember that exfoliation is required for your entire body and not just your face – that’s why the Crystal Face & Body Polish is the perfect purchase to make when it comes to exfoliating your skin. You should, however, make sure to be gentle while exfoliating your skin. Do not over-exfoliate because your skin will get bruised and you may end up getting rashes. People with sensitive skin should opt for mild exfoliators that are tender on the skin. Test the products that work for your skin and your budget. For more information on the exfoliating products, we have to offer here at Bella Beauty, contact me here.

Go makeup free

As the weather is warming up and your more prone to sweating, this is a great time to wear minimal facial makeup to allow your skin to breath. Humidity and heat suppress the skin’s ability to breathe and stress it out, so avoiding anything heavy on the face is recommended. I love my makeup and like to wear it quite often, so I opt to use a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation and a moisturising lip balm instead of a matte lipstick in summer, to give my skin some rest but also feel like me with my makeup still on.

Wear sun cream

Sun cream should be your best friend during the summertime (it certainly is mine). Choose one that has a broad ultraviolet spectrum (between 30-50 SPF and covers UVA and UVB rays). Reapply every three hours if you are spending all day in the sun and make sure to cover your whole body – don’t forget the tops of your ears, I often forget and get sunburnt ears.

I’ll be using the Crystal Clear Skincare Protect & Repair SPF 40 this year and I know I’ll be protected as well as keeping my skin hydrated. Oh, and it has anti-ageing properties which is an added feature I love. If you’d like to know more about this, contact me here.

Change your moisturiser

Come summer, you must ditch those heavy cold creams and shea butter laden moisturisers for a lighter moisturiser. Your skin requires moisture in the summer, so a lighter and non-greasy product should find its way into your skincare routine.

This year, I’ll be using one of my favourite moisturisers of all time – the Crystal Clear Intense Anti-Ageing Moisturiser. It’s lightweight and suitable for all skin types – I use it in the summertime because it leaves my skin looking radiant and fresh, all day long. It’s been hailed ‘Botox in a bottle’ and I can truly stand by that statement. I love it! If you want to know more about the Crystal Clear Intense Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, contact me here.

Remember to take care of the skin on your feet

Your feet have been tucked away in your warm fuzzy socks through the winter so they may need some care and attention. When it’s time to reach for the sandals and flip-flops, don’t forget to tackle those toenails, heels, and anything else left unattended through the winter. This is the right all time to be proactive with your foot care routine. Exfoliate the skin on your feet regularly. Use a moisturiser and sunscreen on your feet if you plan on wearing open footwear.

The Elim Mediheel Pedicure is the treatment every man and woman needs this summer - “The facial for your feet”! The perfect process to tackle rough skin, unattended toenails and much more. If you’d like to book in for the Elim Mediheel Pedicure, get in touch.