Dryness and sensitivity to wrinkles – what the heatwave is REALLY doing to your skin
HAVE you noticed your skin has changed in the hot weather - and not in a good way?
You're not alone, while you're out sunbathing trying to get a tan the sun is doing some serious damage to your skin.
If you think you're safe inside, think again.
It's not just the sun that can leave your skin looking a little worse for wear, air conditioning can wreak just as much havoc.
From wrinkles to redness, sunburn and dryness to saggy skin - there's a whole host of problems the summer months can cause.
Candice Brown, skin specialist at London Bridge Plastic Surgery, reveals how the heat affects your skin...and how to protect it.
1. Sun damage
Number one on the list has to be sun damage during the heatwave.
The harmful UV rays can not only damage the aesthetics of your skin, but they also out you at risk of cancer so it's vital you are wearing enough sunscreen to protect yourself.
"Damage from the sun is obviously the biggest threat to your skin during the summer months," Candice said.
"In hot weather even though most people will wear an SPF, if we sit in the sun all day it doesn’t matter how much sun lotion you apply to your skin - you are never going to stop the damage from occurring.
"Alongside a good SPF I always recommend clients should be using a product that can repair the skin’s barrier.
"A good serum in addition to a product that can keep the skin hydrated is a must.
"It’s also important to find a shaded area during the hottest hours of the day.
"I know some people are desperate for a tan, but you can still get a healthy glow by wearing an SPF and placing yourself in areas shielded from direct sunlight."
2. Sand and sea
Who doesn't love the beach?
It's the perfect place to relax and cool off in the hot weather, but all that salt water and sand can really irritate your skin.
"On top of this, the salt in sea water is drying and can cause the skin to become quite sensitive," Candice said.
"When the skin loses hydration it can lose brightness, leaving your skin looking very dull.
"I would recommend using products with hydroxy acid such as serums and toners to keep the skin hydrated at all times.
"If you’re going on holiday, take a repair masque to help with any damage that has been caused to the skin barrier from the sun that day.
"These products can easily be placed into your beach bag to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. And make sure you’re drinking two to three litres of water every day."
3. It's getting hot in here
When it's hot outside your skin is hit with harsh temperature changes when you're warm outside then cold inside.
It feels refreshing but actually isn't that good for your skin.
"During the hot weather it’s not uncommon to go from direct sunlight to a really cool, air conditioned office," Candice explained.
"But going from hot to cold too quickly can cause redness and thread veins on the skin.
"I would say from midday to 3pm to try and avoid being in direct sunlight.
"This should reduce the threat of such extreme changes in temperature."
4. Take a dip
If beaches aren't you're thing then you've probably been visiting a pool.
But it poses a similar problem, though refreshing it can irritate your skin.
"The chlorine found in swimming pool water can make your eyes feel sensitive, and it can do the same to your skin," Candice added.
"Chlorine tends to strip the skin of natural oils leaving your skin dry, itchy, flaky, and sensitive.
"So it’s really important to reach for a lotion or serum with alpha hydroxy acid to hydrate and help restore the pH balance of your skin."
5. Make-up woes
Don't worry, you can still wear your make-up without it irritating or damaging your skin.
But don't fall into the trap of thinking the SPF in your foundation is enough to protect you from the sun.
"Don’t rely on make-up for the best source of SPF," Candice said.
"Unless you’re re-applying a really thick layer of makeup you’re not going to be getting a full SPF coverage.
"Make-up isn’t always applied evenly and it can come off easily throughout the day.
"You should be applying a separate SPF in the morning and then if you want to apply a tint afterwards then you can.
"This way you know every inch of your face is going to be covered and protected."
WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO WEAR SUNSCREEN
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world.
In the UK, around 13,300 people a year are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
It occurs when damage is caused to the skin cells, most often by UV light from the sun or tanning beds.
UVA and UVB rays are the two main UV rays emitted by the sun.
UVA rays account for up to 95 per cent of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
UVA penetrates the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis, and UVB mainly affects the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis.
This damage can trigger mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.
Spotting the early signs of the disease could make all the difference when it comes to survival.
Experts recommend you check you skin for signs of new moles, or existing ones changing, every couple of month.
6. Ice ice, baby
Air conditioning is a blessing when you're feeling too hot...but it's not the same for your skin.
"Air conditioning in both the summer and the winter can cause problems, and can definitely affect your skin," Candice said.
"It can dry it out making the skin feel tight and very dehydrated.
"So you probably feel as if you need to be using a lot more products to keep it looking and feeling healthy."
It can also cause your skin to lose antioxidants, which help promote the production of collagen to maintain your skins elasticity.
MORE HEATWAVE ADVICE
As collagen reduces over tiem your skin becomes saggy.
"Anti-oxidants through the summer and winter months are a must," Candice added.
"Vitamin C is not only necessary for collagen production and maintenance, but also a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals in the skin.
"A good vitamin C serum and an SPF 30/50 are two products I would advise to apply to the skin before leaving the house."
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