Take Cover

The summer sun is knocking on the door and our daylight hours are increasing, so the best advice you can take to protect your skin is to stay in the shade. Shade is the cheapest and most effective form of sun protection, and can be portable, natural or permanent – think trees, canopies, umbrellas or beach shelters. Don’t just rely on shade; remember the sun cream and protective clothing for ultimate protection.

Moisturise Regularly

Try a lightweight or oil-free moisturiser with a sun protection factor for summer or try a tinted moisturiser, which makes a fresh change from foundation. Refresh your skin on a hot day with a spray of rose water, which can be used over make-up and gives you a fresh pick-up.

Hydrate as You Heat Up

Drink lots of pure water or mineral water. Tea is also very refreshing in summer. Try a herbal tea, such as zingy lemon and ginger. Spice-spiked detoxifying or green teas are even better. A cleansing spice tea can be made with a teaspoon each of cumin seed, coriander seed and fennel seed in one quart of water. Drop the spices into boiling water, then turn off the heat and steep for 15 minutes.

Eat Light

Stir-fries and salads combined with grilled chicken or seafood are fantastic, nutritious summer fare. Lose the sauces and cook with skin and body-friendly herbs and spices, such as coriander, mint, turmeric and cumin.

Luscious Summer Fruit

Shelves will be bursting again with berries, passionfruit, mangoes, melons and other tropical offerings, so think fruit with yoghurt, sorbets and freshly squeezed juices. Indulge and enjoy, knowing you are doing your body and skin a favour.

Rest and Relax

Tension and tiredness can make your skin oilier, while screwing up your eyes or face leads to more wrinkles. So don’t frown, smile! Being happy eases tension, relieves tiredness and stimulates circulation.