Although I love lounging by the pool and dreaming of beach vacations, I really dislike the impact that summer has on my skin. The high temperatures (and even higher levels of humidity!) often leave my face feel greasy and clogged. In the past, I would tackle this issue by using strong products that would dry out my skin. Now, I’ve learnt a few cool tricks that keep my skin balanced, without being too oily or parched!
1. Invest In A Good Cleanser
Although face washes interact with your skin for the shortest period of time, it’s important to use the right formula. Many foaming products strip the skin’s moisture and can leave your face feeling tight and flaky. On the other hand, cleansing balms and oils can feel a tad heavy during this muggy weather. Opt for lightweight, gel or cream formulas to gently cleanse your skin. I’ve found that massaging the formula on for 30 seconds and then rinsing it off with cold water has really helped my complexion.
2. Turn To Toners
Toners are the unsung heroes of every skincare routine. These water-like products work to remove any residue that your face wash hasn’t gotten to, whilst nourishing your face. A good toner will cleanse, hydrate and balance the pH of your skin. Remember to choose an alcohol-free formula as those can be too drying for your complexion.
3. Always Moisturise
With all that excess shine on your face, you might be tempted to skip your moisturiser this season. However, that could be a big mistake. If your skin isn’t properly moisturised, it could get dehydrated and lead to an overproduction of sebum, which could end up making your skin more oily! Instead of using rich creams, choose a gel or water-based formula to hydrate and plump up your skin.
4. Exfoliate Weekly
Our pores clog up easily with all the sweat and pollution. This often leads to acne and blackheads. Using an acid-based exfoliant can work wonders to decongest the skin and smoothen out its texture. Remember to use such a product only at night and always apply sunscreen liberally the next day as these acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
5. Mask Strategically
Everyone’s skin is different. Whilst the above tips work for most complexions, you also need to treat your problem areas specifically. Those affected by zits can benefit a great deal from clay masks, whilst sensitive complexions can find relief in a soothing formula. If you have combination skin, feel free to apply different masks on different areas of your face.
With these tips in your arsenal, you can go about this summer without flaunting an oil-slicked complexion! If you’ve got any more tricks up your sleeve, please leave a comment below.
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