Skincare for the New Zealand Summer

In New Zealand, we love to be outdoors, but the sun is particularly harsh in our part of the world so special care is needed to take care of our skin.  Yet most of us don’t give much thought to updating our skincare routines to suit the seasons.

There are some steps you can take to preserve the health of your skin during summer:

Sunscreen

This is an absolute must!  Use a minimum SPF30.  Preventing those rays from getting through is the best thing you can do to prevent sunburn, premature aging, skin cancers, increased pigmentation or freckles, and much more!

You should always apply sunscreen all year round, but especially in the summer when UV rays intensify, and you’re more likely to spend more time outdoors at the beaches and barbeques.

Take your sunscreen everywhere and reapply often. Especially areas that are more exposed to the sun like your face and hands.  UV levels are shown on most weather apps, so keep an eye on when they are higher, and keep out of the sun at these times.

If you do get burnt, wrap up, stay out of the sun and take proper care of your skin while it recovers.  The Three Gems Aloe Vera Body Butter is ideal for soothing and helping sunburnt skin to heal.

Hydrate

Drink lots of water! At least 2 litres a day is needed for most people.  With increased perspiration and summer activity we need more fluids.  Your skin is quick to show any signs of dehydration as the cells actually shrink and shrivel when dehydrated – keep those cells nice and plump, and you will be rewarded with smoother-looking skin.

Keep your skin clean

Summer heat can cause increased sweat and being outdoors increased grime.  This can cause clogged pores and a build-up of dead skin cells, resulting in a less radiant look.

Cleansing with a gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and evening with a gentle facial cleanser will remove the surface makeup, sweat, and grime.

Exfoliating will ensure a deeper clean and remove any dead skin build-up.  We find the use of a konjac sponge is a very effective way to do this.  It’s quick and easy – only adding about 30 seconds to your skincare regime.

The Three Gems Makeup Remover and Cleanser is a great 3-in-1 product that will remove your makeup, gently cleanse your skin, and with the addition of a sprinkle of baking soda, makes a wonderful exfoliant.

Moisturise

We need to replenish the moisture in our skin to combat the drying effects of air-conditioning, wind, and sunshine.

Keeping up a regular twice daily moisturising routine ensures our skin gets nourished, even when we are busy.  Applying your face oil or body butter within 5 minutes of your shower ensures that moisture is effectively absorbed into your skin.  Wait a few minutes before applying sunscreen, and you are good to go!

Following these tips, you can best prepare your skincare for the New Zealand summer

Some common NZ summer skincare problems:

Dry, irritated skin

When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry irritated skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips:

• Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistance.
• Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. Soaps and body wash labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
• Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
• Slather on a natural moisturiser or body butter after every shower and bath. Moisturisers and body butters work by trapping water in your skin, so it’s good to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.
• Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your home too dry.

Acne breakouts

When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts. To help prevent acne:

• Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
• Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
• Use skincare that is proven to help with acne, such as the Three Gems Frankincense Face Oil.

Prickly heat (or heat rash)

This is caused by blocked sweat glands. Because the sweat cannot get out, it builds up under your skin, causing a rash and tiny, itchy bumps. When the bumps burst and release sweat, many people feel a prickly sensation on their skin.

Anything you can do to stop sweating profusely will help reduce your risk. Tips that dermatologists offer to their patients to help them sweat less and thereby lessen their risk of getting prickly heat include:

• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton.
• Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day or move your workout indoors where you can be in air-conditioning.
• Try to keep your skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and air-conditioning when possible.

Ref:  American Academy of Dermatology – 12 summer skin problems you can prevent