HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN IN THE SUMMER
Hot weather raises a whole new set of skincare questions like whether you really need to moisturise when it’s 30 degrees and your face feels greasy. And what about exfoliation – is it better to do it more during the summer to keep skin fresh or should you skip it to avoid irritation? These questions come up because warmer weather brings unique challenges for the skin.
I often see patients come back from holiday with pigmentation, dryness and irritation. It’s not because they’ve done anything wrong – it’s just that the combination of sun, heat, flights and changes in routine can really unsettle the skin.
That’s why summer calls for some simple adjustments to your routine to help keep the skin looking and feeling healthy in the heat.
Keep it simple
Holiday skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. The skin’s already dealing with a lot – UV, sweat, heavy sunscreen, maybe some late nights and salty or chlorinated water if you like to swim. Now is the time to strip your skincare back to the essentials like a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, antioxidants and, the fundamental, SPF. Less really is more in the summer.
Lighten up, but don’t skip moisturiser
Rich moisturisers are not always ideal in hot climates. They can clog pores and congest the skin. However, even during the summer, the skin still needs moisture to stay balanced and to protect its barrier from drying out. Try layering your skincare. Whether you are lounging by the pool or spending the day sightseeing, our Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 is a multi-tasking, breathable formula. It brightens the skin, prevents pigmentation and offers vital broad-spectrum protection without any heaviness – it’s perfect under make-up. Just remember to reapply it every 2-3 hours. If your skin is prone to breakouts or redness, try layering one of the Dr Somji Concentrates underneath.
Support the skin barrier
Sun, sea, flights and air-conditioning can all impair the skin barrier, which is often the root cause of post-holiday issues. I always advise patients to pack a barrier-strengthening serum like our multi-tasking Dr Somji Signature Serum. It’s lightweight and supercharged with peptides, ceramides and anti-inflammatories that can address multiple skin concerns during and after sun exposure.
After sun care
Look for soothing ingredients like ceramides and exosomes to rebuild the skin’s barrier.
If you’ve been in the sun, don’t rush back into using strong actives or exfoliants – give your skin some time to recover. Gentle exfoliation in summer can be helpful for clearing sunscreen build-up, sweat and pollution. Go for mild exfoliants like lactic acid, which refresh the skin without disrupting the barrier. But if your skin feels sunburnt, dry or irritated, hold off until it’s fully healed.
Focus on protection, hydration and barrier support and your skin will thank you long after the summer glow fades.
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.
