Delicious Summer Skin Friday, 23 July 2010 11:38 Written by Olya Eastman

Summer is a long awaited season for most of us, but this is also the season which can bring the most damage and for skin and cause “photo-aging” later in result. The damage is caused by several “burdens” for skin in summer - strong heat, dryness, dust, excessive sweat clogging the pores, air conditioners. So to protect and care for skin in summer, the seasonal regimen needs to be focused on 3 main actions: Gentle Cleansing, Hydration and Protection.

Cleansing

Cleansing skin should be very very thorough in summer, as the grease and oils combined with dust can form an invisible, yet thick layer on skin. In summer we absolutely have to avoid harsh scrubbing, peeling or whitening procedures. These would overexpose and make skin and pores vulnerable to heat, sweat, dust and might cause a major skin breakouts and acne.

Gentle, cleansing scrubs (the best is natural solution such as crushed almond or apricot kernel seeds, crushed flax seeds, crushed walnuts with some nourishing oils) once a week is fine. Also herbal or green tea steam for face is very beneficial.

This time of the year forget about soaps and alcohol or acid (alkaline) based cleanser. The best is to use milk-type or natural oil-based cleansing products (olive / avocado / wheatgerm) and finish cleansing with very easy to make herbal rinse, which would prevent dryness and calm irritated skin. Chamomile infusion rinse is the best solution. The preparation can be as easy as chamomile tea bag soaked in hot water for 15 minutes. The infusion has to be used within 24 hours though, to keep its freshness and nutrients.

When washing the face in summer, remember that water should be of a room temperature, not icy cold and not very hot.

Hydration

Choosing the skin-care products for summer, try to go for very light creams based on water and oxygen with gentle plant extracts, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula and aloe antioxidants.   This type of products will keep skin well hydrated.

If you use some of the natural brightening ingredients such as lemon, strawberries, cucumber, grapefruit, it is the best to do in the late afternoon or evening to avoid direct sunlight which might cause sun spots and freckles.

Thermal or herbal sprays are wonderful for summer skin hydration, particularly if working long periods of time in air-conditioned rooms. Hydration from within is a must too - drink water throughout the day or green tea and eat as much fresh seasonal fruits and green vegetables as you possibly can and like!

Protection

In hot Shanghai weather, you should look for protection sunscreens of SPF 30+ and never leave house without applying them first on overcast days too. Look for runbacks based on natural ingredients and oils,  without paragons (chemical preservatives). Underneath the cream in the morning or evening put a few drops of coconut oil, massaging it gently into the skin. Coconut oil is a natural sunblock, which nourishes and moisturizes skin as well.

Twice a week the skin would love hydrating masks - as natural as possible. Here are some ideas:

Smoothing & Brightening
Fresh strawberries & Yogurt - both nourishing and brightening. 2-3 strawberries +   2 tbsp - yoghurt mixed well together and applied to the face for 15 minutes.

Toning & Antioxidant
Ripe tomato + 1 egg white mix well together and apply for 15 minutes for toned skin, even complexion and tightened pores

Calming & Nourishing
1 tbsp of oats (crushed & soaked in hot water / or milk) + 1 tbsp of honey mixed and applied for 15 minutes for elastic, smooth skin with anti-irritation effect

Essential Oils & Summer

Some of the essential oils are very photo-toxic when exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid the following oils and products containing them during summer months: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lime, Mandarin, Verbena.

Wonderful Detox Drink to promote sweating and skin cleansing from within:
Hot water (1 cup)
Fresh ginger finely cut (1 tsp)
Slice of fresh lime
Sip a cup or two during the day for clear, healthy and beautiful skin!

For more natural skin care tips and treatments visit Delicious Skin website. Dolls Member Card holders enjoy 150RMB off the first treatment and 10% off all subsequent treatments.