Summer Skincare Tips

Summer is amazing. Longer, warmer days mean more time spent in Nature, which is looking (and smelling!) pretty good at this time of year. But all those hours spent in the great outdoors can create chaos for your skin. From harsh sun to itchy insect bites, there are plenty of skin issues to contend with in the hotter months. Here are some of our skincare tips for calming things right down.

Before we begin, as always: remember you should never apply essential oils directly to your skin; always research ratios and mix with a carrier oil, or buy products that have been ready-made with essential oils.

Sunburn

Top of any self-respecting summer skincare list has to be protection from the sun. Whether that means sheltering in the dappled shade of a tree, donning cool, loose clothes or staying out of the midday sun altogether is up to you. But any part of your face or body that’s exposed to the sun must be protected by SPF 30 or above. Choose reef safe or natural, mineral-based products. And don’t forget your toes and tips of your ears. If you do get caught by the sun, bear aloe vera gel in mind; it’s thought to help cool and quench mildly-sunburnt skin.

Blemishes

Hot weather makes us sweat, and it can also cause our skin to produce more oil than normal. All this means the chances of breakouts on the face and body are much higher in summer. To help prevent them, go for light moisturisers and make-up, and look for products that are non-comedogenic (i.e. won’t block pores). If you do suffer from blemishes, pick out products containing tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties, and is known to help calm and soothe acne.

Insect Bites

We really love Nature. And insects are part of Nature. But sometimes, insects bite. It’s one of the few downsides about being outside at this time of year. Whether you’re home or abroad, always pack repellent, especially if you’re going to be outdoors at dusk. Citronella oil is widely thought to be a natural insect repellent, so try formulas containing it if you want to avoid chemicals. If you do get bitten, a number of essential oils are believed to offer relief and reduce swelling (when mixed with the right amount of carrier oil). These essential oils include lavender, rosemary, chamomile and tea tree (again!).

Dry Skin

Hot weather, seawater, sand and sun can all dry our skin out. And we’re not just talking about the skin on your face. All of it, from your head to your heels (especially your heels, actually, if you’ve been walking around in sandals) gets dehydrated in this weather. The first rule is to keep on top of your water intake; drinking the clear stuff regularly will keep you hydrated from the inside out. Slough away dry skin with a natural homemade body scrub, and nourish with a cream or body moisturiser. Our Lavender & Geranium Body Lotion has a relaxing, floral scent that’s perfect after a long day outdoors, whilst the Grapefruit & Orange Body Lotion smells wonderfully citrussy and summery.