SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.1 : ACNE

The factors that contribute to acne are many, but in summer flare-ups are usually tied to a natural increase in oil production. Summer heat causes you to sweat and your skin to produce even more sebum, causing pores to clog and leading to breakouts. All that extra oil can lead to cleansing more, but over-cleansing will only exacerbate acne So, what to do ?

Avoid heavyweight moisturisers and look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide to help calm redness and minimize oil production.

Our top picks include Dr Rogers lotion, B3 Perfecting spray and Medik8’s Clarity peptides all loaded with this skin saviour ingredient that with soothe and heal breakouts.

To prevent flare-ups from happening in the first place, regularly exfoliate with retinol or exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs. A daily cleanse with iS Clinical’s Cleansing Complex, a swipe of Medik8’s Blemish Control Pads & regular use of iS Clinical Active Serum will keep your breakouts at bay.

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.2 : SUNBURN

Prevention is of course the best medicine here and we urge you to be diligent with sun protection. Sunburn is only the immediate evidence of UV Damage and no matter what your age if you incur sun damage it will eventually show up as pigmentation, and premature wrinkles. So, as we always say - daily sunscreen is the most important thing you can do for your skin, now and in the future.

Compliance is far easier if you find a SPF you love, opt for at least SPF 30 with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredient. Our top picks for optimum protection? IS Clinical Eclipse and Medik8 Ultimate Day protect.

That being said if you end up with sunburn, take a pain reliever like ibuprofen, which will help reduce inflammation and decrease peeling. And apply a soothing a hydrating serum like the iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum. Which is a hyaluronic acid serum that deeply hydrates and calms. Plus, it has menthol in it which is great for soothing redness so it’s perfect after a little too much sun.

Compliance is far easier if you find a SPF you love, opt for at least SPF 30 with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredient.

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.3 : CRACKED, DRY SKIN

Your face may be oily, but your feet are likely parched. For your tootsies, you simply can’t surpass Bare Hands Pedicure set. Nothing and we mean nothing is more hydrating and softening for your feet. The precision glass foot file effortlessly buffs away callouses and dry skin whilst the thick verbena balm glides across skin melting into an ultra-rich oil that softens skin instantly (amazing on hands too as an overnight treatment) We can confidently tell you this is better than a visit to the spa.

Nothing and we mean nothing is more hydrating and softening for your feet.

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no 4: ECZEMA

In the summer, excess air conditioning and prolonged time in the pool or ocean can both dehydrate skin exacerbating eczema – that red, dry, itchy rash indicates a breakdown in the skin’s barrier. Opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip skin of precious moisture such as Doctor Rogers Restore Cleanser followed up with her deeply nourishing cream to lock in moisture and soothe skin

Formulated specifically for compromised skin, Doctor Rogers entire line has been granted the seal of approval by the National Eczema Association so it goes without saying this is the brand you reach for when skin is in need of some TLC.

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.5: MELASMA

It’s sad to say, but the best thing for melasma, (dark pigmented patches on the face) — is to avoid sun and heat as much as possible. If you can’t steer clear of the sun completely, SPF and antioxidants are a must. For sunscreen, you need a mineral or physical block, look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredient that works to block UV Rays that trigger melanocytes in the skin to produce discoloration.

Topical antioxidants such as Vitamin C are particularly useful for skin discoloration. Vitamin C specifically helps block tyrosinase (the key enzyme in excess pigment production) and therefore has a corrective effect on melasma. If your face gets hot cool it with products kept in the fridge such as mists or reach for a cold cloth or an ice cube to soothe over face.

Excellent products to keep Melasma under control are Crystal Retinal 6, Glycolic Sleep, Active Serum and Press and Glow… And for your super Vitamin C protection Medik8's Oxy R Pepties or Super Serum from iS Clinical are expert skin brightners and products.

TIP: Take care when using actives in summer as skin is more sensitive to sun.So double down on the SPF

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.6 : Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Despite the hot and humid weather, you still need hydrate your skin. That extra layer of sweat on your face doesn’t count as a moisturiser, and even if you’re feeling oily you should always finish your routine with a light-weight moisturiser.

Moisturiser helps re-establish the stratum corneum, your outermost layer of the skin, which both protects and prevents skin from irritation and dryness. If your skin is feeling particularly parched from summers elements, indulge in a luxurious hydrating mask a few times a week. Medik8’s Bio Celluar Face Masks are the best hydrating sheet masks we’ve ever experienced for intensely soothing, calming and hydrating skin

SUMMER SKIN ISSUE no.7: ITCHY SCALP

Like so many other things, summer heat and the ensuing uptick in oil production will likely make scalp issues worse. Excess oil can result in inflammation of the hair follicles and can trigger dandruff, redness, and scaling. To tackle this and experience the freshest most satisfying treatment this summer - welcome Christophe Robin’s iconic Sea Salt Purifying Scrub. An utterly refreshing scalp scrub that polishes away scalp debris, oiliness and leaves hair so so fresh and crispy clean for cool girl waves. Follow up with a deeply hydrating treatment like the one and only Regenerative mask – just on your ends for summer hair perfection.

To tackle this and experience the freshest most satisfying treatment this summer - welcome Christophe Robin’s iconic Sea Salt Purifying Scrub.