To avoid having dull, irritated, rough and dry skin or even an outbreak of acne, by the end of summer, you must take good care of your skin all summer. What are the essential steps to take?

1. Cleanse your skin well

This is definitely the most important step. In fact, heat increases sebum production, which means there is more oil secreted by the glands in the skin, making it easier for dirt and impurities to stick to the skin. So, in order to remove the dirt, it is necessary to cleanse your skin daily because our
skin is sensitive, and its natural hydration can easily be affected by skincare products. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser for daily cleansing.

At helwé, we recommend oil cleansing. Thanks to its natural content of fatty acids, the oil "Prodige démaquillant", based on four organic vegetable oils, helps to strengthen the hydrolipidic film. It therefore guarantees a gentle cleansing, which preserves the balance of the secretion of the sebaceous glands.

After cleansing with oil, you can use a plant-based mist with hydrolate and aloe Vera that will moisturize and invigorate your skin. We advise that you spray the mist several times a day on your face to get a feeling of freshness and more radiance.

2. Moisturize your skin

During the summer, the skin is subjected to a lot of aggressive factors: sun, sand, sea, air conditioning. The skin is therefore weakened and requires more care.  In fact, in summer, the skin’s texture changes because the sebum it produces is more fluid than during other periods of the year.

Heat, fluid sebum and perspiration lead us to believe that the skin does not need to be moisturized, but this is only an impression! It needs to be moisturized just as much. This is why it is essential to drink a lot of water, at least 2 liters per day, and to moisturize your skin.

It is important to continue moisturizing your skin for many weeks following sun exposure in order to avoid having dull, imperfect and dehydrated skin by the end of summer. During the summer season, skin hydration is essential, so I suggest using vegetable oils at night.

The "Sérum Nuit Essentiel" is an oily and very hydrating serum that makes your skin glow. However, if you prefer water-based serums, I recommend the "Sérum Hydratation Intense" containing hyaluronic acid, or a light and hydrating emulsion "Emulsion Active".

3. Apply face masks

To boost your skin hydration and glow, it is also recommended to apply to your skin revitalizing and regenerating masks. I strongly advise you to use the "Masque Eternel" as often as possible, which is based on a magical plant called "Centella Asiatica" known for its anti-aging virtues and for repairing damaged, dry and sensitive skin. It protects the skin from external aggressions such as UV rays or pollution, and regenerates dehydrated skin.

 4. Apply antioxidant care products

Antioxidants may not be active ingredients as such, the way fruit acids can be for spots, retinol for wrinkles or even zinc for blemishes. However, they have strong benefits for the skin.

Antioxidants are what we call "reducing molecules". Their main role is to stop or minimize cell oxidation. They will therefore prevent destructive molecules called "free radicals" from creating the "oxidative stress" that damages the cells, which has irreversible and visible long-term damages to the skin. These free radicals come from sun exposure, pollution, etc.
It is therefore essential to include different types of antioxidants into your morning routine. In fact, a combination of antioxidants allows you to better fight against skin's aggressions caused by the sun, especially in summer.

My strongest advice is to use care products full of antioxidants just before applying your sunscreen in summer, in order to make it more efficient. Antioxidants can help you tan in a healthier way without burning, reducing the possibility of developing spots, whatever your skin type or age. 

What are the benefits of antioxidants?

• They prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
• They help maintain a firm, plump face.
• They help limit the appearance of brown spots.
• They reveal the radiance of the complexion.
• They help control inflammation, particularly rosacea.
• They help prevent skin cancer.

helwé's range includes the most powerful and effective antioxidants.

Vitamin C:

It is the undisputed queen of antioxidants! Very powerful, it takes an active part in the fight against pigmentary spots and cutaneous slackening.

The "Sérum Radieux" (Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, Vit E and ferulic acid) combines three very strong antioxidants that fight against free radicals, especially those caused by the summer sun.

Coenzyme Q10:

This enzymatic cofactor is involved in cellular protection. It is naturally present in the body, but its production decreases with age. It is found in the "Crème Energie" in which it is combined with vitamin E. 

Polyphenols:

Polyphenols are divided into several families (flavonoids, tannins, lignans, etc.). There are antioxidants extracted from plants such as grapes, red fruits, seaweed and green tea. 

Resveratrol is found in "Sérum longévité" and "Masque Radieux". 

5. Get healthy foods high in Antioxidants 

We can also take care of our skin through the foods we eat. Foods containing beta-carotene such as green vegetables, apricots, carrots and melons (high in antioxidant properties), reduce the aging effect of the sun. For very dry skin, it is also possible to use food supplements.

Last but not least, you must drink a lot of water to have a well hydrated skin. Also, to keep a beautiful skin during and after the summer, there are certain things to avoid. Even though the sun is beneficial due the vitamin D it releases, it is preferable not to be exposed to the sun for too long.

So let’s wrap it up!

What is the best skincare routine for the summer?

You are above 27 years old? Here is the best skincare routine for you.

In the morning, you need to fight against free radicals with a combination of antioxidants and moisturize your skin well. Here are the products to apply on your skin:

1. Sérum Radieux (vit C l Ascorbic 10%vitamin E, Ac Ferulic), and Hyalo C eye serum based on antioxidants (vit C, E caffeine).
2. Crème Energie (Q10, vit E and Royal Jelly) - or for those who like a light emulsion, you can use the Active Emulsion based on hyaluronic acid.
3. Optional: 2 or 3 drops of Booster d'énergie (a great antioxidant based on tomato lycopene and carrot extract and garnet) to mix with the Crème Energie. 
4. SPF - The one you usually use.

Here is the summer set essential including the products above : The Radiant Complexion Set

In the evening, you need to cleanse, gently exfoliate, regenerate, moisturize, and brighten your skin.

1. Cleanse your  skin with the Prodige Démaquillant then spray the mist.
2. Exfoliate your skin with the Lotion Exfoliante Peau Nette 3 to 4 times a week (a gentle chemical exfoliant containing Salicylic acid, which is photo protective against the sun).
3. Regenerate your skin with the Sérum Perfection (containing Bakuchiol and Retinol)
4. Brighten your skin by mixing drops of Sérum Radieux (Vit C liposoluble tetraexyldecyl ascorbate has 10%, Vit Lycopene of tomato) with the Sérum Nuit Essentielle, based on vegetable oil of apricot, and sea buckthorn to give your skin a dewy and glowing look.

Here is an article to learn more about antioxidants in cosmetics.