TREATING POST-SUMMER SKIN

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Today, as we head into autumn and some of us have spent a lot of time in the sun and sea; I wanted to share some of the hero products I'm using at the moment to get my skin into ‘recovery’ mode!

Let's start with cleansers; after summer, one of two things tends to happen to my skin and the first of them is sensitivity! I've mentioned many times before that the DeliKate line of products is my go-to when I'm experiencing irritation or sensitisation for any reason. Therefore, it's not a surprise that the Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser* | £33 | full review | is in this post. This is a lightweight, milky, non-foaming cleanser that's packed full of ceramides, which will come up a lot in this post, because they really help the skin barrier remain strong and also prevent water loss from the skin. It's gentle and what I reach for when my skin has a full-on freak-out! If you prefer something a little more foaming then I recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser* | £12.50. It's still packed full of good stuff like ceramides, amino acids and water-attracting hyaluronic acid, as well as a little bit of salicylic acid to act as a mild anti-blemish treatment. It comes out like a milky gel and foams on contact with water, so I avoid going in with too much product. It's gentle, it effectively cleanses my skin and it leaves things feeling nice and smooth. It's something I can trust to work without causing irritation to my skin.

I also sometimes find that I break out more in the summer, and I don't think mask-wearing in the heat whilst I was on holiday helped! Therefore, I have two anti-blemish options here that are still lovely and gentle. A product I used to use every day, but have only just got back in my life (with a sustainable packaging makeover) is the REN ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser* | £24. This is a gentle clay-based cleanser that I wouldn't use every single day any more, but is great to switch to when I'm experiencing breakouts. If you're sensitive to fragrance, it might not be one for you as it does contain some essential oils, but it's personally never caused me any issues. This is formulated with kaolin clay to deep cleanse, willow bark (which salicylic acid is derived from - willow bark is usually considered a gentler alternative) and moisturising oils like sesame and sunflower. It isn't drying and it really helps keep my skin clear and balanced. I also recommend the PSA Heroine Mandelic Acid & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner | £28 | full review. Mandelic acid is a really gentle AHA that has skin-brightening and anti-blemish properties. Licorice also has a brightening effect. It's a great all-rounder that's very gentle for post-summer inflammation.

Barrier strength is incredibly important after the inevitable sun exposure you'll have had during the summer months, regardless of how much sunscreen you've been slapping on! One of my go-to products post-holiday has been the Apothaka Barrier Support Serum | £19.50. This serum is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and also niacinamide, which helps promote healthy skin and calms inflammation. This formula is plumping, hydrating and soothing with a finish that doesn't feel sticky or tacky after application. It's also free from essential oils and fragrance! I also recently got my hands on the Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief Serum | £34.99. It's pretty new to me but I had a flare-up a couple of weeks ago that left my skin sore and sensitive, and this helped tremendously, so I thought it was worth a (somewhat premature) mention! It's moisturising (with safflower oil and rosehip) and also contains ingredients to help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, like ceramides, tamanu oil and squalane. I also have an eye care product from a brand I'm delving into for the first time: the Curel Moisture Eye Zone Essence* | £22.50. This brand is designed for dry and sensitive skin, so I'm sure you'll be seeing more of their products throughout the autumn and winter as I work through the products I was sent. This is a lightweight gel-textured eye treatment that's easily absorbed by my skin without feeling heavy or leaving behind an excess. At the same time, it's packed full of moisturising lipids to replenish the skin in this delicate area (plus, it's fragrance-free).

Finally, I have a moisturiser and an oil to talk about. Regulars will be glad to hear I've used something other than the Kate Somerville cream recently! I'm really enjoying the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream | £49 | full review coming soon. This is a simple but effective moisturiser with a lovely texture that's not overly rich or heavy. Alongside the titular ingredients, it contains hyaluronic acid and moisturising shea butter. It softens and plumps my skin, leaves it looking fresh and healthy and does the replenishing work I need from my skincare after summer. I also love the Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil | £27 | full review. This is so nourishing on dry skin but not at all greasy. It's formulated with omegas, amino acids and plant oils to really replenish what's missing in lacklustre, dry and damaged skin.

Do you find your skin suffers as the seasons change? What are your favourite products for combatting this?

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