Spa tips for summer skincare and sun protection

Summer is on the way (even if the weather hasn’t quite got the memo). Even so, the pollen count is characteristically high and the sun is shining on occasion. So even if those holidays to hotter climates are fewer and further between, skincare can be a rewarding daily ritual to help take care of ourselves. Here are some of our top spa tips from spa therapists for a summer skincare routine and sun protection whether you’re at home or away…

Now’s the time to exfoliate to prepare for summer skincare

Before you head out in the sun, give your skin a bit of TLC and treat it to a luxurious exfoliation. 

This will get rid of dead skin cells and help to make your tan last longer. It will also give you that feeling of rejuvenation for a bit of spa at home pampering. If you choose the right product it will help to nourish your skin as well. A salt and oil scrub is a favourite as the salt exfoliates while the essential oils soften and feed the skin.

Moisturise for hydrated skin and a longer lasting tan

Use a richer moisturiser at night to help nourish the skin. Many of our spas are real fans of ESPA Smooth and Firm Body Butter at night as one of the best body lotions for dry skin in summer. 

Also, directly after exposure to the sun, try a cooling after sun product such as ESPA Cooling Body Moisturiser. May of our therapists see it as a must have product for summer as it provides a light but long-lasting solution for dehydrated skin, boosting moisture levels and making it feel cared for. 

It’s also calming and soothing, works with the natural enzymes in the skin and contains aloe and ayurvedic boerhavia (which are very healing), hyaluronic acid (which helps the skin to retain moisture) and sunflower concentrates (which enhance the skin’s appearance and reduce the impact of skin stressors).  It’s perfect for day and night and is one of the best creams for glowing skin in the summer.

Gradual tans and sunscreen as part of summer skincare

To enhance and keep your glow, we would recommend a gradual tan, and in particular we like to use the ESPA gradual tans for face and body.  They give a natural and effortless glow all year round, whilst also being safe regarding sun exposure.

That, combined with the use of a good exfoliator and moisturiser as mentioned above, will help you to keep a healthy glow throughout the year. That said, however you have prepared your skin, make sure you use sun protection factor when you go out in the heat. We always suggest going as high as possible, with a minimum 30 SPF.

Top tips for effective sun protection

• Buy new each year, sunscreen can go off.
• Store it in a cool, dry place - keeping it outside in the heat can make it expire more quickly.
• When you buy new sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Choose one with an SPF of at least 30 that’s also water resistant, even if you’re not going in the pool - you’re probably sweating after all!
• Lotions tend to be better than sprays, as they are easy to apply generously and evenly—which is key in order for them to work effectively.