Isn’t the current heatwave just amazing! Admittedly it does nothing for my productivity levels or my Mon-Thurs alcohol abstinence – all I want to do is lie in the garden with a chilled glass of Rosé!!! Our skin suffers too in this glaring heat, so I asked Lisa Janeway of Exhale Beauty Therapy about her top tips for caring for our 40-plus skin in the summer months. Here’s what she advised…
1. Sun Protection
UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles. To help prevent signs of premature aging from UV exposure, it is essential to use an SPF and it must be applied generously and frequently. I recommend using SPF 30 for the face and body. Apply a teaspoon to the face and about a shot-glass full to the body (we all know that measure!!) There are a variety of sunscreens on the market to suit individual needs from oil free; mattifying; extra emolient for dry skin or chemical-free for sensitive skins.
We’ve all been caught out by a sunny spell and forgot to apply sunscreen or didn’t apply enough. Unfortunately, skin damage is irreverisble, but you can soothe the skin and help restore its natural lipid barrier. At the first sign of pinkness, apply a cooling balm.
2. Exfoliation
I always recommend to my clients that exfoliation should be an important part of their skincare routine. By exfoliating regularly you will remove dead skin and stimulate the cell renewal process. New skin cells reach the surface of the skin quicker and more easily and therefore give the appearance of a clearer, fresher complexion.
As we age our cell turnover (the rate at which we produce new skin cells, collagen, elastin etc) slows down. In our 30s it will be every 30 days, in our 40s – every 40 days, in our 50s – every 50 days, and so on… What this means is, dead skin cells sit longer on the surface of our skin resulting in a duller hue.
3. Hydration
In our 40s, our skin becomes thinner, barrier lipids are not as pronounced and dehydration can be an issue – especially in the lead up to menopause. We hear it all the time, but it really is important to drink plenty of water. It is one of the easiest and least expensive ways of improving our skin’s appearance and health. Water plumps the skin, causing wrinkles and pores to appear less prominent. Hydrating the skin on the inside is just as important as hydrating it topically.
On a side, but no less important note, sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma so self-examination once a month is advisible. Check for new growths, changes to moles or any skin changes. Early detection can play a crucial role in treating carcinomas and malignant melanomas.
Enjoy, and stay safe in the sun!
About Lisa….
Lisa is a ‘Dermalogica Expert Status’ trained beauty therapist who, now in her 40s, has finally followed her dream to open her own salon – Exhale Beauty Therapy. Lisa offers exceptional service with high-quality brands and treats every client individually according to their needs. It is her belief that beauty therapy should be about making people not just look better, but feel better too. She hopes that her clients leave her salon not only with beautifully glowing skin, or shiny nails but also feeling more relaxed, less stressed, more invigorated or energised. She says, “From the minute you walk through the door, it’s your time to breathe in, exhale and relax – let me do the rest!”
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If you have any questions for Lisa about caring for your skin in the summer months, please pop them below in the comments section and I will pass them on and reply with her answer!
6 comments
I try to keep my skin hydrated as much as possible. My skin dries out easily so it’s a priority.
I hadn’t really thought that drinking water would have such an impact on our skin… I’m guilty of not exfoliating!!!
Hi Lisa. That’s a great article. I have a problem with Hydration since I was 35 years old. I have tried to drink plenty of water but still with the problem. So, i use some collagen cream to help my skin healthier the products as shown here http://www.womensedge.org/10-best-collagen-creams/. What do you think about that? By the way, I will follow your suggestions as well. Thank you for sharing such a great tips, it would be very helpful.
Hi Issie, here’s the reply from Lisa:
Products containing collagen are great for plumping and keeping the skin supple. However, if dehydration is your main concern it would be advisable to include skin care products that contain “Hyaluronic acid” don’t be put off by the word acid. It does not in any way exfoliate or strip the skin, it is in fact a moisture binding ingredient and plays a big part in skin retaining its moisture. Pretty much acting as a sponge holding vast amounts of water in the skin. There are many serums and moisturisers on the market that contain Hyaluronic acid.
Love this article! I enjoyed reading your article. You are sharing the best skin care tips. Thanks a lot for sharing.
I love this article and thanks for sharing. Taking plenty of water will keep the skin hydrated from within and using coconut oil to moisturize the skin.