Summer skincare swaps to make now

The new season is the perfect opportunity for a skincare switch up, and – given that you’ve mastered spring – what better time to prep your skin for those deliciously sticky, sun-scorched summer days?

‘Warm weather can be very harsh for our complexions,’ says leading facial therapist Nataliya Robinson, aka The Skin Whisperer: ‘Heat, changes in humidity and UV radiation dehydrate the skin – even through windows – and lead to premature ageing, so the most important things to focus on during the summer months are protecting it and infusing it with moisture.’ 

Here Nataliya and aesthetic doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani – share their expert tips for navigating skin's seasonal transition:

‘Use a cleanser and exfoliator that are gentle on the skin,’ advises Dr Zamani. ‘Summer months mean more perspiration, so you want something that will help keep your pores clean without irritation.’

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Hydration Revival is a 3-in-1 foaming cleanser to hydrate, revive and prime your skin – for a fresh, spa-like skin glow. Makeup-melting, with moisture-maxing hyaluronic acid and peptides, it delivers a deliciously deep clean even on sensitive skins.

For a non-scratchy cleanse and exfoliation try Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish with lavender and vetiver to cleanse and hydrate while sloughing away nasties.

‘With hotter temperatures, we tend to sweat more – and if we’re covered in heavy moisturiser and make-up, this can cause a build-up of product, leading to clogged pores and outbreaks of spots,’ says Dr Zamani, who advises ditching heavier foundations for featherlight, tinted BB creams and non-comedogenic products.  

‘Choose skincare with light, water-based and gel-like textures,’ says Nataliya. ‘Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid are the best skincare ingredients for the warmer months. My motto for summer skincare is minimum intensity, maximum delicacy.’

Thirsty skin-quenching serums are ideal new-season companions as they’re packed full of antioxidants and skin-loving actives and won’t sit on the skin like heavy creams and oils. Vitamin C is a summer skin hero thanks to its free radical-fighting prowess. 

‘High protection SPF is paramount, naturally’ says Nataliya. ‘However, sunscreen can trigger sensitivities in some people,’ says Dr Zamani. ‘If this happens, switch from a chemical to a mineral sunscreen. Photosensitivity can occur when an ingredient is either ingested or applied topically then exposed to sunlight, causing redness, irritation, sunburn or hyperpigmentation. Some of the main culprits are vitamin A derivatives like retinol, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, so try and avoid them where possible.’ Dr Zamani also advises wearing breathable fabrics and ditching heavy body lotions to prevent heat rash.

Troubled complexions will love Origins’ Mega Mushroom Relief Serum, which works to intercept inflammatory triggers within the skin to reduce redness and irritation. For summer breakouts, try Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum which soothes inflammation as well as diminishing blemishes.

When the heat is on, keep your cool by storing products in the fridge for a refreshing moisture hit. ‘When washing your face during warm weather, use cold water or cooled herbal infusions, like chamomile and green tea bags,’ says Nataliya. ‘Freeze serum in ice-cube trays and use the cubes to do a homemade version of a cryo massage. It helps to improve tone and is instantly refreshing.’

To cool skin during the day try Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Hydrator Mist. And don’t forget to treat the delicate skin around your eyes with Murad Retinol ReSculpt Overnight Eye Treatment.