Taking care of your skin is vital during the summer months, yet it’s something that so many of us find a challenge. Taking additional steps to protect your skin may feel like an extra effort at first, but it’s far outweighed by the long-term benefits.
We spoke to Lorena Öberg, a leading Skin Repair Expert at London’s Harley Street and CEO & Founder of Lorena Öberg Skincare, about how to take proper care of your skin this summer.
Drink water
Drinking plenty of water may seem like a fairly obvious one, but Lorena’s top tip for taking care of your skin is to stay hydrated – particularly in warmer weather. Your body naturally loses a lot of moisture during the summer months, so keeping topped up on liquids is the best way to make sure that your skin stays well hydrated.
Exfoliate your skin
Regular exfoliation not only rids the skin of dead cells, but also works to improve your blood circulation. The process reduces the likelihood of clogged pores and is also the most effective way to treat dry skin. Lorena recommends exfoliating once or twice a week, using a scrub before showering. Pay particular attention to your knees and elbows, as these are the areas that are most prone to becoming dry.
Eat the right foods
Eating right is the most effective way to take care of your skin from the inside. Melons are a great choice as they’re rich in antioxidants and can even boost your SPF.
Or, if you’re in need of some hydration, the active antioxidant compounds found in green tea can be effective in the fight against premature ageing. Whatever your preferred taste, eating foods that contain high levels of vitamins C and E is crucial to looking after your skin and health during the summer.
Moisturise with SPF
Switching to a moisturiser that’s high in SPF is one of the easiest ways to boost your skin protection during the summer months. Top up regularly to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth all day long.
Use natural oils to help heal
Lorena recommends using a combination of pure, natural oils on your skin overnight to improve its condition and aid the healing process. Natural oils are highly effective moisturisers and also work wonders at soothing the skin, particularly when you’ve been exposed to excess heat. Natural oils containing olive, avocado and almond are a great choice to even the skin tone and can also reduce the effects of heat rash.
Sun protection
Ensure that sunscreen is applied at least 30 minutes before you step out. If you find yourself out in the sun for more than a few hours, it’s also vitally important you keep your protection topped up. To make sure that the sunscreen is fully absorbed, apply to bare skin before using any other products in your routine.
Protect the delicate areas
Some parts of the body are more susceptible to sunburn than others, but it’s amazing to see just how often these delicate areas are overlooked. Use extra sun protection on your lips, eyes feet and hands, as these are the areas most prone to sun damage and the tell tale signs of premature ageing.
Now that you’re clued up on how to take the best care of your skin this summer, all that’s left is to choose your destination!