The Ultimate ELEMIS Summer Skincare Guide

Before you can create the perfect summer skincare routine, it’s helpful to first understand how the season impacts your skin. So, what are some of the most common seasonal changes?

Sun

After a long winter we naturally all crave some sunshine. However, too much sun exposure damages the skin.

On the surface, you’ll see visible redness, which radiates heat. Beneath the surface, UVA rays will be causing DNA changes on a cellular level, leading to signs of ageing. Skin will also become dehydrated as a result of perspiration.

Heat

Our skin is incredibly sensitive to heat. Hot weather can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it feel very dry.

Insect bites

During the summer months, we spend more time outside, which means sharing these spaces with a wide variety of insects. In the UK we have several species that bite, including midges, mosquitoes and mites. (The three Ms.)

Most insect bites pose no serious health risk (unless you’re allergic). However, when insects bite they release saliva that can cause the surrounding skin to become red, swollen and itchy.

Salt water

Swimming in the sea does actually have health benefits for your skin — particularly when it comes to exfoliation. The salt water naturally scrubs away dead skin and opens up your pores, which brings its benefits. However, the salt can also dry out your skin, which can cause irritation.

Chlorine

On a hot sunny day, who doesn’t like to spend time at the swimming pool? Unfortunately, chlorine (which keeps the water clean) is a natural irritant that strips the skin of its natural oils. Too much exposure to chlorine can also cause rashes.

Pollution

With greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change, it’s no surprise that pollution is bad for the skin. Regular exposure to pollution has been linked with dryness, skin irritation and exacerbating pre-existing skin conditions.

Dehydration

All the above seasonal changes cause skin dryness. From the sunshine to the sea, it seems like all the elements are determined to give you dry skin. Hydration is therefore the answer to your summer skincare routine.

With so many aspects of summer posing a risk to your skin, it can feel like an impossible task to keep it healthy. Fortunately, there are lots of easy steps you can take to help encourage a soft, supple complexion. Here are our top suggestions.

1.Cleanse your skin daily
2.Regularly reapply SPF (and make sure it’s at least factor 30)
3.Stay in the shade
4.Drink plenty of water
5.Eat healthy food (especially lots of fruit)
6.Wear comfortable clothes and hats that cover the skin
7.Take cool showers
8.Moisturise daily
9.Use antioxidants
10.Look after compromised skin

Nobody likes that hot, sticky, sweaty feeling. That’s why we developed a range of products to help keep you cool in even the most humid weather. Here are a few favourites to stop you from overheating.

Instant Refreshing Gel

As well as being great for tired legs and tense bodies, our Instant Refreshing Gel is also brilliant for cooling your skin. This revitalising gel contains Camphor and Menthol, which helps to calm the skin. Simply apply a thin layer to hot and bothered limbs for instant cooling. 

Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

Loved by models and make-up artists for good reason, our Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks are perfect for de-puffing eyes before shows. Of course, these patches aren’t just for the catwalk — they’ll leave your eyes feeling refreshed and renewed, whether you’re at home, on holiday or getting ready for a night out. 

Seaweed extracts provide a firming, smoothing effect while Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate your skin. Keep in the fridge for added chill.

Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray

This natural spray is great for spritzing on tired, hot feet. This revitalising body spray contains Australian Tea Tree Oil, which is widely known for its purifying and soothing properties. 

Spray directly onto the soles of the feet and enjoy the tingly cold sensation. Wash your feet in a cooling foot bath beforehand for even better results.

Soothing Apricot Toner

Perfect for sensitive and delicate skin, this calming treatment toner helps maintain the natural pH level without using alcohol. The apricot, sweet Betty flower and saponins from quillaja wood soothe the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed. Keep the toner in the fridge for a refreshing spritz whenever your face needs it. 

Of course, which summer products are best for you all depends on your skin type. However, the key to all summer skincare is staying hydrated, cool, protected and moisturised.

Our bodies lose a lot of water in the sunlight, so it’s essential you keep your skin hydrated this summer. Our Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence doubles the skin’s moisture content and has anti-wrinkle properties. Rich in magnesium, copper and zinc, the formula delivers instant and intense hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours. 

You also need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, and our Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream SPF 30 is a great choice. This daily moisturiser supports the skin’s natural renewal cycle whilst providing invisible broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Heat, sunlight, salt water and chlorine can all strip away the natural oils in our skin, so we need products that will reintroduce these oils. The Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix is ideal for targeting all the many different stresses your skin experiences as the weather changes. Who wouldn’t want to wake up with a firmer, smoother-looking complexion with visible bounce-back? 

How to soothe sunburn

Even when you take care to protect your skin against the sun, it’s easy to get caught out and experience sunburn. The skin damage and health risks associated with overexposure to the sun are well documented. It’s therefore vital you soothe and restore your skin as soon as it feels tight, stripped or uncomfortable.

Ingredients that help these effects include antioxidants , vitamin E , aloe vera, milk protein and hyaluronic acid . As luck would have it, you can find these ingredients in our Daily Defence Shield SPF 30, Skin Nourishing Milk Bath and Pro-Collagen Night Cream Moisturiser.

Summer is all about getting outside and having fun. The last thing you need is to worry about which products you should be using when. That’s why we’ve created a summer skincare routine, which is the perfect base for everyone. Remember though — everyone’s complexion is unique, so feel free to personalise it to suit your own needs.

Simply follow the routine, so you can focus on the sun, sea and good times.

In the morning

Start your day with a facial cleanse. This will remove any excess oils and dirt collected during the night. If left, these can block pores and make it harder for your skin to breathe. Our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a 3-in-1 melting cleanser that easily removes daily impurities, whilst comforting your skin. The limited edition floral aromatic is also reminiscent of a summer day in the English countryside. What better way to wake up on a sunny morning? 

You now need to prepare the delicate skin on your face for a day in the sun. Why not apply some Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice? With its lightweight, moisture-quenching formula, it’ll leave your skin feeling calm, cool and refreshed. The gel texture also layers well under makeup, which is why it’s ideal as part of your morning routine.

Now you want to apply some sun protection at least 30 minutes before going outside. The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is ideal. As well as providing that essential SPF 30 protection, this day cream ensures you’ll set out with skin that’s super hydrated. Plus it contains an advanced formula of padina pavonica, chlorella and ginkgo biloba, which can help with the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

During the day

As soon as you're outside, your skin has to face the summer elements. So top up your sun protection regularly using our Daily Defence Shield SPF 30. In addition to the SPF formula, it helps to keep the skin hydrated even in the harshest conditions. Plus its compact size fits easily into any bag. This formula is a daily essential.

Want to feel instantly refreshed while you’re out and about? Try the Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro-Mist. This hydration treatment delivers the fast-acting results of a serum through an invigorating mist. The Organic Rose Hydrolat soothes the skin from dehydration, while a blend of coastal Microalgae Extracts helps it to revitalise.

In the evening

Your skin has spent all day being battered by the sun, sand and sea. Now’s the time to replenish and repair your skin.

First, you need to carefully lower your body temperature. A lukewarm shower is a safe and effective method, which prepares your body for maximum recovery. Our Skin Nourishing Shower Cream leaves skin feeling satin-soft and supple. Remember, your skin is delicate so dry yourself by patting gently with a towel rather than rubbing. 

Next, you want to gently clean your face — and we recommend Cleansing Micellar Water. Soak a cotton wool pad with one or two pumps and then delicately pad over the eyes and face. The micellar water cleanses the skin of daily pollutants and grime, without compromising the skin's delicate acid mantle.

Follow this with the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, which acts as a delicate exfoliator. Formulated with Lactic Acid and Probiotic Ferment Complex, they help to accelerate skin's natural cycle turnover in 28 days. The pads will leave your skin looking significantly smoother and brighter.

After this, it’s time to rehydrate and our Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir is perfect for thirsty skin. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and omega-rich camelia oil, it offers your skin a soothing drink and provides superior moisturisation for a visibly fuller, plumper look.

End your day with Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial, a hydration mask that locks in moisture overnight. While you sleep, your body temperature tends to rise as it goes into repair and recovery mode. This results in your skin losing hydration. The super-cooling gel mask creates a hydration barrier, which reduces the visible signs of sun-exposed skin. In the morning, you’re sure to feel restored and radiant.

Built on a belief of “truth in beauty”, we’ve spent over 30 years developing products that really care for your skin. Our summer range is designed to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and refreshed. Feel your best and get ready for adventures in the sunshine, knowing your skin is protected and cared for.

From light cleansers to refreshing moisturisers, we have everything you need to make this the best summer for your skin. Heading of for a summer holiday? Why not pack our pocket-sized travel essentials to ensure you’re nourished on the go?

Explore the full ELEMIS skincare collection now.