WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH SUMMER?
Summer itself isn’t the problem. We know it’s a glorious time for getting outdoors and living life to the full. However, this comes with its challenges for every skin type.
Just below the surface of your skin are your sebaceous glands. These are the oil generators. And they aren’t overly adaptable to change. So, with increased heat and sunscreen use, they can end up in overdrive, especially as the heat opens your pores and causes them to get blocked.
MAKING A CHANGE FOR SUMMER SKIN
The first place to start is looking at your daily skincare routine and considering if anything needs to be swapped out. In our step-by-step guide to clearer, brighter skin, we explain about the five-step skincare routine which is perfect for everyone: first cleanse, second cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, and hydrate.
First cleanse:
Our Cleansing Face Balm is ideal for all skin types and is great for removing makeup and wiping away pollution and impurities. Made using ground-up apricot stones, it is rich in Vitamin E, making it brilliant at neutralising free-radicals due to sunscreen use and sun exposure. It also contains calming blackcurrant seed, should you have overdone it in the sun.
Second cleanse:
Those with dry skin will fall in love with the Organic Fennel and Cardamom Chai Soap. It’s not just good for a second cleanse, it contains shea butter which helps to moisturise and hydrate dry skin.
Exfoliate:
For people with dry skin, the Coffee Face Scrub Citrus Blend is a good choice for the summer months. It’s been specially created for those with dry skin that needs a rehydration boost. It does this by using rosehip oil and shea butter in addition to the working-wonder of the coffee grounds.
Moisturise:
Those with dry skin are no strangers to the need to moisturise. During summer, with the drying effect of the sun, fans and air-conditioning, it can be even more important. The UpCircle Face Moisturiser is fast-absorbing and will help to rehydrate your skin with beautiful cocoa butter.
Hydrate:
Finally, reach for our Organic Face Serum with Coffee Oil to hydrate and boost your skin to a perfect summer glow. It’s rich in vitamin C from rosehip and sea buckthorn oils, which is a powerful antioxidant.
PRACTISE DAILY SKIN SELF-CARE
Particularly when you are stressed, focus on your skin self-care. These daily routines are grounding and signal to yourself that you’re worth the time and investment, as well as simply helping you to relax.
If your skin is particularly reactive to stress, then you’ll need to pay extra attention to this tip.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CAFFEINE SKIN CARE PRODUCT?
Not all products are created equal. While many extol the virtues of caffeine on their labels, they do not always sit long enough on the skin to have any noticeable effect. Shower gels, for example, are generally washed away immediately. This means they’re largely pointless unless you want to lather up and slide around the room for five minutes!
Scrubs, serums and oils are the most effective products for really reaping the benefits of coffee as a skincare ingredient. Here are our best coffee skincare products:
Face Serum:
Our hydrating face serum with coffee oil is UpCircle’s best-selling product. Our customers rave about its ability to keep skin firm and bright, with its impressive collagen boosting abilities.
Face & Body Scrubs:
Where it all started, our coffee scrubs were the first creation of UpCircle and have continued to be a staple ever since. Coffee scrubs have the added benefit of removing layers of dead skin, helping the caffeine to make its way directly to the healthy layers quicker and more effectively.
TAKE SOME TIME OUT!
Taking some time out to unwind and relax in the way that you prefer can ensure your stress levels come down a notch or two. Especially if you are now working from home, make sure you have some hours which are away from the pressure of work or the demands of family life. Whether it’s an hour with a good book or some quality time cooking your favourite recipe. Make time for you and incorporate these daily self care habits into your routine.
UNDERSTANDING ALL THE ELEMENTS OF YOUR SUMMER-READY SKINCARE ROUTINE
In the routine above, you’ll see we frequently mention the inclusion of antioxidants. This is vital during the summer months when you are spending more time outdoors, exposing your skin to pollution, as well as potentially applying sun creams.
It’s important to include antioxidants in your diet too. Vegans are ahead of the game here, but everyone’s skin benefits from a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts. Sprinkle walnuts or flaxseeds over salads for hydration-boosting omega-3 fatty acids too. Also choose spinach, tomatoes and seasonal berries which are all high in vitamin C.
Don’t forget water either. By combining moisture-rich skincare products with hydration from the inside, your skin will have a beautiful summer glow. Drink plenty of water, but also choose food stuffs such as cucumber which are high in water.
Lastly, if you’re going out to enjoy the sun, make sure that you think about how to benefit from the vitamin D blasting rays while also protecting your skin. The simplest solution is to avoid the sun at its strongest, between 11 and 2 pm, and wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as loose cotton clothing – remember that your summer skin needs to breathe!
Blog and product pics from @UpCircle with thanks
