Top 10 summer survival tips
From Freederm's beauty journalist
Summer’s here at last and you’re looking forward to lazy days on the beach, hanging out with friends in the park or maybe enjoying a festival or two. And of course you’ll be doing all this in fab summer clothes. But if you suffer from spots, the thought of baring your skin in public wearing a strappy top, swimsuit or summer dress is enough to send you into a hot sweat. Keep cool, we’ve got the top ten ways to help you sail through summer and enjoy every moment.
1. Cleansing is crucial
Heat and humidity, especially if you’re going on holiday somewhere hot and sticky, tend to make spots worse. You sweat a lot more and this means hair follicles can get swollen up thanks to the extra fluid, leading to blockages and spots. To get rid of sweat and excess oil, it’s vital to cleanse your skin morning and night in the summer months.
A cleanser designed for spot-prone skin is much better than using soap and water, which can upset your skin’s natural pH balance as well as being drying and cause irritation. Freederm facial cleanser gently cleanses skin to get rid of dirt and impurities as well as sweat that can clog your pores. It will also help fight off the bacteria that can lead to spots and blackheads. Simply massage into skin using fingertips, then rinse off with warm water.
2. Lighten up your moisturiser
In summer your skin will benefit from using a lighter moisturiser as it’s not prone to the drying effects of central heating and cold winds. You don’t need a heavy moisturiser that could add to oiliness, but at the same time don’t skip moisturising altogether if you have oily skin. If you don’t moisturise, your skin may produce even more oil to make up for what it sees as dryness.
Freederm zone balancing moisturiser is specially designed to hydrate only the areas of your skin that need it, while acting on spot-prone areas to prevent blemishes. Use twice daily after cleansing.
3. Don’t go for the burn
You can’t beat that feeling of warm sun on your skin and many spot sufferers find it helps dry out their spots, but it’s vital to protect skin from sunburn. There are proven links between getting burnt when we’re younger and skin cancer in later life. Cover skin with loose cotton clothing, wear a hat and sunglasses and stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). Apply sunscreen to any areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and if you’re going to be playing sport or in water, pick one that’s waterproof. An oil-free sunscreen is best for spot-prone skins and choose one that says ‘non-comedogenic’.
4. Keep it natural
Synthetic materials like nylon or viscose will make you even more hot and sticky in summer and this can lead to pore blockages on your back and chest which can result in spots and blackheads. Instead wear naturally cool fabrics like cotton, linen or silk.
5. Get fruity
While it’s a myth that chocolate and chips give you spots, if your diet consists of loads of junk food you won’t be doing your skin any favours. In the end, a poor diet will show up in your skin. Make the most of luscious summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, peaches and nectarines. Packed with anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and B vitamins which are vital for healthy skin growth and repair, they’re also a good source of fibre which keeps your digestive system healthy!
6. In the swim
Many acne sufferers find that a swim in a chlorinated pool can help dry out their spots thanks to its anti-bacterial action. However, once you get out after your swim, make sure you shower off in fresh water to get rid of the chlorine, as it can dry out your skin too much. Once you’ve towelled off, smother on an oil-free body lotion and moisturise your face.
7. Scrub up for gorgeous skin
Regularly exfoliating your skin will get it radiant and glowing for summer. It’s especially important to do this if you have spot-prone, oily skin. Exfoliating will get rid of excess oil and unblock pores, helping to clear spots and blackheads.
Freederm exfoliating facial wash will give your really clean, glowing skin. Use a few times a week. Simply wet your face and massage in the exfoliant, using small, circular motions with finger tips. Rinse off with warm water and pat face dry. If you’ve got sensitive skin, try Freederm sensitive facial wash instead, which has a gentler action.
8. Fake a golden glow
The only safe tan is a fake one, and these days they’re so good you can’t tell it apart from a real tan, as long as it’s done properly. Fake tans are safe for acne sufferers to use, but pick one that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t risk causing a breakout. Spray or gel formulations are good for oily skins. Remember to exfoliate skin well before applying fake tan to ensure a streak-free and longer lasting glow.
9. Zap spots
You’re going on holiday, to an end of term party or a music festival. The last thing you need is a breakout of spots to undermine your confidence and stop you looking your best. Keep spots under control by using a spot treatment, like Freederm gel. It contains nicotinamide, a special ingredient that targets your skin’s sebaceous glands (that produce the skin’s oil) to help reduce redness and inflammation. Simply apply morning and night to spot-prone areas of your skin like forehead, nose and chin.
10. Drink water
Skin needs to be hydrated from the inside as well as the outside to look its best. In summer when we sweat more it’s especially important to drink plenty of water to keep our bodies hydrated. Sipping water little and often works better than knocking back a big glass all at once. It’s thought that staying well hydrated helps to keep your skin clear too.