During the summer months when we experience greater sun exposure, humidity and warmer temperatures, our skin changes. For example, when it’s humid, our glands may produce excess sebum which makes our skin appear more oily. As well as this, with more exposure to sun rays, we may begin to develop dark spots on our skin, known as pigmentation.

With all that in mind, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against skin damage caused by the sun and how to adjust your skincare regimen to suit the season. In this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know by answering some common questions regarding summer skincare.

Your Common Summer Skincare Questions Answered

What Is SPF?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a number given to a product to identify the level of protection it provides against UVB rays. These rays are responsible for sunburn and the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are strongest in summer and around midday into the afternoon, hence why you should avoid the midday sun. However, you can burn at any time of year. For instance, you may burn your skin at a high altitude where there is a thinner atmosphere, despite colder temperatures. SPF will range from 2-50+ with the latter offering the most protection.

Do I Really Need To Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

Many dermatologists will recommend that you wear sunscreen every day whilst you are outside, and not just in the summer months. As mentioned above, you can burn your skin at any time of the year, even when it’s overcast. By wearing sunscreen every day, you’ll avoid causing damage to the skin and developing cancerous skin lesions later in life. Many people think that using skincare products with added SPF is adequate protection, but the quantities of this added SPF is usually not enough. For maximum protection, you should wear sunscreen alongside your usual products to maintain healthy skin.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Sunscreen works by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It does this by blocking the rays and therefore reducing the risk of sunburn and harmful cancers that are caused by exposure to the sun. More recently, our risk of sun damage has increased – the depletion of the ozone layer means that these rays are much stronger and can affect our skin more easily.

What Skincare Products Do I Need This Summer?

Here are some tips to consider this summer when selecting skincare products and adjusting your routine:

Switch to lightweight products because of the heat and humidity. For instance, switch from a facial cleanser made from heavy cream to a foaming cleanser.

Use a moisturiser! You may not want to if you’re sweating, but moisturiser will help to keep your skin hydrated whilst also treating dry skin.

If you do have oily skin, use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells for glowing skin.

As well as adding these key products to your routine, you should also adjust your routine by avoiding heavy makeup and long, hot showers. The latter can lead to dry skin whereas a cool shower after excessive sweating can help to keep your skin clear and free from acne.

Want To Achieve A Radiant, Youthful Look This Summer? Check Out Our Treatments And Get In Touch!

We’ve got a range of treatments on offer, all of which are non-surgical and non-invasive. Here at Revolution Aesthetics, we focus on enhancing natural features and boosting the confidence of our patients – this approach has earned us a strong reputation in Manchester, Cheshire and beyond. To achieve that summer glow, get in touch with us to discuss which treatment is best suited to your needs!