SUN GETTING YOU DOWN?

The heat, humidity and increased sun exposure in the summer months can be hard on your skin. Never fear, we asked skin experts Tosha Larabee, Clinique Cosmetic Manager, and Muriel Howden, manager of aesthetic services at Elmwood Spa, for some tips on how to keep your skin looking great all summer.

1. Fake Not Bake

If you want the bronze goddess look, get out the self-tanners and protect your skin in the sun to avoid a leathery look in your golden years. Use a self tanner or a bronzer to achieve that sun kissed look.

2. Maintain Moisture

You may perspire more in the summer, but that doesn't help to hydrate your skin. Summer heat dries out your skin, making moisturizer even more vital. Use a gel based moisturizer or a mist to keep your skin hydrated in the summer. Even if you have oily skin, you need to apply moisturizer. Most importantly, drink plenty of water to help to keep your skin looking its best.

3. Get Smooth & Silky

Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells on the surface. Exfoliating can help your skin absorb sunscreen and moisturizer, in addition to leaving you with a fresh glow.

4. Wash Up

Keep up your regular cleansing routine to wash the sweat, sunscreen, and dirt of a summer day off your face and keep your pores clear. But don't over do it. “Washing excessively can strip the natural moisture barriers from your skin,” says Larabee.

5. Soak Up the Sunscreen

“If you spend a lot of time outside, a good and strong sunscreen should be incorporated into your daily skin regimen,” says Howden. When you're out, wear an SPF 30 sunscreen. If you're not out for longer than half an hour at a time, an SPF 15 sunscreen will be enough. Moisturizers with UV protection are ideal provided they offer the right level of protection, you apply them to all of your exposed skin (not just your face) and you re-apply throughout the day.

6. Avoid Oil Slicks

If the shine on your nose and forehead look almost permanent in the heat, use blotting papers or absorbent translucent powder to absorb your sweat. Blotting papers will absorb the shine without removing your makeup. If you find your skin is much oilier in the summer compared to the winter, try a cleanser designed for oily skin.

7. Lighten Up

Many people prefer the ‘less is more’ look for summer makeup. There are several ways to lighten up: dilute your foundation with moisturizer or use a powder; use more glowing and radiant sheer colours; and trade in that heavy lipstick for a sexy gloss. If you tend to sweat a lot, switch to waterproof mascara!

8. For Lovely Lips

Don’t forget your lips. They burn, chap and peel just like the rest of our skin. Make sure they are hydrated and protected; by applying lip products that contain UV protection. One tip for great lips is to exfoliate. “Take an old toothbrush, dampen it and gently brush it across your lips,” says Larabee. This leaves your lips kissable for your summer love.

9. Put Your Best Foot Forward

It isn't just the skin on your face that’s affected by the elements in the summer. You have to take care of your skin right down to your toes. “As we tend to wear open-toed shoes in the summer, dryness and heavy calluses can build up. Make sure you exfoliate or file your feet,” says Howden. Then follow with a foot cream. Treat your feet to a pedicure and show off your toes.

10. Post-Pool Party

Spending an afternoon at the pool might be a good way to cool down, but it's also a sure way to strip your skin of moisture. Rinse off after your swim and then moisturize your entire body.