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As we head into the warmer months, there are often noticeable changes that occur in the skin and taking some precautions as well as preparing the skin for temperature and humidity changes, can ensure we look our best at all times.

PROTECT

The first non-negotiable, is to increase the use of sunscreen. If you’ve been good throughout the winter months by applying a good SPF daily that’s great, but many of us will have become lazy, so now is a timely reminder to to add the sunscreen into our daily, morning skin routine.

No matter what skin type you have or how your body reacts to the sun, you should always wear a SPF sunscreen. Living in Australia where the protective ozone layer has been depleted, we will age faster and may develop cellular damage from the sun, even when not in direct sunlight or even on cloudy days.

FACT:  Approximately, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, and most are caused from sunburn. Source: Cancer Council

Sun exposure is well established to be the main factor in external ageing, causing the skin to wrinkle, lose laxity, enlargement of pores and loss of elasticity.

CLEANSE MORE

While the humidity of summer softens the skin and brings back the moisture that’s lost in winter, it can also affect the skin’s natural oil production.

What tends to happen is that oily skin gets oilier, and dry skin gets patchy. Breakouts and pimples are more common as are rashes and roughness, and acne has the potential to get even worse as the weather gets hotter.

There are several explanations for why this happens. For one, excess heat and humidity increase sweat production, which means more oil is available to clog pores. Moving from hot, humid conditions into dry air-conditioning also plays havoc with our skin’s natural balance.

The key to maintaining a strong, healthy skin at this time of year is keeping it clear and bacteria-free. Cleansing and exfoliating often become ever more important, removing bacteria and ensuring the pores are kept clear.

CHANGE OF MOISTURISER

You may like to ditch the heavy-duty creams that gave skin comfort in the winter months, for lighter lotions. Vitamin C Serums are a great way to increase hydration levels without adding excess oil into the skin.

Try changing your cleanser to a foaming cleanser, that washes off with water, and don’t forget to look after the sensitive eye area and nurture sore sunburnt lips.