Natural, Organic and effective skincare that will see you through the summer months and keep your skin glowing and protected in the summer sun.
Summer is here!
With more and more of us spending more time outdoors, whatever the weather, it makes sense to be prepared when it comes to caring for our skin - especially as summer can create a whole host of unexpected changes to our complexion.
The summer brings excitement and a desire to be outside more, playing sports, sitting outside or by a window in the sunshine, feeling the warmth on your skin.
But it also brings an increased exposure to UVB rays and UVA rays, which can lead to skin concerns such as pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, increased sebum production, which can can cause breakouts. Increased dryness from the sun and general dehydration to the skin can cause eczema, sun allergy and itchy skin, as well as premature wrinkles and lines on the face.
Acne breakouts are the most common problem that I see in my facial therapy room in Henley-on-Thames in the summer months. People with oily skins are more prone to it due to bacteria and oils in the skin which mix with the sweat on the skin, causing clogged pores, spots and acne.
The one main advice I would give anyone during the summer months, is to avoid burning your skin at all costs. Tanning or tanned skin is a sign of sun damage on a cellular level, so if you are fair, don't aim to tan.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body, yet it is also the one area we pay the least attention to. Here at Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies, I use only natural products – for improving skin health and making you feel and look your very best.
Skincare Tips to Improve your skin and to keep your skin healthy over the summer months:
As we know every year, summer can take its toll on the skin, from the heat, to the changeable British weather, the sun's rays, pollution and humidity. To keep your skin radiating this summer, here are some helpful skincare tips that you can follow:
Wear sunscreen - sunscreen is a must! It's the most important, fundamental, don't-leave-home-without-it tip- wear sunscreen everyday! Throw away last years unused sunscreen and get a new bottle that you can use daily. Buy sunscreens that have UVA and UVB and comes in SPF 30 and upwards. You should be using over a shot glass full for your body and a full teaspoon just on your face. Making sure that you reapply it every 1-2 hours while you are in the sun. Pro-Tip: I set a reminder on my phone to remind me when to reapply. And to continue wearing a sunscreen on your face, neck, ears, lips and hands if you are sitting near a window or driving a car, as this will protect you from the harmful UV rays that can penetrate glass easily and damage your skin cells. So sunscreen is a must!
Make water your best friend - drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. Carry a water bottle with you and remember to drink at least once every 30 minutes. This will allow you to stay hydrated in the heat, helps you to stay fresh and prevents dehydration.
Exfoliate your body - exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds cells at an amazing rate every minute of everyday. But exfoliating twice a week, will help to remove the dead skin that sits on the top layer of your skin, which can make your skin look dull, dry and flaky. No matter how much cream you put on your skin or face, you're not going to get glowing skin. Instead exfoliate and focus on dry areas, such as knees, elbows, feet and hands, as well as face and neck. This will create beautiful soft, smooth and supple skin. But don' forget to wear your sunscreen even more after exfoliation, to keep your skin from any harm or damage from the sun, when you are out and about or sitting by a window.
Lighten up your skincare products - I recommend to my clients in the summer months to use lighter creams and lighter cleansers/ face washes instead, such as a deep cleansing face wash to remove the dirt, sweat and grime, a light moisturising SPF of 30 or higher as your daily moisturiser and to keep re-applying it throughout your day. Some thicker creams and moisturisers can be too thick on the skin and can lead to blocked pores, congestion and spots. So lighter products that are less thick and less heavy on the skin is best during the summer months, especially if you suffer from acne or oily skin.
Wear less make-up - cut down on your make-up by wearing not very much so that your skin can create better. Humidity and heat suppress the skin's ability to breathe. Instead opt for a light tinted moisturiser, tinted lip balms, to give your skin some rest.
Invest in a good vitamin C serum - Vitamin C is great to use all year round, but is especially important in the summer months, as it helps to prevent hyperpigmentation, improves the appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles and can help boost collagen production. It can also protect you from environmental damage and will scavenge harmful free radicals to prevent skin damage. I recommend a great Vitamin C serum below that myself and my facial clients can't get enough of. Check it out below...
Use a refreshing Toner for your skin - Using a good quality toner, can help to close pores which can prevent oil and dirt accumulation in the open pores, due to the summer heat and humidity that is in the air. Focus on the T-zone of the face, which is the forehead, nose and chin as it has the largest concentration of sebaceous glands and will usually look oiler in the summer months. I have a lovely Indian Rose Water that I use on all of my Facial clients in my therapy room in Henley-on-Thames. It's gorgeous and my clients love the feel and smell of this beautiful refreshing toner. You can use it throughout the day to gently refresh and hydrate your skin. Check it out in my recommended products below to find out more...
Eat your way to great skin - Stock up on citrus fruits, berries, watermelons, leafy green vegetables, green tea, nuts and whole grains. Eat more seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as salads, cucumber and lettuce in your food. Avoid sugary drinks and foods as much as you can. They don't add any value to your body or your skin, so it's best to avoid. Sugar is well known for causing the break down of collagen and elastin in the skin, leaving your skin more prone to skin sagging and wrinkles.
Wear breathable fabrics - cotton or linen fabrics, light and loose is best on your skin, so that it can breathe. Avoiding tight fitting clothes or that are synthetic fabrics.
Your skin requires extra care and attention during the summer months. With a few simple steps like cleansing well, staying hydrated and using sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and heat.
Luckily, there are certain products that we can use in our summer skincare routines to help minimise the effects of increased sun exposure and keep our skin looking and feeling it's best.
Modify Your Facial Skin-Care Regimen for the Season
Just as your wardrobes and food choices change from season to season, it’s important to change your skincare too to ensure you are providing your skin with everything it needs. Temperature changes, differences in sun exposure levels and other environmental stressors that change seasonally all have an impact on your skin, so tailoring your skincare seasonally gives your skin the tools it needs to perform at its optimum best and keeping it healthy looking.
It's time to ditch the heavy moisturisers and serums and replace them with lightweight skincare products. As the skin tends to lower the body temperature and produces more natural oils. All of the products that I recommend below are 100% natural, astringent free, free from alcohol, parabens and chemicals and are all
Here are my Key go to products that I use and recommend to all of my clients during the summer months and what I swear by:
Daily Cleanser:
I love these creamy cleansers, they are perfect for summer skin and keeping skin protected without depleting the skin's natural moisture levels. It works so well to remove makeup and sunscreen. Smells glorious too!
Soul Tree, Indian Rose Face Wash with turmerice & honey
Suitable for Dry to Normal Skin
My favourite facial wash that is an Ayurvedic formulation, cleanses without drying, keeps the skin nourished, contains antioxidants, helps to heal and prevents blemishes.
This moisturising face wash is perfect for daily cleansing.
Prepared with fresh potent extracts of Indian Rose and Turmeric, it will support the elasticity of your skin and keep it nourished.
Forest Honey has rich antioxidant properties that protect skin while Aloe Vera leaves it refreshed and hydrated.
- 100% Vegetarian - Not tested on animals - Does NOT contain Parabens, Silicones, Lead, DEA/TEA, Phthalates, SLS/SLES, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or any Fragrances.
Botanicals Nourish Cream Cleanser - With Rose and Camellia
For Normal, Dry and Mature skins
A pure and natural daily cleanser to help achieve a balanced, revitalised complexion, without depleting the skin’s natural moisture levels. Essential extracts of skin-nourishing rose and anti-oxidant white tea are blended with hydrating palmarosa, and revitalising rose geranium.
Botanicals Organic Skincare contains the best quality, sustainable, certified organic and natural ingredients to promote both personal and environmental health and wellbeing. All products are made fresh in small batches to preserve their active botanical properties, and processing methods ensure that the active nutrient (vital life force) of the plant isn't destroyed by heat or over-processing.
It works so well to remove makeup and sunscreen. Smells glorious too!
I also have:
Botanicals Gentle Cream Cleanser - With Mandarin and Chamomile
For Normal, Sensitive and Problem skin
Your 3 in 1 Cleansing, Balancing and Moisturising Make-up Remover
With key ingredients (all certified organic): shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, marigold extract, lavender oil, mandarin oil, chamomile oil.
BALANCE and BRIGHTEN YOUR COMPLEXION without depleting the skin’s natural moisture levels, through a skin-balancing blend of lavender and mandarin in this pure and natural cleanser. No chemicals, no parabens, no alcohol. Cruelty free and suitable for Vegans.
Daily Skin Toner:
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater
For all skin types
The Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater is prepared from steam distillation, in which the most vivid and soft petals of voluptuous Roses are used to extract its essential oil. The intense strain of the residual floral water from this process is extremely light, naturally hydrating and fragrant. This is captured in each spritz of our Rosewater for the face, which is cooling, soothing and moisturizing. We use the freshest, highest quality Rose sourced from the verdant city of Kannauj, which is infused in this Pure Rosewater for the face. This beautiful flower is also known as Desi Gulab in Ayurveda.
This hydrating and fragrant Rosewater helps tone the skin, while minimizing enlarged pores. Natural astringent. It balances and restores skin’s pH level and helps tighten pores.
Free from chemicals, parabens and petrochemicals. Non-alcoholic refresher that helps remove the residue of the previous cleansing procedures such as removing of makeup.
It tones, diminishes fine lines and hydrates the skin.
Essential Summer Skin Serum:
Marie Jardin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
For all Skin Types
Scientifically proven effect of less wrinkles after 4 weeks. Application: 2x daily (morning & evening))
Immediate and intense moisturising effect
Activates the skin’s own UV protection, regenerates cells and protects from free radicals
Has a high concentration of Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Organic apple juice, Grape seed oil, Dandelion extract and Sunflower seed oil.
It improves your skin texture and helps with reducing dark circles around the eyes.
Suitable for sensitive skin and any mixed skin types. Can be combined with a day- or night care cream as well as any anti-wrinkle cream.
🌱 100% FREE OF: Hormones, mineral oils, parabens, silicon, and micro plastic. This natural hyaluronic acid serum is fully vegan and was not tested on animals. It is also GM-free.
🌱 MADE IN AUSTRIA: High quality natural cosmetics by Marie Jardin. Produced 100% sustainably in Austria. The brown glass protects the hyaluronic acids from light and improves its durability.
This hyaluronic acid also known as hyaluronan is the most natural way to prevent skin aging. Hyaluronan is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by the body and contributes intensively to a firm and elastic skin texture. With increasing age, our body’s ability to produce hyaluronan diminishes more and more. The endogenous hyaluronan reservoirs start to get smaller and smaller from the age of 25. As well as exposure to ultraviolet tradition and light from the sun, tobacco smoke and pollution, which can all decrease its amount in the skin. Because of this, it is important to supply the skin already in younger years with hyaluronic acid serum externally through a high quality, natural serum. As you may know Hyaluronic acid's main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. It can help your skin to look and feel more supple, hydrated which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look firmer and more youthful. This is the one that I would recommend because of its many skin loving ingredients that benefit the skin and provide it with the protection it needs in the summer sunshine.
Daily Face and Neck Moisturiser:
Botanicals Gentle Face Moisturiser - Mandarin and Chamomile Balancing Daily Moisturising lotion
For Normal, Sensitive and Problem Skin
A balancing daily cleanser to gently remove make-up and impurities, revitalising the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and soothed.
Organic Shea Butter combined with antioxidant Green Tea soften and purify the skin whilst soothing Lavender and restorative Calendula organic essential oils calm both skin and mind.
Nourishes and hydrates the skin during sleep
Plumps and firms
Feels soothing and comforting upon application
Leaves skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated
Eco drop Youth Elixir Organic Anti-Ageing Cream - With Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
For All Skin Types
Slow down the hands of time and reclaim your youthful and vibrant looking skin!
As we age, our skin’s inner layer begins to get thinner, causing our skin cells to divide more slowly, giving the skin less structure. This adds to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. We might not be able to stop time, but to try and “slow it down” is a big possibility.
Ecodrop’s Organic Anti Ageing Face Cream is an all organic day and night cream made for you to get younger looking skin! Key Ingredients of Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Argan oil, Organic Avocado oil, Organic Shea butter, Hyaluronic acid, Retinol Vitamin A, Organic Rosehip oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E oil, Organic essential oils of Frankincense and Sandalwood.
Lip Care:
Hurraw Sun Protection Balm SPF15 4.3g
Hurraw loves the Sun. It is amazing. This little SPF 15 Sun Balm will give your lips the extra protection they need.
It glides on silky smooth (and virtually clear) like Hurraws regular balms but this was formulated to be extra thick and creamy for longer staying power while out in those shining rays!
Juicy Tangerine, Roman Chamomile and a hint of Vanilla make it nourishing and calming for your lips. Packed full of amazing cold pressed oils to moisturize, protect and heal.
Red Raspberry Seed oil: Exceptionally high in tocopherols, this lovely oil nourishes the lips, is anti-inflammatory and proven to help in the absorbance of sun rays. Sea Buckthorn oil: Super rich and off the charts in essential fatty acids, carotenes, tocopherols, and phytosterols which are great for healing sun-damaged lips. Pomegranate Seed oil: Deeply penetrating and an anti-oxidant powerhouse; remarkable for the outer epidermal layer of the lips.
Here is the deal with Zinc Oxide. Hurraw use non nano Zinc Oxide in the Sun Balm. Zinc Oxide is the only all natural, broad spectrum (blocks both UVA and UVB) sun screen available today. Zinc Oxide is a mineral. It protects your lips by sitting on top of them and thus, provides a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. It actually deflects the rays away from the skin to prevent any harm. For adequate protection it must be applied often.
Madara Hemp Hemp Lip Conditioning Balm
This hydrating and protecting lip balm offers complete comfort and softness from the very first application.
Formulated with richly nourishing olive oil, shea butter, and conditioning hemp oil that energizes skins protective barrier. Rich in essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6, the hemp oil also provides a significant supply of antioxidants that provide strong anti-ageing effects. Also contains Coconut oil, Sea-buckthorn extract, Camomile flower extract and Calendula extract.
Prevents skin dryness and provides extreme comfort all day long.
TASTE & FRAGRANCE / for minimalists Very quiet and subtle, slightly green and citrusy with hints of nutty hemp.
100% NATURAL, 89% ORGANIC.
NO parabens, NO petrochemicals, NO synthetic fragrances or colours.
Only pure ingredients for soft and kissable lips.
Daily SPF:
Kimberly Sayer Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturising Cream SPF30
For Dry, Normal and Sensitive Skins
Highly Recommended by myself as I use this everyday come rain or shine as a day moisturiser with mineral SPF protection and anti ageing protection.
Cold pressed Borage Oil, fortifies cell growth and provides anti-aging benefits.
This non-toxic sunblock is derived from minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to offer broad spectrum protection from the sun (UVA and UVB) without irritating the most sensitive of skins.
Oat Beta Glucan protects skin against UV-A oxidative stress, free radicals and reduces transepidermal moisture loss.
Contains anti- oxidant Beech Bud extract, an anti-ageing and anti-wrinkling ingredient. Heals aged damaged cells. Nettle extract promotes cellular growth.
Use daily and under make-up.
A luxurious daily hydrating cream with live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreens to help protect against free radical damage. Helps diminish winkles and increases cell turnover.
Highly recommended to use all year round, but especially during the summer months and extreme weather conditions.
It's also beneficial to wear it when using any screen devices such as laptops, computers, hand held devices, TV screens and smart phones, as they let off blue light rays.
Blue light is more damaging than uv light from the sun. It can lead to changes in your skin cells, such as cell shrinkage and speeds up the ageing process. As well as brown spots, redness and hyper pigmentation such as melanoma and photoaging and the breakdown of collagen and Elastin in the skin.
The damage is cumulative and can disrupt the natural rhythm of your skin cell regeneration cycle, which can potentially cause more skin damage over time.
Please use daily to protect your skin from this blue light that causes free radical damage and cell degeneration which causes skin sagging and premature wrinkles and ageing in the skin. Even just as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes to the skin.
I aways recommend using sun protection of SPF over 30-50 to help slow down the ageing process and keep your skin in optional condition long term.
Make sure that you apply this SPF all over the entire face, neck, chest, hands and other exposed parts of the body.
Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF 25 For The Body
My go-to, sun factor that I use all over when I am in the sun. Non greasy, soaks into the skin well, no strong perfume & no white haze as with some of the natural sunscreens. Love it!
My absolutely favourite sun lotion. Skin is not only protected but improves significantly. Feels smoother, brighter and has a great elasticity. Soft smelling and pleasantly non sticky lotion.
Free from SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrance & colours
Aloe Pura Organic Aloe Vera Sun Lotion with Sun Protection Factor 25 provides protection against the sun's burning UVB and ageing UVA rays.
It is produced from organic Aloe Vera, vitamins and plant extracts which protect, soothe and hydrate.
This natural light lotion is designed to protect your skin from the sun's harmful burning and ageing rays, while leaving it feeling soft and silky. It will protect you from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays and moisturise, soothe and cool your skin.
Weekly Treatments To Use During The Summer Months
Facial Scrubs that I recommend:
Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub
A blend of kale, chlorella, spirulina and parsley promote a detoxifying, antioxidants and vitamins to the skin, while liquorice and lime peel promotes a clear, radiant healthy, glowing complexion while micro jojoba beads and bamboo gently exfoliate the skin to remove dirt and impurities.
Contains no Sulphates (SLS & SLES), No Synthetic Fragrances, No Animal Derivatives, No Harsh Detergents and Chemicals, No Propylene Glycol, No Artificial colours or preservatives, No Triethanolamine, No Mineral Oils, No EDTA and No Parabens, 100% Vegan, No Animal Testing
Natura Siberica Gentle Face Peeling for Normal and Dry Skin
This gentle exfoliator using Siberia herbs gives instant skin renewal. Containing Meadowsweet and AHA-acids and Vitamin E. Gently exfoliates and renews the skin, improving the complexion and creating smoother and clearer looking skin.
Gently removes dead skin cells
Improves the complexion
Strengthen and protects
Promotes cell regeneration
Suitable for normal and dry skin
Contains no Parabéns, PEG, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Glycols and Mineral Oils.
Green People Fruit Scrub
A natural exfoliator to deeply cleanse all skin types
A highly effective yet gentle natural exfoliator for instant radiance.
A skin-brightening, organic facial scrub with nourishing Shea butter
Contains ultra-fine exfoliating particles of Bamboo and Bentonite clay
Buffs away dead, dull and dry skin to reveal a smoother complexion
Hibiscus, known as the ‘Botox plant’, has a skin-firming effect
Infused with the light and uplifting aroma of natural Orange Blossom
90% organic
Naturally No - SLS, SLES, methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, irritating emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance, PABA-sunscreen, gluten, colourants, petrochemicals, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs.
Suitable for those who may be prone to eczema and psoriasis.
Weekly Facial Masks That I Recommend:
Nature Siberica Nourishing Face Mask - with Organic Aralia Mandshurica Hydrolate
Aralia Mandshurica, a unique plant adaptogen, hand-picked and collected in the wild, is packed with vitamins B and C and flavonoids. Flavonoids protect skin from external exposure from the sun and nourish the skin, improving its tone.
Organic Siberian Pine oil nourishes and softens skin. Hyaluronic acid deeply moisturises skin, increasing its firmness and elasticity. Plus, antioxidant vitamin E helps to slow down the ageing process of skin. This mask deeply nourishes and hydrates dry skin, restoring its tone and energy
Nutrition and replenishment for dry and dull skin
Aralia mandshurica is packed with vitamins B and C and flavonoids. Flavonoids protect skin from external exposure and nourish dry skin, improving its tone.
Organic Siberian pine oil nourishes and softens skin. Hyaluronic acid deeply moisturises skin, increases firmness and elasticity. Antioxidant vitamin E helps to slow down the ageing process of skin
Made using gentle hydrolates (floral water). hydrolate is extracted via gentle distillation, ensuring all the valuable antioxidant and active elements remain.
Naturally No - SLS, SLES, methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, irritating emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance, PABA-sunscreen, gluten, colourants, petrochemicals, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs.
Lovea Organic Purifying Green Clay Face Mask
Purifies combination and oily skin, leaving skin completely cleansed and fresh. This deep cleansing green clay mask can help to unclog pores and deep cleanse blackheads. Prefect for the summer heat.
Active ingredients: Green Clay (purifying), Organic Aloe Vera (soothing and healing), Organic Shea Butter (restructuring), Organic Hazelnut Oil (balancing), Glycerin (humectant).
Certified organic by Ecocert
Not Having A Summer Skin Care Routine:
The downsides of not changing your routine is that you won’t be giving your skin everything it needs to protect you – which is it's main role!
It’s important to regularly check in with your skin and if you’re not sure it’s got everything it needs, book in for a consultation. Kelly will be able to analyse your skin and provide guidance on how best to care for your skin, season by season.
It’s incredibly important to do any skincare routines and rituals with care – it’s in the name. The more love you give to your skin, the better it will become. Treat your skin routine as your own time to check in with yourself, have contact with yourself and reconnect to your skin and body.
Personalised Skincare Analysis:
A personalised Skincare Analyis, gives you the insight into your skins unique needs that will enable you to make smarter, more effective decisions when it comes to your skincare. It helps you discover products with active ingredients that are right for you.
Your skin is like no one else's and its needs are varied. It helps you to reach your skin goals and offers lifestyle tweeps to incorporate, so you have all the tools you need to achieve your best skin.
Kelly will take a closer look at your skin and work with you to create a skin plan that fits around your lifestyle, timing you have each day and each week as well as your budget in mind.
If there is something particular you would like to focus on, please let us know.
To book a Skincare Consultation with me at my therapy room in Henley-on-Thames or either live on Zoom or you can also forward a recent picture of yourself and send it to me with your skin concerns that you have. The cost of your consultation is re-deemed against any facial treatment in the future or on any products that are recommended.
If you would like to find out more or would like to book some time with Kelly please message Kelly here and she will get back to you with all the details.
If you would also like to find out more about Kelly and the Facials that she offer please visit the website.
And to find out more about ways you can look after your skin more and keeping it healthy over the summer months, please check out Kelly's other skin healthy blog posts below:
Wishing you healthy and well this Summer time. Enjoy and stay safe!
Best Wishes
Kelly From Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies
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Visit us at: www.pureblissretreats.co.uk
Email us at: pureblissretreats@mail.com