Hello, Summer!

Hope you are enjoying the longest day of the year.  Finally, the season we dreamed of during the dark and cold days of winter is with us.  It’s time to take full advantage of the Vitamin D and warm temps.
 
Less always seems to be more in summer, which is why this is the perfect season to lighten up your makeup, opting for a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation, so you don’t find yourself melting during the day.  My summer routine pares down to a touch of concealer and of course, bronzer. With tinted lashes, I often skip the mascara.  

During the rest of the year, I live for this primer under my make-up, but right now, all I need is this sunscreen.  You read that right, my sunscreen is delivering protection AND fabulous glow.  It dries down quickly and combats shine as well, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days. Intrigued? I've got some in the treatment room.
 
It goes without saying that sunscreen is your BFF this season, particularly if you’ve worked to eradicate pigmentation during the winter.  When skin isn’t protected by SPF, pigmentation will return quickly while causing long-term damage, so be sure to take care not to undo all of your hard work and preserve your future face.  Sunglasses are also a must to keep your delicate eye area protected from the sun and prevent squinting, which causes wrinkles.
 
While a pared down make-up routine is blissful, sunscreen application means cleansing is still an important part of your evening routine.  Daily removal of sun cream helps to prevent build up over time that will dull your skin and block pores.   Cleansing your skin at night also removes what life has deposited during the day and helps ensure you don’t get random breakouts due to bacteria and dirt that gets trapped in pores.  I love a good cleansing oil to destroy sunscreen and clean my skin.
 
When you’re on holiday with a travel-size kit and suddenly feel your skin needs some pampering, consider using yogurt as a face mask.  When you apply and leave it on for 10 minutes, gentle exfoliation will occur thanks to yogurt’s lactic acid.  This alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, will dissolve dead skin cells, leaving your face appearing refreshed.  
 
If your skin is feeling dry and dehydrated from the sun, mix some olive oil with yogurt (ratio of 1:4) and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes to help restore hydration and alleviate dullness.
 
Hope you make the most of your summer while looking after your skin!