Look Chic in the Heat
Humidity, heatwaves, heavy-duty pollutants: summer can be the undoing of your hair and skin. Keep your cool with these modern beauty sun shields.
By Grace Timothy for The EDIT
CLEAR YOUR COMPLEXION
The problem: Hot weather can play havoc when it comes to breakouts. “Sebum, the oily substance secreted by glands to protect the skin and hair, liquefies at 86ºF, flowing more easily from pores,” says Dr Tom Mammone, Clinique’s Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology. “Even worse, when skin is in UV defense mode, it doesn’t produce new cells as often as it should, leading to clogged pores.”
The solution: “Use a non-clogging SPF [look for the non-comedogenic label] and exfoliate more often,” says Dr Mammone. But do so with caution: anything too abrasive can thin the top layer of skin, leaving it open to sun damage. Opt for products containing salicylic acid: “It acts like a corkscrew, removing impurities from pores while gently exfoliating,” says A-list facialist Sarah Chapman. You can also limit pore blockages by using blotting paper to remove excess oil, says aesthetician Dr Vincent Wong.
The kit: Reduce sebum buildup with Sarah Chapman Rapid Radiance Cleanse, which contains pore-clearing enzymes and brightening clays, and keep Tatcha Blotting Papers in your bag. They contain abaca leaf to help remove oil without stripping moisture.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
The problem: Although UV exposure is a major outdoor concern, environmental pollutants can be just as problematic. “Your skin faces around 5,000 free radicals on a daily basis, accelerating cell damage and causing signs of aging,” says Sarah Chapman. “In warmer months, pollution sits in the stagnant hot air and you’re exposed to even more free radicals, suffocating skin and leading to a dull complexion.”
The solution: As well as committing to daily SPF, you need to bolster your free-radical protection. “Using a vitamin-C serum is the best way to minimize the impact,” says Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist Dr Adam Geyer.
The kit: Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate contains a potent 10.5 percent of vitamin C, while Clinique Super City Block SPF40 is oil-free and packed with antioxidants.
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STAY FRIZZ FREE
The problem: Weak hydrogen bonds (the hair shaft’s protein structure) break when hair is wet. “While heat styling helps reset the bonds, frizz occurs when moisture in the air re-breaks them,” explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. “As hair dries, they revert back to their natural configuration – kinks and frizz included. The more you step from dry, air-conditioned environments to the humid outdoors, the frizzier hair gets.”
The solution: Use a smoothing serum or a weatherproof hairspray to prevent humidity from permeating the hair shaft, and soak up excess moisture with a lightweight dry shampoo. “If you choose to use heat-styling tools, make sure your hair has fully cooled before going outside, otherwise the cuticles will be open, making the hair porous,” says Janelle Chaplin, Global Creative Director at Original & Mineral.
The kit: Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask is a weekly treatment that rids the scalp of dead skin cells to leave hair lustrous and healthy. Help tame frizz with Purely Perfect Foundation Crème, which is designed to be used in place of conditioner, and follow with Philip B Anti-Frizz Formula 57 serum to curtail flyaways without leaving a heavy residue.
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MELT-PROOF YOUR MAKEUP
The problem: Just as sebum liquefies, many cream-, wax- and oil-based makeup formulas melt in the heat. Mineral powders also tend to pool in pores, and then emulsify with sweat and humidity.
The solution: “Prep skin with pure rose water – a gentle toner – and use a primer,” says UK-based makeup artist, Mary Wiles. “It will add longevity to your makeup.” Replace heavy cream and mineral formulas with a liquid concealer, recommends makeup supremo Kay Montano: “If you have to use foundation, opt for a long-wear fluid,” she says. “Cream blush isn’t stable in humidity, so try a light powder with a subtle shimmer.”
The kit: Ilia Vivid Concealer contains a cocktail of arnica and green tea to brighten under-eye shadows. Follow with an eye primer to anchor a light dusting of eyeshadow, then apply Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara – it was designed to withstand summers in Kuala Lumpur, where humidity can reach 94 percent. Chic guaranteed.
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