How to get glowing skin this summer

By Staff reporter
Published 16th Jul 2024, 09:19 GMT
Updated 16th Jul 2024, 09:25 GMT
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The summer heat has a way of drawing out our energy, and the idea of complicated routines suddenly become superfluous. When it comes to summer skincare, the simpler, the better.

Nicole O’Grady, advanced aesthetician and founder of Olivia Cole, explains the essentials of achieving glowing summer skin without a product list the length of your arm.placeholder image
Nicole O’Grady, advanced aesthetician and founder of Olivia Cole, explains the essentials of achieving glowing summer skin without a product list the length of your arm.

1. Water-based moisturiser

There’s a fine line between glowing and looking oily. Prioritising hydration doesn’t mean you have to lather yourself in various serums and oils – opting for formulas that are water-based as opposed to oil-based will help achieve this.

Water-cream moisturisers are great for summer as they provide the skin with much needed hydration without feeling too heavy. If you’re looking for extra hydration, “Other topical products that include retinols, vitamin C and glycolic acid are great for a glow,” says O’Grady.placeholder image
Water-cream moisturisers are great for summer as they provide the skin with much needed hydration without feeling too heavy. If you’re looking for extra hydration, “Other topical products that include retinols, vitamin C and glycolic acid are great for a glow,” says O’Grady.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer 50ml, £39.75 (was £53), Face the Future

2. Hydrating cleanser and serum

Opting for gel and cream-based cleansers will help clean the skin without stripping it of all natural oils. “Serums can be a great alternative to moisturising creams if your skin is on the more oily side,” explains O’Grady. Serums add a layer of hydration that you feel your moisturiser may not have achieved, but without suffocating the skin.

Reaching for products that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide and aloe vera will quench thirsty skin. “Hyaluronic acid-based products are particularly beneficial, as this compound is naturally present in your body,” says O’Grady.placeholder image
Reaching for products that include ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide and aloe vera will quench thirsty skin. “Hyaluronic acid-based products are particularly beneficial, as this compound is naturally present in your body,” says O’Grady.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser – 177ml, £22placeholder image
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser – 177ml, £22

The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics, £8.80

3. SPF

We often associate looking sun-kissed with a healthy glow. But actually, the sun is one of the worst culprits for dry and dull looking skin.

For daily wear, opt for SPF 30 or higher, and in summer reach for 50 on your face. Choosing a water-resistant formula will also withstand any sweat or British rainstorms you encounter.placeholder image
For daily wear, opt for SPF 30 or higher, and in summer reach for 50 on your face. Choosing a water-resistant formula will also withstand any sweat or British rainstorms you encounter.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+ 50ml, £15, Look Fantastic

4. Exfoliate

A great way to boost your skin with both immediate and long-term effect is exfoliation. This removes dead skin cells allowing the smoother and clearer surface of your skin to reflect more light and appear more glowing.

Using a physical exfoliant like a facial scrub, or a chemical exfoliator like a peel, once a week, will brighten and even out your skin tone.placeholder image
Using a physical exfoliant like a facial scrub, or a chemical exfoliator like a peel, once a week, will brighten and even out your skin tone.
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub Dual-Action Jojoba Exfoliator, £32placeholder image
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub Dual-Action Jojoba Exfoliator, £32

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Travel Size, £11 (was £12)

5. Brighten with antioxidants

While including polyphenols in your diet is crucial for glowing skin, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is a great way to promote plump and dewy skin.placeholder image
While including polyphenols in your diet is crucial for glowing skin, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is a great way to promote plump and dewy skin.

Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant that is widely recognised for its ability to accelerate the skin’s healing process. Therefore it’s often found in products formulated for dry skin or those aiming to reduce scaring and stretch marks.

Cliganic Pure Non-GMO Vitamin E Oil, £9, Healf

Related topics:BeautyLifestyleWellbeing
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