With any luck, you’ve enjoyed a fantastic summer holiday, making the most of New Zealand’s gorgeous coastline or lakefront. But while it’s been a rest for your body and mind, it’s not so much of a holiday for your skin. Think of the workload it’s had to cope with – constant exposure to sun, salt water and chlorine, not to mention the likelihood that its usual routine of daily and nightly TLC has probably been neglected. We all get lazy on holiday!
Here are eight key elements your skin needs to get back in shape after the break.
A deep cleanseÂ
No doubt you’ve been vigilant and applied SPF every day, but those high factor sunscreens can be difficult to remove. That’s good news when you’re swimming or sweating, but not so great for your pores, especially if you have oily skin prone to breakouts.
Opt for a facial that gives a thorough double cleanse –Â our Vitamineral Deep Detox Facial is an ideal choice – it gives a deep-down cleanse and exfoliation to help purge impurities. It also includes a detoxing mask to filter out skin-stressing toxins with vitamin C and activated coconut charcoal.
A mild peel
Stronger peels and microdermabrasion can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so it may be best to leave these till autumn. But a gentler peel will clear away debris and dead cells and have you looking so radiant you won’t need bronzer!Â
Our Enzyme Exfoliation Facial is excellent – it dramatically aids the removal of aging dead cells, awakens dull skin and targets pores. This active and highly effective treatment is gentle enough for all skin types and can be tailored to your skin’s specific needs on the day.
Less vitamin A
It’s an essential part of any anti-ageing skin routine, but vitamin A (retinol) can be harsh on sun-soaked skin, and can also make it more sensitive to the sun afterwards. You might want to dilute your usual dose with moisturiser, or switch to every second or third day until summer is over.
Plenty of sunscreen
You may not be spending every day at the beach (sigh!) but your skin is still copping a strong dose of rays – in the car, walking to lunch and even in the balmy summer evenings. Choose a face specific sunblock SPF30 or 50 for your face, and be sure to apply a morning coat of body sunscreen on your arms and legs too. Keep sunscreen (and a stylish hat) at your desk, in your car and handbag so you won’t be caught short when you head out for some sunshine.
Hydration and moistureÂ
To combat the drying effects of sun, sea and sand, you’ll need to treat your skin to some TLC. Hydrating serums (for example, with hyaluronic acid) work to restore the lost water content in your skin. You’ll also need moisturiser to seal in the hydration, restore the moisture barrier and replenish oil to your skin – think soothing creams and oils, such as rosehip. Once you cover both these bases, your skin will feel healthier and look more radiant.Â
A vitamin boost
Sun-soaked skin can be depleted of nutrients, so vitamin-rich skincare is ideal. Nourishing vitamin B is ideal, as well as vitamin C to help with discolouration caused by sun exposure. For the ultimate infusion, try our Synergie SupremaC Facial – to strengthen your skin and support collagen production.
A regular routineÂ
Now that you’re back at home, you’ve no doubt reinstated your regular skincare regime. Now’s the perfect time to talk to our experts about anything that needs updating, as our skin’s needs change over time (and season). And while you’re back into your regular work routine, you and your skin also deserve a regular routine of skin treatments. Check out our Belong Spa Memberships that offer regular monthly facials at a discount. Or sign up to make serious changes in your skin for 2020 with our specialised Skin Rejuvenation Programmes.
A medical check
Start the year off with peace of mind by booking in with your GP or dermatologist for a thorough skin check and mole examination.