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Discover exactly how to prep your skin for hot summer days

As you transition into summer your skincare, treatments and practices should get a rethink, so we've uncovered the best methods to help you this season

In much the same way as your routine and treatment choices change as we move from summer to autumn/winter, so too should you make a few tweaks to your daily product picks and in-clinic appointments as you transition into the summer months. Read on to discover where those changes should lie…

Get into lymphatic drainage 

‘The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that work to rid the body of waste and toxins. It also circulates white blood cells responsible for fighting infection – making it a crucial part of our immune system,’ explains Aesthetic Practitioner Dr Galyna Selezneva.

Giving this system a helping hand by way of massage, dry brushing, and in-clinic treatments like compressive micro-vibration Endospheres Therapy will help you reap the benefits of a well-functioning lymphatic system. Namely, a reduction of swelling, de-bloating, better sleep (which can get majorly disrupted in the heat), as well as a reduction in cellulite.

Some massage can be done on oneself especially on the face, but for DIY drainage on the body Selezneva recommends dry brushing. “Always brush up! Performing firmly pressured long strokes, aiming to target the larger lymph nodes: behind the knees, groin, armpits, and chest. Use circular clockwise motions around the abdomen and décolletage area, and start with a soft brush just in case, as sensitive skin and too much enthusiasm can cause irritation.”

Rethink sun protection

While anyone following an aesthetic doctor approved skincare regime should be using an SPF, when moving into the summer months, how high your SPF is, how much you use, how often you reapply, and how else your protect your skin from the sun should be given some consideration.

“Always use a broad-spectrum SPF50 on your face and reapply sunscreen as soon as you sweat, finish a swim or every couple of hours if none of the above apply,” shares Dr Preema Vig. Broad-spectrum sunscreen will help protect your skin from burning, as well as DNA damage that not only ages the skin but can cause the development of skin cancer. And when it comes to how much you should be using on your face – think the length of your two longest fingers.  

But sunscreen isn’t where your sun protection should end. Cover up as much as you can with loose, light reflective, breathable fabrics, wear wide-brimmed hats that shade your scalp, ears, face and neck, and wear sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection.

Only use retinoids at night

Retinoids: the wonder skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A, has the ability to speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production, clear pores and stimulate new blood vessels. But it also has a reputation for leaving the skin sensitive to the sun. This is why many have been under the impression that retinoids, be they prescription varieties or over the counter versions like retinol, should be ditched come summertime.

Yes, retinoids can make the skin a tad sensitive to the sun, but as long as you use an SPF50 and regularly reapply, there is no need to eliminate this active from your daily regime. But what you should be doing is only using retinoids at night. Why? Because retinoids are actually sensitive to sunlight, meaning exposure can lead to a reduction in efficacy. So, by using your retinoid at night you’re ensuring that you’re getting the full benefits of this gold standard youth booster.

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