Truly support
independent journalism
Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.
Whether it's $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us in offering journalism without agenda.
The summer heat has a way of sapping our energy and the idea of complicated routines suddenly becomes superfluous. When it comes to summer skincare, the simpler the better.
Nicole O'Grady, Advanced Esthetician and Founder of Olivia Cole, explains the essentials for achieving glowing summer skin without an arm-length product list.
1. Water-based moisturizer
There's a fine line between looking radiant and having oily skin. Prioritizing hydration doesn't mean you have to apply multiple serums and oils — opting for water-based formulas instead of oil-based ones will help you achieve that.
Water-based moisturisers are ideal for summer, as they provide skin with much-needed hydration without weighing it down. If you're looking for extra moisture, “other topical products including retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid are great for achieving a glowing complexion,” says O'Grady.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Moisturiser, 50ml, £39.75 (was £53), Face the Future
2. Cleanser and moisturizing serum
Opting for gel and cream cleansers will help cleanse your skin without stripping it of all its natural oils. “Serums can be a great alternative to moisturizers if you have oily skin,” explains O’Grady. Serums add a layer of hydration that your moisturizer hasn’t been able to provide, but without suffocating your skin.
Products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide and aloe vera will quench your skin's thirst. “Products containing hyaluronic acid are especially beneficial, as this compound is naturally present in the body,” says O'Grady.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: 177ml, £22
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronic Acid, £8.80
3. FPS
We often associate a tanned appearance with a healthy look, but in fact the sun is one of the main culprits of dry, dull-looking skin.
For everyday use, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher, and in summer, an SPF of 50 for your face. If you choose a water-resistant formula, you'll also be able to withstand sweat or the rain storms you encounter in Britain.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Fragrance-Free Invisible Sun Cream, SPF 50+, 50ml, £15, Look Fantastic
4. Exfoliate
A great way to improve your skin with immediate and long-term effects is exfoliation. It removes dead skin cells and allows the skin's surface to be smoother and clearer, reflect more light and look more radiant.
Using a physical exfoliant, such as a facial scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as a peel, once a week will brighten and even out your skin tone.
Medik8 Dual Action Pore Refining Jojoba Scrub, £32
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Travel Size, £11 (was £12)
5. Brighten with antioxidants
While including polyphenols in your diet is crucial for glowing skin, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is a great way to promote smooth, glowing skin.
Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant widely recognized for its ability to speed up the skin's healing process. As such, it is often found in products formulated for dry skin or aimed at reducing scars and stretch marks.
Vitamin E also helps stabilize other antioxidants and enhance their effectiveness, so you'll often find it combined with vitamin C or resveratrol.
Cliganic Pure Non-GMO Vitamin E Oil, £9, Healf
