Review: How to Get Your Healthiest Skin & Hair This Summer
South African summers are special, and there’s a good reason travellers from all over the world flock to our shores to experience them. Not only is South Africa home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes in the world, but it also offers an endless list of fun things to do.
While it may be the most enjoyable season of the year, summer doesn’t come without challenges. The African sun is harsh, and while sunburn is usually our number one priority, it’s not the only challenge we face. Hot weather has a dehydrating effect on the body and can make your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage. It is particularly harsh on curly hair, but all hair types are vulnerable to its effects.
Higher temperatures also have a dehydrating effect on the skin, which may lead to flakiness, itchiness, sensitivity and discomfort. And if you enjoy a swim in the ocean, or in a pool, you’ll know that salty seawater and chlorine come with their own sets of challenges.
Luckily, there is plenty you can do about it. These simple tips and tried and tested products will ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of warmer weather without compromising on the health of your skin and hair. Here’s how to get your healthiest skin and hair this summer:
SUMMER HAIR CARE
Water is your hair’s best friend
Did you know that fresh water can protect your hair from the damaging effects of seawater and chlorine in swimming pools? Before taking a dip this summer, the trick is to remember to wet your hair before you head out for your swim. Allow it to get drenched — your hair will soak up the fresh water, and will be near saturation by the time it hits the chlorinated or salt water.
Supercharge your hair
It’s super important to wash and condition your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner, but don’t forget to give your hair some added tender loving care every once in a while. Serums are not just for the skin and a good quality hair serum can do everything from increasing shine, to aiding manageability and sealing split ends.
Pure Royal’s Silicone Serum (R74.99) contains vitamin E and a UV filter and is a great choice for babes who love spending time in the sun. This easy-to-use product provides long-lasting shine, mends split ends and conditions frizz when your hair has had a little too much time basking in the heat of the sun.
Another great option for hydrating your locks in a flash is the Hask Coconut Oil 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray. This miracle spray helps to nourish and detangle the hair while also hydrating and conditioning your locks. What’s more, it can be used as a pre-styling thermal protector and also helps to soften the hair, control frizz, and increase shine! It is also free of sulphates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, drying alcohol and artificial colours.
The miracle ingredient in this wonder spray is, of course, coconut oil, which has known softening, hydrating, and anti-frizz properties. I use this spray on both wet and dry hair, and it’s proven to be a saviour for my curly hair during the summer months. After coming home from the beach I give my sun-weary locks a quick spritz and it instantly breathes life into my hair.
Pure Royal Silicone Serum is available at Clicks at R74.99. | Hask Coconut Oil 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray is available at Clicks at R190.
Hydrate with a weekly hair mask
Another important step is to invest in a good hair mask. Hydrated hair is softer, shinier and easier to manage. Amp up your hair care regime this summer by incorporating a weekly hair mask or home treatment. Your hair will thank you!
To stimulate healthy hair growth, try Pure Royal Repair ‘n Grow Hair and Scalp Treatment. This intensive treatment is enriched with vitamins E and B5 to condition and moisturise the hair and scalp while aiding stronger hair growth and shinier hair. If you’re more concerned about damage, then try Pure Royal Hair Mayonnaise. Enriched with olive oil, herbs and vitamins, it helps restore the health of fragile hair and prevents breakage and further damage.
Pure Royal Repair ‘n Grow Hair and Scalp Treatment is available at Clicks at R86.99. | Pure Royal Hair Mayonnaise is available at Clicks at R63.
SUMMER SKINCARE
Nourish your skin with a gentle soap
When the weather is nice we spend more time outdoors, do more exercise and are more prone to working up a sweat. It’s important to use a good quality soap that effectively removes dirt and impurities without leaving your skin tight or dry.
VP Herbal Black Soap (R79.99) was created for normal-to-oily skin and contains all-natural activated wood charcoal and glycerine to purify skin and remove excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Looking to restore your skin’s glow? VP Herbal Turmeric Soap (R79.99) has a gentle formula and contains turmeric and shea butter to help promote the skin’s natural glow. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and has also been shown to help reduce scarring.
Try the double cleanse method
With the great weather this time of year, it’s highly likely you’ll be spending more time outdoors. Sweat and added layers of sun cream lead to increasingly blocked pores, which can spell trouble for your skin. If you’ve ever run a cotton pad over your face after cleansing, you’ll know that one wash alone doesn’t always remove everything that needs to go. This summer, try the double cleanse method by combining micellar water with a gentle cleanser for an effective double cleanse that won’t irritate your skin.
The first cleanse with micellar water will start to break down your make-up and remove dirt and excess oils. I love La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra. This ultra-gentle cleanser is a go-to for sensitive skin because it’s gentle, effective, and fragrance-free. The cleanser contains glycerin, so it’s great for dry skin types, plus, alpha hydroxy acid (citric acid, to be exact) adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturisers.
The magic comes in the second cleanse whereby the ingredients in the cleanser can treat greater skin concerns – whether that be to hydrate, smooth or treat a breakout. Afari Priming Cleanser is a great choice for a second cleanser. This gentle, foaming cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities, leaving skin perfectly primed for optimum absorption of skincare products to follow. Formulated at a non-stripping pH level of 5.5, the cleanser is suitable for all skin types and for use every day.
At the heart of Afari skincare, is Bulbine frutescens, a small indigenous African shrub known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Although used by generations of traditional healers as a remedy for skin injuries, the sap of the leaves of the succulent also has clinically proven benefits in the stimulation of collagen synthesis, a fundamental process in maintaining skin’s healthy, youthful-looking appearance. If it’s a gentle, soothing cleanser you’re after, you can’t go wrong with this gem. My skin always feels beautifully clean, fresh, and supple after cleansing with this divine cleanser. The skin feels moisturised, rather than stripped, making it the ideal choice for skin that is sun weary and stripped of moisture.
Afari Priming Cleanser is available from ARC at R595 | La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra is available from Dermastore at R250.
Exfoliate weekly
Exfoliation is the number one way to achieve a glowing complexion. During the summer months, keep your skin in tip-top shape with a weekly exfoliation routine. Regular exfoliation will help you unveil younger-looking skin and ensure your other skincare products penetrate the skin deeply, thereby working more effectively.
I love these innovative NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads for treating my skin when it needs a pick-me-up. A favourite by many, including Kylie Jenner, these radiance-boosting pads, are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid (2.8%) and help to re-texture and resurface the skin, whilst witch hazel helps to tone. This moisturising formula with hyaluronic acid and soothing blue daisy helps to reveal brighter and smoother looking skin.
Renowned for its use of cutting-edge ingredients and providing targeted and effective treatments, the cult skincare brand, Nip+Fab has recently arrived in South Africa. This unique product forms part of the NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix range (one of three ranges available in SA) which focuses on products that deeply exfoliate the skin to boost radiance and refine texture for your smoothest, most even and glowing complexion ever.
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are available at Dis-Chem at R380.
Layer hydration
Your skin loses loads of moisture during the summer months, so it’s really important to layer your skin with nutrition, especially if you want to awaken the glow. If you struggle with dry or dehydrated skin, then consider investing in a hydrating serum that will give your skin an added moisture boost. Once you’ve cleansed your skin, start with a serum that simultaneously brightens and offers multi-level hydration.
I recommend something like the Lulu & Marula Balancing Face Hydra Serum. This collagen boosting and anti-ageing serum is great for all skin types. It is formulated with powerful anti-oxidants and Marine actives to improve elasticity and firm the skin. Olive Squalane and botanical Hyaluronic Acid deliver superior hydration to deeper layers within the skin. Additionally, Gotu Kola and Aloe Vera offer soothing and healing properties, leaving skin feeling rejuvenated and velvety smooth.
This gorgeous product has become my daily essential over the last few weeks. After just two weeks of using it, I saw a big improvement in the texture of my skin. It absorbs super quickly into the skin and leaves my skin feeling soft and looking plump and radiant. It’s also a great skin soother for days where you’ve spent a bit too much time in the sun.
Lulu & Marula Balancing Face Hydra Serum is available at Woolworths at R500.
Protection is key
While many people choose a lighter moisturiser during the spring to summer months, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be a year-long staple in your skincare arsenal. The difference? With the sun’s rays intensifying towards the end of the year, you’ll want to be more diligent about reapplying your sunscreen when you’re outdoors and should consider a visor or hat for added protection.
If you struggle with sun-sensitive skin like me, then you will love Eau Thermale Avène Intense Protect SPF50+ for face and body. The ultra water-resistant fluid has been formulated for the most sun-sensitive skin (babies, children, and adults with reactive skin) and the most intense conditions (high altitude, tropical weather, high humidity, etc). This is the ideal sun protection for anyone with very light phototypes that lack natural melanin, damaged skin, post-tattoo or skin suffering from the effects of cancer treatments, thanks to its high protection and tolerance properties. It does not sting the eyes when swimming and feels beautifully light on the skin when applied.
This sunscreen feels soft and silky when applied and absorbs into the skin super quickly, 3 seconds to be exact! Plus, it offers long-lasting hydration to the skin, has added antioxidant protection, and doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. What’s more, Eau Thermale Avène says Intense Protect 50+ reaches a new part of the photoprotection spectrum – UVB rays, short UVA rays, long UVA rays, and high-energy visible blue light – thanks to its patented combination of TriAsorB plus three targeted filters.
Eau Thermale Avène Intense Protect SPF50+ is available at Clicks at R330.
