It's summer! Is your skin ready?
Bare legs and arms, outdoor meals, endless days of holiday... Summer is finally here! You've already swapped your winter wardrobe for lighter clothes, but what about your skincare routine? It's time to adapt it to the new temperatures and switch from rich formulas to lighter textures while protecting yourself... Here are our 5 tips to keep your skin glowing and happy, all summer long. We promise!
1. Protect, protect, protect!
As we explained in our previous newsletter, as tempting as the sun is, you need to protect your skin from its harmful rays. Make sure you put on sunscreen (and lots of it!) every couple of hours or after every refreshing swim. So choose a product that you really enjoy using.
Our selection
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 by COSRX A light cream that penetrates effortlessly and offers high UV protection that is totally invisible and without any greasy film.
COOLA Classic Spray SPF50 (fragrance-free) This high-performance, hypoallergenic SPF 50 body spray is simply magic! It is designed to work in any position with a constant spray efficiency, even upside down. Completely transparent and enriched with over 70% natural moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients certified organic.
2. Every night, double clean
How can you cleanse your skin thoroughly without damaging it? By using two cleansers in the evening - an oil-based cleanser and then a gel or milk - you can optimally cleanse your skin so that no traces of make-up, sunscreen, sweat, excess sebum or pollution particles remain on your face. The bonus? Really clean skin absorbs the active ingredients in your skincare product much better.
Our selection
Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser by REN An oil-based cleanser that effectively removes make-up, traces of pollution and sunscreen residues. Massage onto dry skin for one minute, then emulsify with warm water and when the oil becomes milky, rinse.
Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser by Q+A A formula with hyaluronic acid and gentle cleansing ingredients that cleanses without drying.
3. Moisturise
UV rays, chlorine, sea water and air conditioning in the office/train/plane... are all factors that dry out the skin. That's why in summer, as in winter, it needs moisturising agents such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine or aloe vera, which help to maintain the skin's moisture level. Aloe vera is particularly recommended because, in addition to moisturising, it also soothes the skin after sun exposure.
In summer, we like to swap the rich creams that comfort us in winter for lighter gel formulas or a serum. They are fresh and better suited to oily or combination skin, which sweats more in summer. For optimal hydration, pair your moisturizing serum with a gel day cream and apply them to slightly damp skin: this allows the gel formula to retain more moisture.
A tip? Always pack a highly moisturising product in your hand luggage before a flight or long journey. Your skin will thank you.
Our selection
The serums
Circular Hydration Serum by DERMALOGICA An ultra-lightweight serum with hyaluronic acid and amino acids that instantly replenishes the skin with water and improves its hydration cycle by continuously irrigating it.
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum by TAN LUXE A bath of moisture and antioxidants that gives you a dose of sunshine. This self-tanning serum is a top multi-tasker that moisturises your skin while intensifying your tan with each application for a natural, customised tan.
Gel-textured moisturizers
Aloe propolis soothing gel by BENTON This light and fresh gel is composed of 80% aloe vera, an ingredient well known for its moisturizing, soothing and antibacterial properties. Its formula also contains propolis (10%) and is perfect for thirsty and/or blemish-prone skin.
Niacinamide Cucumber Aqua Gel Cream A real hydration bomb with a gel texture formulated with cucumber water (32%) to refresh and moisturise the skin lightly. Its concentration in niacinamide (4%) helps regulate sebum, tighten pores and soothe inflammation while acting as an antioxidant.
Daily Radiance Cream Gel Vitamin C by REN This cream with vitamin C helps prevent and fade dark spots. Refreshing and naturally citrus-scented, it is a wonder for the skin and the senses. The gel-cream texture melts into the skin for an easily absorbed moisture boost.
4. Long live floral waters!
Swap your classic toner for a super multi-tasking floral water. Use it after cleansing to prepare your skin for your treatments. Floral water is ideal for prepping the skin before applying a moisturising serum and/or day cream. Remember tip 3? Spray it on your face before applying your skincare products and throughout the day whenever you need a moisture boost. And when you've had too much sun, floral water also helps soothe the skin.
Our selection
Century Flower BioAffinity Lotus & Orange Blossom Toner by PAI SKINCARE This toner with lotus water and orange blossom refreshes, moisturises and soothes even the most sensitive skin
5. Gently erase
Dead skin cells can make your tan look dull. An exfoliating product helps remove them to reveal soft, smooth, glowing skin. However, you need to be a little careful with exfoliation in summer. Use an enzymatic exfoliant rather than an abrasive granular or fruit acid (AHA'S) exfoliant. The latter can thin the skin and make it more sensitive to the sun. Enzymes from fruits such as papaya are gentle and only remove dead skin cells.
Our selection
Enzymatic Scrub Papain and Amino Complex GROWN ALCHEMIST This exfoliating peeling mask with papaya gently erases dead cells without damaging fragile skin.