We may not be quite ready to wave goodbye to our glowing Summer skin just yet, but it seems the cooler weather has suddenly creeped on us! As we begin to swap our dresses and shorts for jeans, and our beach slides for boots - it doesn’t mean skincare should be pushed aside.
After another sunny Summer, now is the time to step up your hydration regime. Here are nine strategies to keep your skin looking and feeling fabulous while making your Summer glow last just a little while longer.
Rehydrate Under a Cool Shower
While they may feel dreamily relaxing, those long hot showers and baths can seriously dehydrate your skin. Dial down the temperature of your shower to a cooler setting.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
There's no smarter way to keep your skin looking super supple than by being generous to your body by liberally applying a good moisturising lotion. A brilliant moisturiser drenches your skin in dewy moisture, saying goodbye to dry scaly skin after a Summer by the pool (chlorine can be harsh on the skin, drying it out).
Get into the routine of moisturising your body following every shower. Bringing out the moisturising lotion after every exposure to the sun will also restore lost moisture while helping to relieve UV- induced irritation. Try Carroten’s Aloe Vera, After Sun Cooling Gel. It is easily absorbed and helps calm the skin whilst stimulating the cell regeneration process after a long day in the sun. Enriched with Panthenol, the Cooling Gel deeply hydrates the skin for up to 24 hours and protects it from dryness. The perfect way to refresh and pamper your skin after a season of sun and the sea.
When you come to select a moisturiser there are many options – from oils, creams and body butters so it’s a matter of choosing what texture you prefer, and which is best absorbed by your skin.
Exfoliate Regularly
It may feel like a dreary chore, but it is important to exfoliate weekly. This helps remove dull, dry surface skin cells and prepares your skin for further sun should you be lucky enough to find some sunshine!
Begin by applying a beaded body wash or scrub during your shower or bath routine. This is a great way to prepare your body for your weekly exfoliation. Scrub your whole body very gently with your hands or chosen exfoliating tool.
There are also a variety of exfoliating tools to choose from too, such as loofah sponge pads, bath mitts and gloves, natural sea wool sponges (some with the added benefits of turmeric and charcoal!) and body brushes to maintain your skin’s vibrant glow.
Key areas to focus specifically on are your elbows, knees, ankles, heels, feet and wrists. After you finish gently scrubbing these areas, rinse off and use a soft towel to gently pat yourself dry.
Reviving Facial Mask
It’s true that your face is often the aspect that initially draws people’s attention to you. Not surprisingly, a gently glowing complexion gives you that just back from an exotic sun-drenched holiday appeal. A hydrating cooling bio-cellulose face and décolleté mask can help restore and retain moisture. Some masks can also boost skin elasticity and exfoliate dead skin to help brighten your complexion.
Hydrating face-masks are quite beneficial, particularly if you have dry skin. Look for one that leaves your face feeling refreshed or visit your local day spa and have them recommend the best solution based on your skin type.
Bronzer is a Girl’s Best Friend
When in doubt, apply a matte bronzer to subtly recreate that “lazing all-day beachside” look while keeping your skin moisturised and healthy. The key here is to deftly swirl your bronzer on when applying it in those high visibility zones, such as your cheekbones, nose, temples and forehead. Resist the temptation to slather bronzer on all-over. Less is definitely more.
Dial Up the Beta-Carotenes in Your Diet
Numerous scientific research studies have demonstrated that a beta-carotene rich diet can successfully recreate that elusive sun-kissed glowing summer skin from the inside out. Beta-carotene is a form of red-orange pigment that naturally occurs in mangoes, apricots, sweet potatoes, and particularly (our favourite) carrots. Look to dial up these tasty sunshine-enriched fruits and vegetable treats in your meals each week.
Stay Hydrated
Even though those days of 30-degree+ heat may be behind us, don't cut back on your water intake. Drinking water and staying hydrated can assist your skin in remaining plump and clear.
Opt for White
Lastly, one simple tried-and-true piece of trickery - Try wearing white or light shaded colours. Throw in a bold red lippy and a dab of bronzer and voila, you’ve created the illusion of golden skin!
As summer draws to a close, there’s no reason to give up on your healthy summer glow. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your skin stays deeply moisturised and hydrated. Just remember, regardless of the temperature, UV exposure is still a risk so always protect your skin sunscreen and afterwards, pamper yourself with Carroten’s refreshing and revitalising After-Sun Cooling Gel.
