Men’s Summer Skincare: Explained

Introduction

Along with BBQs, fruit cider and printed vests, the summer skincare routine is making a long awaited reappearance, just in time to save us from sunburn. For many of you this article may have come a week too late, as the UK has been gripped in a heat wave that’s seen us ditch the winter warmers and frantically assemble our summer wardrobes. But there are still many bright afternoons and sun drenched evenings for which to prepare.

On the face of it (if you’ll excuse the pun), adapting your skincare routine with the seasons may not seem that important. But external aggressors like the weather (along with diet and genetics) have a huge effect on the way our skin behaves – and it goes well beyond simply applying sun cream. To keep things nice and simple, I’ve broken down the basics into 5 manageable chunks that can help you keep your routine in tip top condition this summer.

1. Use An SPF Moisturiser Daily

It’s widely thought that you should use an SPF moisturiser all year round, but it’s even more important at this time of year. Sun protection shouldn’t be restricted to when you’re flat out on a sun bed, even if you’re just nipping out of the office on your lunch break or sitting in a pub garden at the weekend, you still need to keep your face protected.

Not only will using an SPF help you avoid a lobster red complexion, but combining your daily moisturiser with UV protection means that you’re skin is much less likely to age prematurely and leave you with deep set wrinkles later in life.

Most of the top skincare ranges understand the importance of SPF protection so your favoured moisturiser may already have you adequately protected, but if you’re lacking on the SPF front then seek out a daily hydrator which is at least factor 15, and work it into your routine. Here are some of my favourites that combine optimum moisture with the protection you need…

• Murad Man Face Defense Spf15 50ml
• Lab Series For Men Daily Moisture Defense Lotion Spf 15 100 Ml
• Alpha-h Ultra Protector 30+ Spf Daily Moisturiser 100ml
• Natio For Men 30+ Face Moisturiser 100g
• Murad Oil-free Sunblock Spf30 50ml
• Ole Henriksen Protect The Truth Spf50+ Sunscreen

2. The Matte Effect

Along with sunburn, one of the unsightly (yet avoidable) side effects of the warmer weather is a greasy, overloaded complexion. As the temperatures rise, so does the workload of the sebum-producing sebaceous glands, leaving a shiny finish to your complexion. If you’re prone to such summer skin complaints then there are a number of products that can help combat your oily woes.

Firstly, you’ll need the help of a good face wash to ensure your skin is clean and balanced, and the Ole Henriksen On The Go Exhilarating Cleanser is one of the best in the business for this kind of complaint, as it’s not too harsh.

In addition to a good cleansing routine, you’ll need a face cream that won’t overload your skin, and will help to provide a ‘matte effect’. The Murad Oil Control Mattifier is excellent because not only does it control excess sebum, but it also has SPF15 protection. In addition, ClarinsMen, Clinique and Kyoku For Men also have tough tackling shine control products that you can work in with your SPF protection routine, and reapply throughout the day if needed.

• Ole Henriksen On The Go Exhilarating Cleanser 207ml
• Murad Oil Control Mattifier Spf 15 50ml
• Clarinsmen Shine Free Gel 50ml
• Kyoku For Men Oil Control Lotion 50ml
• Clinique M Gel-lotion 100ml
• Lab Series Oil Control Towelettes 10 Per Pack

3. Once A Day Protection

If you’re going to be spending a day in the sun then wearing sun cream is an absolute no brainer. In fact, if you’re reading this article and have any concept of a skincare routine then you’ll be well aware of this by now.

But even if you’re well versed on the importance of protecting your skin, using sun cream when you’re on the go or enjoying a day on the beach can be an inconvenience. That’s why the skincare boffins have created once-a-day sun care products. Protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays, these one application creams/sprays are designed to withstand water and sand exposure to give you maximum protection with minimal fuss.

As far as I’m concerned there are two stand out contenders in this category: The ever popular Reimann P20 range, and the lesser known but equally as effective Ultrasun range. Both offering premium sun care in a number of different factor options. Ultrasun also offer specific sun protection for sensitive skin, family friendly formulas and an anti-ageing specific option.

If you’re looking for broad spectrum cover that won’t let you down this summer, then look no further than these two one-application wonders.

• Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Filter Spf20 100ml
• Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Filter Spf10
• Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Filter Spf20 200ml
• Ultrasun Family Spf 30 – Super Sensitive 150ml
• Ultrasun Sun Protection Sports Gel Spf 20 500ml
• Ultrasun Protection Spf20 – Sports Formula 200ml

4. Go For Gradual Not Instant

For most of us, having a tan is a desirable look – but it does come at a cost as UV rays can hugely damage your skin. The safer option is to opt for fake tan, but that can be problematic in terms of results and retaining man points. So, as far as I’m concerned, the solution to this pasty problem is gradual tanners.

These skin care products are designed to provide all the moisturisation you’re used to, but they’ll also impart a subtle glow over time that will help you obtain a sun kissed look without looking tangerine. In my experience they’re much better than their instant tan counterparts because they offer a much bigger margin for error, but still give you great results.

My favourite face tanner is the No7 For Men Gradual Tan, because it also provides that ever important SPF15 protection, so you won’t need to double up with sun cream. Body-wise, I really liked the results from the Xen Tan Gradual Release Self Tan because it does exactly what it says on the tin, and provides a subtle, gradual release glow.

Gradual tanners for your face:

• No7 For Men Gradual Tan Face Spf 15
• Xen-tan Face Tanner Time Release Sunless Tan 80ml
• Nickel Le Grand Bluff Self Tanner Face 50ml

Gradual tanners for your body:

• Xen-tan Transform Time Release Gradual Self Tan 177ml
• St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan Body Medium/dark
• No7 For Men Gradual Tan Body 200ml

5. Summer Scents

A summer fragrance is another grooming staple where the importance might not be immediately apparent. Heavier scents are fine for the chilly winter months sitting by an open fire, but they will be too strong and overpowering during the summer months when your body temperature is higher. A lighter fragrance that features fruitier, citrus or aquatic notes are much better suited to this time of year.

Every year fashion power-house Paul Smith release a limited edition Sunshine For Men fragrance which is one of my favourites. I’m currently alternating the Paul Smith scent with Chanel Allure Homme Sport; a powerful, invigorating fragrance that’s show stopping enough without being too much for this time of year. I also really like Miller Harris Coeur de Fleur, a unisex fragrance from a London perfumer that exudes subtle summer sophistication.

• Paul Smith Sunshine For Men Edt 100ml
• Chanel Allure Homme Sport Cologne Sport Spray 75ml
• Miller Harris Coeur De Fleur Edp 50ml
• Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit Frozen Cologne Limited Edition 60ml
• Issey Miyake Leau Dissey Pour Homme Summer 2012 Eau De Toilette Limited Edition 125ml
• Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male 2012 Stimulating Summer Fragrance Natural Spray 125ml

Let me know your favourite summer scents and how you have already begun to adapt your skincare routine to summer by leaving a comment below…