Beauty and the beach

Depending on where you’re going this summer for your great escape, the change in atmosphere can mean all your beauty gremlins come out to play. Planning an exotic tropical holiday in the likes of Bali or Malaysia? Lucky you – but be aware that humidity leads to frizzy locks. Or maybe the deserts of Morocco or Dubai are calling to you – in which case you’ll want to arm against the ageing effects of all that dry, arid air.

Home protection
Even if you’re staying in the UK, you’ll know how easy it is to fall foul of the weather – the wind conditions on the UK coastline can easily disguise how strong the sun really is and we often don’t even bother applying sun screen.

With the above in mind, we’ve enlisted the experts, dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto and trichologist Anabel Kingsley, to talk us through how to enjoy our time on the beach while also protecting our face, hair and body.

Out in the desert
If you’re travelling to Egypt, Morocco, California, Australia.

Skin:
‘Low levels of humidity can cause skin to become dry and dead skin cells to build up, leading to a duller complexion and more prominent wrinkles,’ says Dr Mahto. To help counteract this, she recommends you prioritise moisturising alongside your suncare routine: ‘For the face, use a lightweight moisturiser day and night with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. For the body, apply a nourishing oil to lock in moisture. Spritz a facial mist throughout the day.’ We like Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner.

Hair:
When it comes to your locks, protection is key. ‘UV rays damage its protein structure, causing breakage, brittleness and an increase in porosity,’ say Kingsley. To protect your hair, spritz a sun protective spray throughout your mid-lengths and ends before stepping outside. Also, use fabric cover hair bands rather than elastics to tie your hair up.

Wet, wet, wet
If you’re travelling to Hawaii, Florida, The Bahamas, Antigua, Barbados, Bali.

Skin:
‘Hot, humid weather can cause pores to become blocked, which leads to breakouts,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘Cleansing is key, as it balances excess oils and cleans the pores.’ Try Yes To Cucumber Cleanser – suitable for all skin types, with a refreshing scent and small enough to pack in hand luggage. To avoid further blocking pores, opt for a tinted moisturiser with a dusting of transparent pressed powder.

Hair:
As for avoiding that ‘Monica from Friends‘ style? ‘Frizz occurs when moisture in the atmosphere penetrates into the hair shaft, causing it to kink,’ says Kingsley. ‘Use products that smooth the outer cuticle and form a barrier between the shaft and air.’ Try Dead Sea Spa Magik Hair Magic Serum. Pop it in your luggage and you’re good to go.

Blowing in the wind
If you’re travelling to South Wales, Dorset, Cornwall, Norfolk.

Skin:
Doing a staycation this summer? British beaches can reach high temperatures but can also be very windy – so you need to protect your skin. ‘Wind can strip moisture from exposed skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘Also, a breeze can disguise the power of the sun, leading to windburn. To help heal skin, use a moisturiser containing vitamin E, and avoid fragranced products as they can cause further irritation.’ Try a colour-correcting cream to balance out a slightly ruddier complexion caused by the wind, such as Andalou All In One Beauty Balm Sheer Tint SPF30.

Hair:
As strong winds often mean tangled hair, Kingsley recommends using a UV protective spray to counteract the rays and slicking your locks back in a braid or ponytail. Still getting knots? At the end of the day, spritz a detangling spray from mid-length down and comb hair gently to avoid breakage.

Summary

Article Name

Beauty and The Beach

Description

Depending on where you’re going this summer for your great escape, the change in atmosphere can mean all your beauty gremlins come out to play. Planning an exotic tropical holiday in the likes of Bali or Malaysia? Lucky you – but be aware that humidity leads to frizzy locks. Or maybe the deserts of Morocco or Dubai are calling to you – in which case you’ll want to arm against the ageing effects of all that dry, arid air.

Author

Francesca Specter

Publisher Name

Healthy Magazine

Publisher Logo