June 16, 2022 Laura Lenihan

Your Guide to Must-Have Skincare Essentials

As the days get warmer, it’s easy for your skincare routine to fall by the wayside. After all, you’ve got al fresco dining, hotel swimming pools, and dancing the night away under the stars to focus on!

However, this is the perfect time to pay extra attention, listen to what your skin needs, and adapt your skincare routine for the new season.

To give you a hand, we’ve put together a list of our most essential summer skincare products.

SPF

SPF is arguably the most important skincare step for the summer. Sunscreens work by blocking harmful UV rays, which can visibly damage your skin cells. Immediate damage can come in the form of a burn or a tan, but exposure over time can cause premature ageing, as well as serious health conditions such as skin cancer.

As a rule, you should be wearing SPF on your face and other exposed areas of skin all year round, as UVB rays and blue light from screens can also have an impact on your skin’s health - but UV rays are often at their highest in late spring and summer.

It’s important to buy an SPF specifically created to be used on the delicate skin of your face, as this can help to prevent any clogged pores or blemishes caused by traditional sunscreen formulas.

And remember - SPF should be reapplied every two to three hours for the highest level of protection!

Top SPF's We Recommend:

1. Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 5, €57

2. IS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40, €84

3. Heliocare Mineral Tolerence Fluid SPF 50, €35

4. Heliocare Oil-Free Dry Touch Gel SPF 50, €35

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential part of any brightening skincare routine, helping to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But did you know that it also helps to protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays?

A vitamin C cream or serum can help to reverse any skin cell damage caused by harmful UV, while simultaneously working as an antioxidant to regenerate vitamins and helping to boost your skin’s defences.

Sun protection, anti-ageing effects, and a more radiant complexion? We’re sold!

Top Vitamin C Products We Recommend;

1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, €160

2. SkinBetter Science Alto Defense, €165

3. IS Clinical Super Serum Advance, €94

4. Obagi C Fx Clarifying Serum, €145

5. SkinCeuticals Double Defense Phloretin C E Ferulic + Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+, €160

Lightweight Moisturiser

Although moisturiser is an undeniable skincare routine essential all year round, it’s a good idea to switch out your thicker winter moisturiser for a lighter formula in the summer. The moisturisers that we use in the colder months often tackle concerns such as dry skin, which can be brought on by the combination of colder temperatures and indoor central heating.

However, this means that your go-to winter moisturiser can feel a bit too thick to layer up with on a warm day - meaning that you might be tempted to skip this step of your skincare routine in the summer months. Instead, we’d recommend treating yourself to a more lightweight formula, which can still deliver essential hydration and skincare benefits without clogging up your skin or giving you a sweaty sheen on a hot day.

Top Lightweight Moisturisers We Recommend;

1. Skinceuticals Hydrating B5, €78

2. SkinBetter Science Hydration Boosting Cream, €90

4. SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Face Serum, €100

5. IS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum, €100

Hydrating Cleanser

Lastly, consider swapping your everyday cleanser for an updated, refreshing two-step cleansing routine.

Particularly after a day in the sun, which can leave sweat, oil and dirt (or perhaps even sand!) on your skin, it’s important to cleanse thoroughly before applying your hard working skincare favourites.

Use a cleansing balm or oil to remove traces of makeup and other impurities from the skin’s surface, then finish up with a moisturising cleanser.

A clever, ultra-hydrating formula will be your skin’s best friend at this time of year, helping to rehydrate your skin and ensure that your natural radiance shines through.

Top Hydrating Cleansers We Recommend:

1. Obagi Gentle Cleanser, €68