Hyperpigmentation, acne-prone skin? We’ve got your summer skincare sussed with advice from Aesthetic Facialist Kate Kerr.
While summer brings with it longer days and more time spent enjoying the outdoors, it also means heightened exposure to sunlight, more perspiration, and a change-up in our usual skincare routines. For skin that is prone to acne, hyperpigmentation, or has previous scarring, a change in season can bring with it a host of issues and a lot of anxiety.
1. Don’t panic
‘Firstly, don’t panic! SPF ingredients aren’t comedogenic, or acne causing, on their own. It’s the formulation they are in so it’s important to get the right one! Rich, moisturising, oil-based SPF’s can absolutely exacerbate or cause acne. Without using sun protection, you run the risk of worsening existing acne scars, redness and hyperpigmentation after UV ray exposure, or prolonging the healing process, as scars are more sensitive to sunlight.’
2. Choose the right product
‘Choosing SPF for your skin should be just as personal as your wider skincare routine. Those with acne-prone skin should opt for lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula to reduce the risk of clogged pores. Sunscreens that include active ingredients such as lactic acid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to acne-prone skin.’
3. Start with surface-free skin
‘Exfoliation is not only key to a healthily functioning skin, but is one of the most important steps to protecting your skin in summer. Having a skin surface-free of excess dead skin cells and dirt will help with the even penetration of skincare and SPF but will also prevent dead skin cells mixing with the SPF, leading to pilling of the products – leading to your skin not being protected.’
4. Stay away from comedogenic oils and silicones!
‘Many sunscreens include comedogenic oils and butters to ‘nourish’ the skin, such as cocoa butter and coconut oil, however for acne-prone skin, this can cause the pores to clog up and an increase in sebum production. Mineral oils and silicones can also cause flare ups, as sweat isn’t able to escape through the pores and as a result, get trapped amongst dirt, causing irritation and breakouts.’
5. Future proof your skin
‘Protecting the skin with SPF from the sun is key for supporting the skin whilst it’s healing from previous breakout. SPF’s don’t directly help with textural acne scarring, but a skin that’s impaired and damaged from extensive sun exposure won’t heal as well. The collagen production will be sluggish, and healing will be weakened which may lead to more textural scarring post breakout.’
In the attached release, Aesthetic Facialist Kate Kerr shares 5 top tips on how to adapt your beauty routine and find the right SPF in time for summer, such as:
- How to adapt a sensitive skincare routine for summer
- How to choose the right formulas and ingredients for your skin concerns
- How to protect previous scarring and future proof your skin
In addition, we’ve rounded up a selection of summer essentials for sensitive skin below…
Best for prepping skin:
Sweaty Faace (£27, wearefaace.com)
To stave off flushed and hot skin, prime your face with Sweaty featuring inflammation-fighting grapefruit, spot-fighting bergamot and galbanum which gives overworked skin a much-needed deep clean.
Best for protection & defence:
Wild Science Lab Bright Start SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UV Shield (£39 – 50ml/£12 – 12ml, wildsciencelab.com)
Shield skin against UVA, UVB as well as environmental damage with Bright Start Vitamin C+ SPF 30. This protective, energising moisturiser is a brightening, skin-quenching daily essential complex for summer. When Vitamin C is combined with SPF, its antioxidant activity is greatly increased, allowing it to fight against UV-induced free radical damage.
Best for hyperpigmentation:
Wild Science Lab Light Switch (£30, wildsciencelab.com)
Get on top of hyperpigmentation by incorporating Tranexamic and Azelaic acid into your routine in the weeks leading up to warmer weather. This potent solution targets discolouration, while smoothing and brightening skin, and reducing blemishes.
Best for clarifying, cleansing and smoothing:
Wild Science Lab Happy Skin (£20, £25, £25,wildsciencelab.com)
Combat acne, reduce blemishes and clear up skin texture for smoother looking skin with the Happy Skin range. A clinically proven three-step routine, thoughtfully formulated to help people of all ages and skin types. The Happy Skin Range is formulated with powerful natural ingredients such as Niacinamide, Azelaic acid, AHA, BHA, salicylic acid and more- all while being vegan friendly.
Best for cooling and calming:
Dr. Organic Calendula Lotion (£7.99, drorganic.co.uk)
Help relieve and calm sensitive skin with our Calendula Daily Skin Lotion, infused with soothing Aloe vera and calming ginger extract. Dermatologically-tested and fragrance-free, this comforting lotion utilises the natural properties of calendula which can replenish and soothe plus provide up to 24 hour skin moisturisation.
