As the mercury rises, the temptation to scrimp on your skincare regime in favour of enjoying the sunshine is big.
Yet, in summer we should be looking after our skin more than ever, says Sydney-based celebrity facialist, Melanie Grant.
Here, speaking to FEMAIL, Melanie, 36, shared her top skin tips for your complexion in summer. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be back to your radiant best in no time.
Melanie Grant (pictured) is a Sydney-based facialist who looks after the radiant complexions of countless celebrities
She spoke to FEMAIL about her top tips for looking after your skin during the hotter summer months (pictured)
Victoria’s Secret model, Shanina Shaik (pictured), is one of Melanie’s clients – she explained tat the first thing you need to do in the summer is think about your cleanser
According to Melanie, the first thing you need to do in summer is think about your cleanser:
‘Swap out your oil or milky cleanser for a lighter AHA gel cleanser or micellar water,’ Melanie told FEMAIL.
‘Incorporating a vitamin C serum into your morning routine will not only enhance your sun protection, it also protects your skin from free radical damage, promotes collagen production and lightens and brightens our skin tone.’
‘Swap out your oil or milky cleanser for a lighter AHA gel cleanser or micellar water,’ Melanie told FEMAIL (pictured with Phoebe Tonkin)
The 36-year-old (pictured) also recommends incorporating a vitamin C serum into your morning routine, which will promote collagen production and lighten and brighten skin
Of course, the celebrity facialist says in summer SPF is key:
‘But you need to find broad spectrum SPF 50 that you like the look and feel of to ensure you wear it each and every day,’ she said.
‘So many of us skip our sunscreen application because we don’t like the heavy, greasy formulas we often see on the shelves.
‘Sunscreens have come a really long way – there are a so many textures now which are both breathable and mattifying.
‘Remember that sunscreen in our make up doesn’t provide sufficient protection and always apply the equivalent of a heaped teaspoon to cover your face, neck and décolleté.
When it comes to moisturising, for Melanie, summer offers an opportunity to ‘change over your rich, heavy moisturiser for a lightweight lotion or gel creme to prevent congestion and blocked pores’.
The facialist advised that you never skip a moisturiser just because you feel your skin looks too oily in the heat or is too blemish prone:
‘Oil dry is different to water dry, so find something that penetrates and feels good on the skin, even a hydrating serum instead of a cream if you’re super oily.’
Of course, the celebrity facialist says in summer SPF is key – but you need to find one that doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy or oily (pictured: Melanie’s Double Bay clinic)
Melanie has also looked after the skin of both Zoe Foster Blake (left) and Jodi Anasta (right)
Finally, don’t forget to exfoliate during the hotter season. Around two or three times a week to remove dead skin cells, oil, make up, sunscreen and debris should do it.
‘If you’re prone to bumps or blemishes on your back, bum or arms in summer then an AHA cleanser or body wash in the shower is a good idea,’ Melanie said.
‘You can also use a body lotion with AHAs to prevent build up from sweat and oil.’
‘If you’re prone to bumps or blemishes on your back, bum or arms in summer then an AHA cleanser or body wash in the shower is a good idea,’ Melanie said (pictured with Lara Bingle)
Use BB cream instead of foundation to prevent breakouts, and apply an anti-pigment or brightening serum at night to prevent brown spots:
‘Always wear a hat or cover your chest with a rashie when outside for long periods of time, and avoid the sun where possible to prevent and manage excessive darkening.’
To read more from Melanie Grant, you can visit her website here. You can also follow her on Instagram here.