Summer Skin Secrets

2014 may be over, but warm weather is here to stay in sunny South Africa. Here are the ultimate tips for flawless skin this summer.

1. Use a gentle exfoliator daily before your moisturiser. Exfoliation removes dull, tired skin and allows for deeper hydration. Microbeads and granules are too harsh on your skin for daily use. Choose a product with chemical exfoliant salicyclic acid. Not only is salicyclic acid a gentle exfoliant, it slows down the ageing process without making your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Recommended: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner is an exfoliating lotion formulated with fruit acids that eliminates impurities that dull skin, leaving skin brighter and smoother. R 340 at Clarins counters nationwide.

2. As the temperature rises, a detoxifying clay mask is necessary once or twice a week. Pores are more visible in hot weather and clay masks draw water and oil out of your skin, temporarily tightening skin and making pores appear smaller.

Recommended: The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask is the product to get rid of those pesky pores this summer. Available at The Body Shop stores for R 155.

3. Keep skin hydrated on-the-go with a facial mist. When you sweat, you lose the minerals required for healthy skin. Facial mist replenishes these minerals and leaves skin looking dewy.

Recommended: Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray keeps skin refreshed throughout the day. Available through http://www.clinique.co.za for R 320.

4. Use an oil-free suncream daily, a minimum of SPF 30 for sunny South Africa under your makeup and on all exposed areas. The SPF 15 or 20 in your primer or BB Cream is simply not enough protection for our climate. The correct amount to apply is a teaspoon’s worth of product on your face and a shotglass worth of product on your body. Don’t neglect your hair line and parting.

Recommended: Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defence SPF50+ is oil-free and ultra-light, perfect for wearing under makeup. Available from Kiehl’s stockists for R 439.

5. When selecting a self tanner to get that perfect summer glow, choose one that contains levels of self-tan specifically formulated for your complexion shade. Self-tanners contain DHA, a sugar that interacts with the surface of your skin and gives it a golden glow. An unsightly orange tint occurs when your skin is oversaturated with DHA, if you apply too much product or use a self-tanner containing too much DHA for your skin type.

Recommended: Caribbean Gradual Tan In A Can Self Tan comes in three different intensities. A is for fair skin, B is for medium and C is for dark. The mousse formula promises no dirty patches, streaking or orange hands. Available at selected pharmacies and retailers for R 94.