For many, the summer months are the best of the year. Associated with holidays, the seaside, picnics and long, lazy days in the sunshine, the warmer weather compels us to kick back and relax. It is a time for cramming in as much of the outdoors as we can. But, in the rush to make the most of it - before Mother Nature pushes us back towards the gloominess of winter - summer skincare can get overlooked.
At the very time our skin is most exposed to the negative effects of the sun we are literally basking in it.
Olympic gold medallist and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner is among those to warn of the dangers of skin cancer. She has urged everyone to protect themselves with sunscreen after having cancer removed from her nose.
With more than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer being diagnosed every year in the UK (over a quarter of those are in the under-50s), the danger posed by UV radiation couldn't be starker.
If you have fair skin, making sure you are adequately protected is especially important; The Royal Marsden says those with light skin are at the highest risk.
Cancer is not the only drawback of poor skincare in the summer, though.
Ageing effects of the sun
Imagine... You've spent the entire winter perfecting your skincare routine to look good for summer - only to have all that effort, and no doubt expense, wiped out in less than a day. Yes, it takes under 15 minutes of sun exposure to damage your skin.
If you care about your appearance and want to slow down the ageing process, proper skincare is vital. Sun damage is at the root of wrinkles and age spots, so if you want to look 40 at 50 or even 60 sun safety is paramount.
Before we hit the heady days of July and August, it is a good idea to review what safety products you have already got and which ones you will need. Having skincare essentials close to hand will make you more likely to use them.
It doesn't have to cost a lot, so stock up now - and save yourself a winter, or even a lifetime, of regrets.
Summer skincare dos
There are simple things we can all do to protect our skin during the summer. Here are just a few of them:
Invest in a good sunscreen - go for a minimum of Factor 30, Factor 50 if you have mature or fair skin
Ensure your day cream includes an SPF of 20 or over
Protect your face by staying in the shade as much as you can, if not invest in a wide-brimmed hat
Drink at least two litres of water or weak squash a day to keep your skin hydrated
Never sunbathe
Use a gradual tanning product at home and build a natural-looking tan without any risks
Pep up your night-time routine - add a serum if you don't already use one
Keep your shoulders and décolletage covered
If you are swimming in the sea or a pool, top up your sunscreen regularly
Limit your alcohol intake
Use a moisturising shower or bath cream
Swap your cleansing balm for a refreshing face wash
Use a good night cream
Always use a moisturising eye cream or gel
Summer skincare don'ts
Here are some things you definitely shouldn't do if you want to take care of your looks:
Never swap the beach for a sun bed
Try not to spend more than a few minutes in the sun without protection
Don't buy sunscreen that is not suitable for your skin
Plan ahead so you don't arrive at the beach or embark on a long walk without safety essentials
Avoid heavily fragranced soaps and other products that may strip the skin of oils
Don't neglect your cleansing routine - pores can clog up quickly when sweat mingles with makeup and natural oils
Put sun safety first
It's a good idea to exfoliate your skin more regularly in the summer months. For a cool blast of hydration afterwards, use a moisturising gel over a serum. Products containing vitamins A and E are a good bet, along with those infused with hyaluronic acid. A nourishing night cream is an absolute must.
There are countless jokes about sun worshippers looking like lobsters, but the after effects of UV rays are no laughing matter.
To keep your skin healthy and younger-looking, make sun safety a priority this summer.
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