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The 5 products as cheap as £8 to keep your skin healthy, glowing and wrinkle-free this summer
From exfoliation to oil control - the specific needs your skin has in the summer and how to address them
DREAMING of smooth, supple skin this summer? You might quickly be brought down to earth.
For many of us, the mixture of sun, heat and humidity can result in our skin just not playing ball.
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Your skincare routine might have guaranteed you healthy and glowing skin during the colder months, but it might not be doing you favours as it gets warmer and stickier.
In fact, skincare experts say you might need to tweak your routine to get the best out of your skin at this time of year.
“Summertime calls for an update to your skincare routine as you say goodbye to those richer, heavier formulas that were needed to keep your skin feeling its best through the colder winter months," Kimberley Medd, clinic lead at Face the Future, tells The Sun.
"Unlike winter where the air is cold and dry, summer brings in warmth and humidity that can spell trouble for your skin if you’re using the wrong products."
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The biggest factor our skin has to with contend during the summer months is - you guessed it - the sun.
If you make a point of buying sun cream during June, July and August, Kimberley says you need to be thinking about the wider picture.
"It’s important to wear SPF every day of year to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which cause premature skin ageing along with skin cancer," she noted.
"It’s a common misconception that SPF should be reserved for sunny days, but you should be wearing your sunscreen come rain or shine."
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And you might need to slather on more than you think.
"Experts recommend that you use two fingers’ worth of SPF for your face and neck to ensure proper protection," Kimberley says.
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"They also recommend that you use no less than factor 30, and that you re-apply your sunscreen every two hours – and more often if you’re swimming or perspiring."
Not only will SPF stop you from burning, it'll also reduce your risk of cancer and stall signs of ageing.
Sunburn isn't the only summer skin concern you might be grappling with - melasma, dry skin and acne are all possible contenders.
Thankfully, you don't need to shell out to address these skin concerns.
From from soothing balms to blemish-controlling cleansers and an essential SPF, here are five cheap products to get your skin healthy and glowing this summer.
1. For combating melasma
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Kimberly says: "Pigmentation and melasma can worsen in the summer months due to your skin being more exposed to the sun."
Hyperpigmentation refers to any discoloration of the skin - be it an acne scar, sun damage, freckles or age spots.
Melasma, meanwhile, is a common skin condition where brown or greyish patches of pigmentation develop, usually on the face.
"If you’re struggling with this, then Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control SPF50+ is a great option to keep your skin protected and prevent further pigmentation and melasma," Kimberly suggested.
"Suited to all skin types, the gentle but highly protective formula helps prevent sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
"It contains an ingredient called Licochalcone A that helps to neutralise free radicals that are caused by UV and High Energy Visible (HEVIS) light, helping to keep your skin healthier."
You can nab it for £19.20 on Face the Future - or £12.74 at Boots.
2. For healing sunburn
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Despite our best efforts to reapply our sun cream, we've all caught a bit of sun at some point or other.
"Sunscreen is super-important, but if you do get caught out and find that you have sunburn, then make sure to use a cooling, soothing, and hydrating sunscreen to help your skin heal," Kimberley advises.
"La Roche-Posay Anthelios Post-UV Exposure After Sun Lotion is specially formulated for sensitive skin and works to replenish your skin’s hydration without leaving a sticky finish".
Buy for £17 on Face the Future or £13.60 at Sephora UK.
3. For soothing irritated skin
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"Skin irritation and reactions can be common in the summer," Kimberley says.
"If you do find your skin has reacted to a product or is generally irritated and dry, opt for caring, reparative formulas that help your skin to heal.
"La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ SPF50 contains Panthenol 5%, also known as Vitamin B5, to help repair your skin’s natural barrier whilst giving a soothing action to help you to maintain healthy skin."
You can use it on skin that's feeling tight, chapped lips and even minor everyday injuries - and it's suitable for sensitive skin.
Nab it for £11.90 on Face the Future and Boots.
4. For clogged pores and breakouts
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"Make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove all traces of SPF, debris, and pollution from your skin," Kimberley adds.
"Oily skin can be trickier to balance, especially in the summer months, meaning your pores can become clogged and acne breakouts can worsen."
She suggests going for a cleanser like CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide.
"Made for blemish-prone skin, the refreshing gel-to-foam cleanser helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and balanced," she says.
5. For lightweight hydration
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The thick products you use on your skin during colder months might not always be the right choice for summer.
“The warmer weather might make skin feel less dry, but maintaining hydration is still vital," Kimberly says.
"Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers like the Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser to avoid clogging pores while keeping the skin adequately hydrated.
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"Hyaluronic acid is a particularly fantastic ingredient to look out for in the summer months as it can help maintain moisture balance.”
It'll cost you £8.50 on Face the Future or £8 at Boots and Holland & Barrett.
Your summer skin needs
Kimberly says: “As we transition into the summer months, our skin encounters different challenges compared to other seasons.
"The increased sun exposure, higher temperatures, and humidity levels can lead to specific skincare concerns that can make skincare routine adjustments necessary."
Sun protection
This is "the most critical aspect of summer skincare", according to Kimberley.
Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is essential, particularly in the summer when UV radiation is at its most intense.
"Reapplication every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, is also crucial to prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and reduce the risk of skin cancer," the skin expert says.
Oil control
“Increased heat and humidity can lead to heightened oil production and potential breakouts," Kimberley says.
"Using a gentle, foaming cleanser can help manage excess oil without stripping the skin."
Antioxidants
“Incorporating antioxidants such as Vitamin C into your morning routine can help protect skin from environmental damage and enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen," Kimberly adds.
"Antioxidants neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure, aiding in the prevention of sun damage, and maintaining a healthy complexion.”
Exfoliation
“Regular exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores," Kimberley notes.
"However, it's crucial to avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation, especially when combined with sun exposure.
"Gentle exfoliants used one to two times per week can keep skin smooth and radiant for a lasting summer glow.”