Summer is finally here! With the higher temperatures and stronger sunshine, our skin can face many challenges over the Summer months. A combination of ultraviolet rays (UV) and increased heat can impact our skin’s health and appearance. Therefore, it’s never been more important to recognise that using the right skincare is essential to keeping our skin healthy and glowing after sun exposure. 

Sebamed is renowned for its pH-balanced skincare products - helping to protect your skin's natural protective barrier. Find out how UV rays and heat affects the skin, how sebamed can protect your skin after sun exposure, and find a Summer skincare routine that will keep your skin looking flawless. 

How do UV rays affect the skin?

One important aspect of Summer skincare is understanding how UV rays can affect the skin and the natural skin barrier.

UVA rays - these rays can penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays. One of the most important effects of UVA rays is premature ageing. UVA rays break down collagen and elastic fibres - these fibres help to keep your skin firm and elastic and without them your skin will begin to show signs of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. UVA rays can also cause hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. This happens when your skin produces too much melanin, its natural pigment, and is usually caused by repeated sun exposure. 

UVB rays -  these rays mostly affect the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburn which leads to redness, pain and swelling. UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells and regular sunburnt skin can increase the risk of skin cancer over time. 

How does heat affect the skin?

Heat can affect the skin in many ways, causing blocked pores and damaging the natural skin barrier. Here are just a few ways that Summer can affect your skincare;

Oily skin
In hot weather, the heat stimulates the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce more oil. This can make your face look shiny and greasy. While some oil is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, too much oil can cause skin problems. Excess oil can mix with sweat and dirt and clog up pores, causing blackheads, whiteheads and acne breakouts.  

Rashes 
Spending a lot of time in the heat can cause heat rash. It’s caused when sweat gets trapped in the skin, leading to red, itchy bumps. We often get heat rash in places that our skin rubs or where the skin folds back, such as neck, chest and back. 

Dehydration
Even if we have oily skin, it can still become dehydrated in hot weather. Higher temperatures make us more prone to sweating, leading to a loss of water and essential minerals. If our skin becomes dehydrated it can feel dry, tight and uncomfortable. Dehydrated skin can also lead to fine lines and wrinkles.  

How can Sebamed help protect your skin after sun exposure?

Did you know that our skin has a natural protective barrier called the acid mantle? This barrier helps to keep out harmful bacteria and pollutants whilst ensuring moisture is kept in. The acid mantle has a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. Our products are designed to maintain your skin’s natural pH balance - preventing moisture loss and protecting against bacteria. 

Having a Summer skincare routine is essential in these warmer months - there are many ways sebamed can help protect your skin barrier after sun exposure.. Here are just a few of our favourites;

Hydration 
Our moisturisers are designed to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Ingredients like Camomile soothes the skin and Allantoin contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation - perfect for sensitive skin. 

Cleansing
From anti-bacterial cleansing foam to liquid face and body wash, our cleansers are designed to gently remove sweat, oil and dirt, clearing pores without stripping away your natural skin barrier. 

Acne care
Our acne-prone range helps control excess oil and prevent breakouts, especially on hot and sweaty days. This range is scientifically and dermatologically tested to help effectively control blackheads and spots by cleansing skin deep into the pores, whilst strengthening the natural skin barrier. 

Your Summer skincare routine

For teenagers;
Cleanser: Start with the Sebamed Clear Face Anti-bacterial Cleansing Foam to remove excess oil and dirt.
Toner: Next use the Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner to remove any excess oil, sebum or dirt that may be left over from cleansing. It also helps to moisturise the skin, protecting it from dehydration. 
Moisturiser: After toning, use the Sebamed Clear Face Mattifying Cream to further moisture the skin, and reduce any sebum production in oily areas. 
Suncream: Don’t forget to put on your suncream to protect against those UV rays!

For adults;
Cleanser: Begin with the Sebamed Olive Face and Body Wash to remove any makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities. 
Toner: After cleansing, use the Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner to continue removing any traces of dirt and protecting the natural skin barrier. 
Moisturiser: Finally, use the Sebamed Anti-dry Day Defence Cream to hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin's defence against dryness and irritability.
Suncream: Don’t forget to put on your suncream to protect against those UV rays!

For 50+;
Cleanser: Start with the Sebamed Cleansing Bar for mild and thorough pore-deep skin cleansing
Toner: Our Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner is perfect for all ages to help maintain the skin's natural protective barrier while gently removing any impurities and dirt.  
Moisturiser: To moisturise, use Sebamed Anti-Ageing Q10 Protection Cream to help reduce premature ageing and help to hydrate the skin (it also reduces wrinkles in 28 days!
Suncream: Don’t forget to put on your suncream to protect against those UV rays!