The sun, heat and air conditioning are not your skin’s friends. Karen J. Gerrard, a skin and beauty expert, reveals the 13 steps for perfect summer-time skin.

It’s hard to beat a sunny summer day for boosting our energy and mood, but if we don’t protect our skin it can take a toll that’s irreversible.

Even if you’re just out running errands, the heat can cause your skin to become drier.

If we don’t protect our skin, the damage can be irreversible.

We also know that harmful UV rays can be bad for our skin.

Karen J Gerrard is a skin and beauty expert and founder of Seams Hand Care. She reveals 13 easy steps to maintain healthy and radiant skin this summer.

Step 1 Protect

SPF is required in both moisturisers and makeup for the daytime. Many foundations don’t have enough SPF to protect against the sun.

You should use a higher SPF even if you’re used to using one on your body.

Just because it’s not sunny doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t add SPF to your morning routine. The temperature has no effect on UV radiation and the rays of UV can pass through clouds.

Protect your skin, rain or shine.

Step 2 Hydrate

Take in plenty of water even before you feel thirsty. A bottle of water can be kept in your bag or desk and you can drink it throughout the day.

You may be dehydrating yourself and losing collagen if you can’t immediately feel the skin bounce back after you pinch it. This will make your skin saggy, dull and saggy.

Step 3 Cleanse

Never go to sleep without cleansing, toning and moisturising your skin. Only use warm water to wash your face, as hot water can strip away the natural oils.

Liz Earl Hot Cloth Cleanse & Polish gently exfoliates and removes impurities from dry skin.

Warm water only, as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils

Step 4 Exfoliate

Exfoliating at least once per week is necessary to remove dead cells. Smoother skin absorbs products better.

In the shower, keep an exfoliating wash for your face, neck, shoulders and decalage. In the summer, skin can be more sensitive.

Try Ameliorate Body Mitt, or Clarins Tonic body polisher on wet skin.

Step #5 Exfoliate Your Heels Too

When the weather warms up, our feet are more exposed than usual to the elements.

You can save a little bit of money for exfoliator to use on your heels. When using pumice, add a little exfoliator to the heels. This will keep your skin from cracking.

Step #6 Moisturize

Use a body moisturiser every day. Base with bio oil if your skin is very dry.

It’s easier to use a body cream that comes in a pump bottle when you are in a rush.

Keep a rescue balm or cream on hand at all times

Step #7 Essentials

Keep a rescue cream or balm on hand at all times . I use Elemis’ SOS cream to repair and protect sunburned skin.

Rosehip oil should also be on your shopping list. It is full of fatty acid and has many properties that hydrate skin, fade scars and nourish it.

Step #8 Microbiome

The warmer weather can lead to an imbalance of your skin’s microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome is essential for glowing skin.

Use light products to prevent acne. Avoid heavy products that can remove the bacteria.

Step #9: Nourish

There are 3 superfoods that can help your skin from within.

• Watermelons, also known as’summer’s blessing’ because they are so full of nutrients, can help flush out toxins. They will keep you hydrated.
• Cauliflower is high in sulforaphane, which helps protect skin against ultraviolet rays.
• Avocadoes are rich in vitamin E, which can keep your skin plump.

Step #10: Don’t Forget Your Hands

Hands are often exposed and they can tell a lot about your age. So, it is important to pay as much attention to them as to your face.

Hands are thinner than other parts of the body, and when they become dry, they can split. This is painful. Nail varnish should be redone more frequently and nails kept shorter. Warm humid climates can encourage fungus growth when water is trapped between the nail polish and the nail.

Skin on hands is thinner than anywhere else in the body

SEAMS hand cream has a Biomimetic Lipid Complex which helps to lock moisture in, protect the skin barrier and restore split cuticles.

It’s not too late to stop sunbathing. You will see age spots start to fade, and your skin will brighten.

Step #11 Fake It, Don’t Bake it

Want to look sun-kissed without being exposed to harmful sun rays? You can use a liquid bronzer to blend into your skin.

Perricone No Make-Up Bronzer is a bronzer that mimics your natural pigment. Simply dab a little liquid into the hollows beneath each cheekbone, and then buff it in to achieve a natural appearance.

Apply some liquid to the cheekbone hollows

Self-Tan Drops are another product I love for summer. Use it in your moisturizer for a natural glow or highlight your cheekbones using Chanel Les Beaux Bronzing Creme.

Step #12 Use lighter makeup

In warmer weather, a lighter foundation will help you avoid clogging pores with too much makeup.

Use a tinted moisturizer – I like Charlotte Tilbury’s light wonder SPF15.

You may wish to choose a darker shade of foundation than normal. Your skin can still tan in the shade and in cloudy conditions.

Step #13 Legs

Do you want to give your legs a silky effect? Use NUXE Multi-Purpose Oil Dry to massage your legs.

You can also spray Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess perfume on your skin to enjoy the delicious aroma of sandalwood, vanilla, and coconut as you walk.