The Summer Skincare Toolkit

It’s time for a hot skincare summer. You know the type: blemish-free, dewy glow with a gentle (faux) sunkiss to finish. Obtaining this elusive complexion might not be as hard as you first thought. With Priceline Pharmacy's guide to the best sunscreen, after-sun care and hydrating products, here to help you build and maintain the ultimate skincare toolkit all summer long.   
 

Screen test
 
SPF is non-negotiable every day of the year but in summer it's more important than ever to apply (and reapply) a broad-spectrum sunscreen. According to the Australian Cancer Council, you should be applying 5mL (about one teaspoon) to each body part. Think each arm and leg, the front of your body, your back, and of course your face, ears and neck. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating excessively.
 
Lightweight formulas that are specifically designed for the face, like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ and Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF 50+ are perfect for everyday use, even when you’re wearing makeup. We also love Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 and NATIO Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50+ for fuss-free days. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might be put off by the potential slick some sunscreens can leave across your face. Enter Clear Skincare Sunscreen SPF 30+. This oil-free formula works for any skin type and uses active ingredients to shield harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

A little TLC
 
After days spent in the sun, it's important to replenish lost moisture and help repair damaged skin, even when you’ve diligently applied sunscreen. Aloe vera-based after-sun products are the key to cool, calm skin. Look to the classics like Banana Boat Pure Aloe Gel and Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel, or opt for spray formulas for hard-to-reach areas, like your back. We love Bondi Sands Hydra After Sun Aloe Vera Cooling Foam and Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Spray.
 
Hot tip: keep your after-sun care in the fridge for the ultimate cool down when you get home from the beach or pool.

Wash away the day
 
Properly cleansing dirt and grime is the best way to maintain glowing skin in summer. SPF, sweat and even sand can clog your pores and lead to a dull, lackluster complexion – quite the opposite of what you want. Micellar waters, such as No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Dual Action Cleansing Water or Alya Skin Foaming Micellar Cleanser are the ultimate first step when it comes to summer cleansing. Follow up with a foaming formula for a deep clean that will reset your skin. Try adding Skin Physics Oxygen-C Brightening Foaming Cleanser, Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser or Olay Total Effects Foaming Cleanser to your face-washing routine this summer.

The good kind of peel
 
Aside from daily cleansing, regular exfoliating will help restore skin to a bright and glowy state. Chemical peels or exfoliants that are powered by active ingredients or fruit enzymes are a great choice for summer. Bondi Sands Buff' N Polish Gentle Chemical Exfoliant works to resurface skin without stripping natural oils, while Sukin Brightening Jelly Exfoliator harnesses the power of vitamin C and jojoba oil to buff away dead skin and reveal a dewy complexion after each use.
 
If you’re travelling this summer, Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths are perfect for light packing. Gentle exfoliating cleansers are kind enough to skin for daily use, meaning you can cut-down the number of products in your overnight bag. We love Q+A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and Cetaphil Face Daily Exfoliating Cleanser for morning and night.

Drink up
 
It’s important to stay hydrated – both internally and externally – as the temperatures soar. While your skin might feel sweaty or oily in the summer, it's likely to be a bit dehydrated. This is because the body loses water through sweat and increased core temperatures. Drinking plenty of water (and eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, and watermelon or even drinking herbal tea) can help support your overall skin health.
 
When it comes to your skincare routine, gel or water-based creams are your BFF during warmer weather. Try Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel or No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel for a big hit of hydration. For sensitive or compromised skin (perhaps from a little bit too much sun exposure), look out for ultra-nourishing formulas. We like to add Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive cream to our summer skincare arsenal when skin needs a little bit of extra love. And for the multitaskers among us, opt for a daily moisturiser that incorporates SPF (although, don’t forget you will need to top up sunscreen throughout the day). Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+ or Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF 30 are crowd favourites with good reason. However, the best moisturiser for summer is one that’s right for your skin type. Check out our guide to moisturisers and find your perfect match. 

Make time for masks
 
While it’s tempting to spend every waking moment out and about in summer, it’s important to still make time for self care. The busier our social calendars get, the more we need a little me-time. And what better way to relax and unwind than an at-home spa day (or night). Whether you’re a seasoned multi-masker or cautiously optimistic when it comes to skin care, summer is a great time to add a mask to your routine.
 
Like any part of skin care, masks are formulated to target specific concerns or problem areas. If you’re looking for undeniable radiance and an active that combats pigmentation and dark spots, vitamin C is your summer skin hero. Try Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Clay Mask.
 
If something ultra-hydrating is more your speed, No7 Instant Results Nourishing Hydration Mask, Crop Hydrating Aloe Vera Mask or Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Hydrating Face Mask have you covered.
 
And if you’re team minimal effort, maximum reward, it’s a serum-soaked sheet mask that you’re looking for. We love Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Mask, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mask B5 and Clear Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Mask. You can even store them in the fridge for an extra-refreshing experience.

Tools of the trade
 
The best way to level up your summer skincare routine is to invest in the right tools. If you suffer from a puffy face (due to lack of sleep, stress or even overconsumption of salt, fats and alcohol) face-sculpting rollers and stones can help alleviate swelling. We love Ecotools Jade Roller, Manicare Dermasculpt Gua Sha Stone and Touch Beauty Contour Sculpting Roller for year-round relief (chill yours in the fridge to help boost circulation), while Flawless Ice Roller and Revolution Skincare Cooling Eye Roller Ball make extra-special additions in warmer weather. Another summer skincare special is the Revlon Volcanic Stone Roller, which is designed specifically to help absorb excess oil and mattify skin.
 
When it comes to facial hair removal and gentle exfoliation, the Hollywood Browzer Dermaplaning Tool is one of the best kept secrets – until now. Use this multitasking device to remove unwanted peach fuzz, shape eyebrows and even shave off dead skin without the hassle or pain associated with waxing and threading. By creating the perfect canvas, you’re one step closer to achieving your summer skincare and makeup goals.

We hope you love using Priceline’s summer skincare tips. For more help and advice, remember to visit your friendly team in-store at Priceline Pharmacy Canberra Centre, located in the Lower-Ground Foodcourt MAP.