The essential guide for skincare this summer.Photo Credit: AdoreBeautyNZ via Pixabay
Summer is here, and it’s time to save our skin. Indeed, if we’re not careful, our skin could be struggling by the end of summertime. The blaring heat, the dryness in some regions, and the exposure to harsh UV rays, especially when swimming in the water, could have our skin peeling, irritated, and in the worst of cases, developing cancers such as melanoma.
So, to save you some time, here’s a list of some of the top 5 most important skincare products or ingredients that you can incorporate into your routine, even (and especially) if you’re an absolute beginner. And the best part? You can find them all for pretty cheap – no expensive splurging here.
- Glycolic acid
Although anything with the word “acid” in it might sound like something you’d want to keep kilometres away from your skin, glycolic acid is actually extremely beneficial to the skin barrier. It’s a chemical exfoliant, which removes dead skin cells for a refreshed look, and dermatologists actually recommend them over physical exfoliants – like harsh face scrubs – because they can cause microscopic lesions and damage the skin long-term. Apart from exfoliating, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out your complexion, and help with acne. In the past few years the product has grown quite popular, and people put it everywhere – even on their underarms and bikini line! However, first-time users of glycolic acid be warned: the skin needs to grow accustomed to it, so it may sting a little bit the first time you use it. But don’t worry, your skin will adapt to it pretty quickly, and the benefits can be fairly quick to show, too.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C, while it’s great as a digestible supplement to improve the strength of the immune system, is also great as a topical application to the skin. Who knew? Vitamin C is wonderful for protecting the skin from harsh UV rays, but that’s not all. It can also reduce redness or even out complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots in the skin, and help improve collagen production (for those who don’t know, collagen is an essential protein that keeps the skin supple, elastic, and firm. It naturally reduces as we get older, causing the sagging of the skin). Without a doubt, Vitamin C is a must this summer.
- Petroleum jelly
Beautifully simple, beautifully affordable: plain old petroleum jelly is a gold standard when it comes to skincare. Not only is it easy to get your hands on, it’s easy to use and the benefits are practically instantaneous. It forms an occlusive, or protective, barrier on the skin by trapping moisture, making it essential for hot and dry summer days, protecting minor cuts and scrapes, or treating a bad sunburn. It can also be used as a moisturiser, especially for the lips – many prefer it over lip balms, as these types of products, strange as it sounds, can actually make the consumer dependent on them. That’s right, your lips may be chapped because of the drying ingredients in your lip balm, not in spite of it. Some skincare junkies even slather their entire face in petroleum jelly before sleeping, a process called “slugging” … though that may be a bit extreme, and not to mention uncomfortable, for skincare beginners.
- Retinol
The obsession of skincare gurus, and with good reason. Retinol’s skincare benefits are almost second to none. It promotes cell turnover to give the skin a fresh, plump appearance. It increases collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can give your skin a healthy glow, make it feel softer, smoother, and more even. There’s almost nothing it can’t do. Just make sure you’re using it carefully at first: like glycolic acid, the skin must grow accustomed to it, and it may sting or burn the first couple of times you use it. Make sure to use a low percentage solution for the first time you use it (something like 0.5 or 1 per cent would be good for a beginner) and put some moisturiser on as a barrier first. Fans of retinol may later upgrade to the much more concentrated tretinoin, which is an absolute powerhouse of a product when it comes to keeping the skin looking youthful and even, though it’s quite harsh and needs to be prescribed by a dermatologist. However, on an incredibly important note: retinol, and especially tretinoin, absolutely MUST be paired with sun protection, or the skin could get irritated from UV rays. That is to say, unless you’re protecting your skin from the sun, it’s better not to use retinol at all. Which brings us to the number one most important skincare product this summer…
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
You knew it, I knew it, we all knew this would be Number 1. Even someone with no experience in skincare has likely had the importance of sunscreen drilled into their brain. Not only is sunscreen imperative if you’ll be taking a lot of sun this summer, it’s essential for preventing skin cancers such as melanoma, which have seen a steep rise in Spain. Apart from that, it also has aesthetic benefits. Wearing sunscreen can prevent premature wrinkles, protect the skin barrier, and even moisturise the skin. Skincare junkies can’t live without it, and dermatologists actually recommend wearing it daily. Just apply 30-45 minutes before being in direct sunlight and you’re good … although hardcore skincare buffs will often pair it with sun-protective accessories (hats, visors, and parasols). And don’t worry about choosing the “right” kind – any kind of sunscreen will do the trick, although a general rule in all skincare is to avoid heavily fragranced products as they can irritate the skin. There are different SPF levels and formulas, but the most important thing to know is that no amount of facials, nighttime skincare routines, or expensive products will help your skin if you’re not protecting it from the sun during the day.
As with all sciences and hobbies, there’s a lot more to skincare than just these five products. With all the terminology, ingredients, products, and scientific-sounding names (seriously, what is squalene? Or niacinamide?), it’s easy for curious newbies to get overwhelmed. But with these five essentials, you have everything you need to make sure your skin is healthy during the summer … and prevent from being red as a lobster by the end of it.
