The weather is HOT! So why is your skin not HOTTER? The sizzling summer surely calls for the need for some extra TLC for your skin. Experts at Harley Street Formulations are laying down not your typical summer skin care advice to help you waltz through this season like a pro.
“Keep your face to the sunshine.”
Watt Whitman
Skin care experts at Harley Street Formulations have slightly tweaked Whitman’s words:
“With a skin that is well hydrated & SPF protected to keep it looking prime”
HSF London
Ah, the whims of the weather, when weather changes, it can truly catch your skin off guard. Seasonal changes often leave your skin struggling to become used to the new conditions.
Now the 2023 summers are in full swing and humidity is on the rise in many parts of the world, your skin is once again going through a period of adjustment. As it gets used to the heat and dampness in the air, you might notice that your skin feels a little oilier and heavier than usual. This happens because more oil tends to get trapped on the surface of your skin.
Most Common Summer Skin Woes
As the summer heat rolls in, your skin might face a few challenges that could use some extra care. Let us help you dive into just some of the most common skin troubles that you need to know right away:
Tooo Greasy Too Shiny
We love the glow, not the grease! Eww.
When the summer sun gets intense, your skin’s oil glands can get a bit too excited and start pumping out extra oil.
This extra oil / sebum can sometimes clog your pores, leading to whiteheads and blackheads – definitely not the look you’re going for.
Even worse, this can set the stage for unwelcome acne breakouts, not such a refreshing complexion and of course, dented self-confidence.
Addressing Dry Skin Issues
Even the people with practically little to no skin complaints tend to report dehydration and parched skin during sizzling summer months. This is because they are missing the subtle signals their skin sends for a bit of extra hydration.
Even with the scorching heat and high humidity, your skin can still experience dryness and irritation.
It’s quite common for many men and women to grapple with dry skin during the summer months. This occurrence is often linked to spending long periods under the sun, in pool water, and in air-conditioned environments.
How does this happen, you ask?
Well, it’s like a triple threat situation. First, there is the sun – a factor that soaks up your skin’s moisture while also damaging it with its UVA and UVB rays.
Extended and unprotected periods under its spotlight wreak havoc on your skin.
What is next?
Your skin cries out for hydration.
Let’s talk about the pool. It is a known summer staple, right?
However, keep in mind that chlorine and pool water can be a little tricky; they might take away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling a touch adrift.
And do not even get us started on air conditioning.
It plays the role of both hero and villain. While it certainly keeps you comfortably cool, it can also act as a bit of a moisture bandit.
Hours of exposure to air-conditioned spaces might leave your skin moisture hungry, as if it temporarily forgets how to maintain its hydration.
Skin Discoloration and Melasma 
Have you noticed those patches of brown or grayish-brown on your forehead, chin, cheeks, upper lip, or nose? These might be signs of a condition called melasma.
A health article published by Harvard Medical School pins the blame on the sun in addition to women’s hormones.
The sun, while a source of warmth and vitality, can sometimes play a less desirable role – triggering melasma and causing those unwanted patches to appear perhaps during a sunny vacation or the sun-drenched days of summer?
The solution is more of a ‘preventative nature rather than a treatment’.
Shielding your skin from the sun, especially during peak hours, choosing protective clothing and hats can make a noticeable difference.
The Itchy, The Awful Heat Rash
According to Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School, prickly heat is in fact discomfort after a rigorous workout or particularly a warm day.
This almost unbearable condition of itchy, red bumps and painful sensation is caused when your skin’s natural sweat outlets get blocked by clothing or even the material of a chair you are sitting on!
What do you get in return?
A rash of tiny, itchy bumps that can leave you feeling quite uncomfortable.
Relax and take a deep breath now because you are about to scroll down to some handy dandy tips, tricks and guidelines to keep the above mentioned woes at bay.
At Harley Street Formulations, we totally get the ins and outs of summer skincare. We’ve developed solutions just for you, keeping your skin thriving during these sunny months.
Keep reading!
Experts’ Summer Skin Care Essentials
When those temperatures start climbing, almost each one of us wants to take a more straightforward vibe.
The idea of juggling a bunch of serums and moisturizers feels a bit too extra.
Moreover, who wants to be buried under layers of skincare when there is poolside lounging and travel toiletry bags on the agenda?
Whether you are looking for a more minimal approach or just letting go of the skincare reins, these days, less is totally the way to go.
Here’s the deal, straight from the expert’s mouth – Dr. Haq says that you can simplify your summer skin care routine and still rock that healthy summer glow.
He’s mapped out five simple steps that cover all the bases – from kickstarting your routine to finishing off in style.
1. A Sexy Skin Stays Away From The Sun!
The first line of defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin, even on cloudy days, to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and the risk of skin cancer.
And do not forget to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Stylish Sun Protection: Don’t underestimate the power of clothing for sun protection. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your skin and eyes from the sun’s intense rays.
2. Keep Your Body Hydration Levels Optimal
Hydration goes way beyond just water intake. From nurturing skin inside and out to maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, shielding against moisture loss and irritants.
On the other hand, dehydration weakens this barrier, elevating sensitivity, redness, and acne risk.
Keep reading to explore strategies that will ensure best skin and body hydration:
- Prioritise Water Intake: Begin by consistently drinking water throughout the day. Set reminders to sip regularly, regardless of thirst. Adequate hydration begins with this simple action.
- External Hydration Matters: Alongside internal hydration, external care matters. Post-shower or cleanse, apply a nourishing moisturiser. This step seals in moisture, safeguarding your skin’s natural hydration.
- Harness Hyaluronic Acid: This potent element attracts and retains water, hence stepping up your routine. Invest in serums or creams with this super hydrator for an added rejuvenation.
- Stay Hydrated Deliciously: Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet for vital vitamins and minerals.
- Mind Caffeine and Alcohol: Be cautious of caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body. Moderation is key; balance with water intake.
- Humidifier for Indoor Comfort: Combat dry indoor air with a humidifier, maintaining skin-friendly moisture levels.
- Cool Showers for Skin: Opt for lukewarm or cool showers to prevent stripping skin’s natural oils, promoting hydration.
- Hydration Boosting Masks: Treat your skin to hydrating masks weekly for a rejuvenating moisture boost.
3. Add Clinical Touch To Your Summer Skincare
While soaking up the sun can be delightful, it’s important to remember that excessive sun exposure can lead to uncomfortable sunburn and other skin concerns.
Vitamin C! Just like a trusty shield, it’s here to defend your skin against the unwanted effects of sun damage, ensuring your complexion remains smooth, radiant, and glowing all year round.
According to an interesting discovery from a 2015 study focusing on the pursuit of vibrant and healthy skin regardless of the season and even age groups!
A group of 60 women with light to medium skin tones were chosen to experience a skin serum enriched with 5% vitamin C, followed by the application of a nourishing moisturiser.
On the other hand, the control group relied solely on a moisturiser without the infusion of vitamin C.
Researchers measured participants’ skin thickness at key points. Vitamin C solution effectively boosted collagen production in all ages, leading to timeless, rejuvenated skin.
Clinicians at Harley Street Formulations have developed its hot seller Revitalise C20 + Ferulic Acid + Vitamin E serum to keep your skin looking best 365 days a year.
So why make Vitamin C a part of your daily routine?
Easy!
Your Guardian Angel: Vitamin C steps up as your skin’s ultimate protector. Just like a trusty shield, it safeguards your skin from the potential harm of the sun’s UV rays. Consider it your personal bodyguard, dedicated to preserving your skin’s health and natural beauty.
Hello, Radiance: Imagine waking up every day with a radiant and luminous complexion. That’s what Vitamin C does for you. By maintaining your skin’s natural glow, it ensures you flaunt that gorgeous radiance you cherish. Bid farewell to dullness and embrace the beauty that shines from within.
Year-Round Companion: Whether it’s the sizzling heat of summer or the gentle caress of a breeze, Vitamin C remains your steadfast companion all year long. It’s like a consistent stream of nourishment that your skin simply craves.
So, there you have it! Vitamin C isn’t just a skincare ingredient; it’s your secret to glowing skin that stands strong against the odds.
4. Do Not Skip Skin Hygiene
As the calendar flips to summer, our skin’s needs change. The increased heat and humidity can lead to excess oil production, clogged pores, and increased risk of sun damage.
With sweat and pollutants building up on your skin’s surface, cleansing becomes a critical step.
What do skin experts say?
Opt for a gentle cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping away essential oils. This step helps prevent breakouts and keeps your skin feeling fresh.
Do not forget to cleanse twice a day, in the morning and evening to keep your skin fresh and free from pore-clogging debris.
Exfoliation
The remedy to an endless list of summer woes lies in a regular exfoliation routine that prevents buildup and maintains a vibrant, healthy complexion.
Dr Haq advises you to opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic or lactic acid for your own skin type to gently buff away stubborn dead skin cells, debris, and pollution ridden pores.
More such benefits of exfoliation include:
- Combatting breakouts
- Unveiling radiant skin by removing dead cells
- Offering tailored care for all skincare levels.
5. Targeted Treatments
HydraFacial 
HydraFacial treatment not only offers customization beyond compare but also promises visible results without the hassle of side effects.
This treatment effectively clears and rejuvenates all types of skin, getting rid of impurities, maintaining elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and open pores.
Harmful UV rays speed up the breakdown of skin cells and sweat makes pore congestion worse.
Going back and forth between being outside and being in air-conditioned places can leave your skin feeling dry and lacking its usual brightness.
Deal with these challenges by giving your skin some personalised care with the HydraFacial, so it can glow and feel nourished.
Dermaplaning
Summer time is the perfect time to pick and choose skin rejuvenating services such as Dermaplaning! Moreover, this summer skin care treatment covers you for those special occasions like weddings, photoshoots, or any cherished event.
Dermaplaning promises to breathe new life into your complexion. If you are seeking a process that exfoliates, eliminates buildup, and bids farewell to those pesky vellus hairs, commonly known as peach fuzz
Plus, your skincare and sunscreen goes on sooo smoothly over that dermaplaned skin!
Bonus Tips For Targeted Skin Types
No, we are not going anywhere, leaving you all with generic skincare advice.
Skincare experts at Harley Street Formulations are sharing some of the very handy summer skin care tips and tricks. Such a guide can go an extra mile to ease your skin woes in this weather
Oily Skin
We totally get that dealing with oily skin during the summer can come with its own set of challenges.
In hot and humid weather, these glands tend to make more sebum, which can lead to a shiny look on the face.
All you may need to do is to put in a little extra effort to take care of your skin.
It is worth thinking about making some changes to your skincare routine and checking out the best summer skincare products designed specifically for oily skin, such as AHA or BHA based face wash.
Stay Summer-Ready with Lightweight Moisturizer
For summer skincare, use a lightweight moisturizer to maintain hydration, control oil, and prevent acne. Choose a mattifying option for a fresh, balanced complexion.
Blot Away Your Grease In A Breeze!
Harley Street Formulations experts share a neat trick for managing oily skin – Oil blotting papers.
When you are heading out, just remember to bring along some blotting papers to sweep away extra oil and allow your skin to look fresh and matte.
Buff Away Trapped Debris, Sweat and Grease
Regular exfoliation not only enhances your oily skin texture but is also vital in removing dead cells, buildup, dullness, and clogged pores. The Harley Street Formulations EXFOLIATE is a potent chem-exfoliant with Glycolic, Lactic, Pyruvic, and Kojic acids. These acids gently clear debris, revealing fresh, smooth, revitalized skin.
Dry Skin
Make Rich Moisturiser Your Eternal Skin Staple 
That blazing summer sun can feel a bit overwhelming, right?
You might be tempted to skip your moisturiser, hoping it will spare you from the sweating and stickiness that comes with the heat. But hold on a sec – before you make that decision.
A moisturiser, especially the one enriched with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, is like your skin’s best friend, and it’s a year-round relationship. For dry skin, hydration is the key, even when the sun is burning hot!
So, here is what you do: right after your cleansing routine, apply that hydrating moisturiser to your face and neck.
Energise Your Dry Skin with an Antioxidant Serum
If you are one from the dry skin club, you can understand that not having enough moisture can be a bit of a bother. If you don’t have the proper skincare routine especially in the summer season, you might end up dealing with itching, flaking, and skin that’s all red and irritated.
Quite annoying, really.
There are times when your trusty moisturiser falls short of providing the relief your skin craves. That’s where a clinically prepared antioxidant serum like Vitamin C steps in! 
Revitalise C20 Vitamin C serum for face by Harley Street Formulations formulated with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid is a match made in heaven for your dry skin.
So, there you have it – the art of keeping it simple and still rocking that radiant summer glow.
Opt for the light, hydrate like a pro, slather on that sunscreen, and let your skin bask in the easy-breezy goodness of a simplified summer skincare routine.
Verdict: Yes, your skin needs attention in summers, and NO you do not need a big skin care arsenal to sail through the sweltering heat.
Make Sure Your Skin Is Vacationing With You!
Oh, the awesome summer – sunshine, good times, and plenty of skin out in the open. But you know what? Your skin could use some extra love during these sunny months. It’s like treating your skin to its own little vacation, and here are some pro tips to make sure that summer radiance sticks around, just where it should.
