The Ultimate Summer Skincare

Winter is leaving the building and summer is on its way. As are the mountain walks, beach days, hanging out by the pool and, of course, that holiday break. With all this being said, the spa team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa suggests it’s time for a skincare makeover before you tick off that summer bucket list.

Longer hours of daylight and hot, humid weather can affect our skin differently than the chilly winter season.

Living in South Africa, with high heats, humidity and in many places quite dry, one needs to take that into consideration when taking care of your skin.

Other steps, such as applying sunscreen and refraining from over-showering, are important for everyone.

The beauty tips below will help you enjoy the sunshine, keeping skin health in mind.

Apply sunscreen often

If you do nothing else for your skin this summer, wear sunscreen.

Look for sunscreens that offer at least SPF30, a broad spectrum protection as well as lip protection.

“The most important thing is that you need to protect your skin from the sun,” says the spa manager at Granny Mouse. If you don’t do that “your skin will age faster and increase your risk of skin cancer.”

It’s essential to apply sunscreen any time you are in the sun, including during the winter months. We tend to spend more time outside when it’s warmer, typically from September through to March.

Keep moisturizing

The team recommends finding a moisturizer with an SPF to provide an extra layer of protection. Just don’t put it on in the morning and think it can replace sunscreen all day.

You need at least SPF30, and you need to reapply every 2 hours, especially if you are in the sun. Keep your summer moisturizer lightweight with SPF, the team at the Granny Mouse Country House & Spa emphasise.

Go lighter on the makeup

On warmer days, wearing a ton of makeup can feel like an unnecessary extra layer. And, if you sweat, your makeup will come off more easily. Embrace the season and tone down your makeup routine. Your skin will enjoy the break. Wearing less makeup lets the skin breathe, but make sure your make up has SPF.

Caking on sunscreen over your applied makeup might not sound very appealing. But, if you’re attending an all-outdoor afternoon wedding, or having a long outdoor lunch, you’re going to need protection.

Look for moisturizers with the following qualities – those that are tinted, at least SPF30 and lightweight.

Exfoliate once or twice a week

Sunscreen is important, and sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling off. But both can do a number on your pores. That’s where exfoliation comes in. It helps unclog the pores and reduces blemishes.

Wear sun-protective accessories and clothing

Wide-brimmed hats

UV-400 sunglasses

Dark-coloured clothes with woven fabrics or UV absorbers

Hats can help shield the face and eyes from the sun. Sunglasses help, too.

Wash your face — but not constantly 

When it’s hot, you may feel the need to wash your face or shower constantly. Summer is typically warmer and sunnier than winter. It’s only natural that your skin has different needs.

When you’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to be mindful about sunscreen. Find a broad-spectrum SPF30 and remember to reapply every 2 hours to protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.

A summer-friendly beauty routine will keep your skin happy and healthy all season long.