Helping clients change up their skincare regime for summer

Q: How can I help clients change up their skincare regime for summer?

Summer can play havoc with clients’ skin. When exposed to the sun, skin heats up and this causes the pores to open, allowing any free radicals, dirt and grime to get in, as well as increasing sebum production. The hot weather also means the return of cold air conditioning in office environments, which in contrast causes pores to close as the skin attempts to regulate its temperature. All this environmental activity can leave skin feeling tight and dehydrated.

Recommend clients use products packed with algae as it’s anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants that will protect against free-radical damage and enzymatic breakdown of skin proteins, as well as helping to repair and prevent ultraviolet (UV) damage.

Clients also need to switch out heavier winter creams for lighter layers of hydration; for example, by using a hydrating booster with moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid underneath a lightweight moisturiser. For drier, more mature skins, formulations with raspberry plant stem cells and Himalayan gentian will restore hydration and leave skin resilient.

The ageing effects of UV rays are a growing concern for clients, so recommend a daily sunscreen with enwrapping technology as it will allow for a more evenly distributed layer of protection while providing high SPF with lower concentrations of sunscreen actives.

Chlorine, salt water, heat, humidity and travel also lead to skin dehydration. Move your clients on to an oil-based cleanser to eliminate excess sunscreen, dirt and grime.

A gentle reminder to double up on the double cleanse won’t hurt either – twice in the morning and twice in the evening.

If you’re changing up your clients’ homecare routine, you should follow suit by offering seasonal-specific treatments too. Ideally, those that will improve the skin’s condition in one session.

Nicci Anstey is global training and education director at British skincare brand Elemis and works with the company’s co-founder Noella Gabriel on treatment and product development.