Summer is naturally a time when we want to look our best, with a healthy glow rather than a pallid winter complexion. However, it can be frustrating when you go to take a selfie, only to be confronted with a shiny nose and cheeks. If you are already prone to oily or combination skin and acne breakouts, you might notice that the problem gets worse in the summer.
Here’s a look at why this is the case, and how professional skin treatments, including a chemical peel at our Brighton clinic, can help to combat summer shine.
Why does skin get oilier in the summer?
Higher temperatures and humidity can trigger excess sebum production, because it’s easier for the oils to rise and flow to the surface of the skin. When combined with sweat, heavy sunscreens, your usual makeup and air pollutants, this causes the skin to feel greasier and leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
How to take care of oily skin
It can be tempting to react by using harsh products in an attempt to dry out the skin, but this is likely to cause a reaction and trigger even more oil production. Instead, use a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night, and also after you are hot and sweaty from a workout. Use a light non-comedogenic moisturiser or face serum to gently hydrate the skin.
How a chemical peel can help
A chemical peel might sound like a rather drastic treatment, but in fact it’s a very safe process, and particularly effective for oilier complexions. It involves applying a solution to your face to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and encouraging new skin cell turnover. This helps to unclog pores and even out the skin tone.
It’s also effective for smoothing out the appearance of acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles. For the best results, it’s recommended to have a course of four to six peels at intervals of three or four weeks. It’s normal for the skin to be slightly red and peel for a few days after the treatment, so bear this in mind if you are planning any social events.
Deep cleanse facials
Another professional treatment that is ideal for oily skin is a deep cleanse facial. This involves a combination of cleansing, steam, facial massage and serum to provide a really deep clean. The combination of exfoliation and extraction removes impurities and excess oil build up, as well as dead skin cells.
This unclogs pores and lifts trapped oil, products, and bacteria, reducing surface shine and providing ongoing protection against acne breakouts. It also sweeps away the dull dead skin and reveals clearer and more radiant skin underneath. It’s perfect for when you want beautifully smooth and even toned skin for a big event or holiday.