Regardless of your skin type, most of us enter the battle with sweaty, sticky and excessively oily skin as the summer temperature rises. While sweating is a natural and healthy bodily function, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to keep your skin balanced and glowing without looking greasy through the intensity of a hot Australian Summer.
If you’re noticing changes to your skin’s oil levels as we enter the thick of summer, it’s time to reassess your skincare and makeup choices. Read on to learn how you can easily sweat-proof your skin and keep your makeup looking fresh during the hottest months of the year.
Switch to Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Products
During the summer, it’s crucial to adjust your skincare routine to account for increased sweating. Opt for oil-free moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated without the greasy residue. Heavy, oil-based creams can make sweat worse, so unless you have a very dry skin type it’s a good idea to swap to moisturisers that are lightweight or gel-based. It’s also advisable to stay away from makeup products that contain silicone as this can trap sweat and excess oil, leading to congestion and potential breakouts.
Look for lightweight, gel-based moisturisers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which deliver long lasting hydration without the heaviness.
Stay Cool and Hydrated
It may sound simple, but staying hydrated is key to managing sweat and maintaining healthy skin. When your body is well-hydrated, it sweats less and more efficiently, helping to keep your skin balanced. Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier, preventing it from becoming irritated in the heat.
Avoid Touching Your Face
When you have sweat sitting on your skin it’s almost impossible to resist the temptation of wiping it away with your hands. Touching your face (particularly when you haven’t washed your hands) can transfer oils, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your skin. Not a great combination when you mix that with sweat, SPF and makeup. Carry tissues or blotting papers with you throughout summer to absorb excess oil and sweat hygienically.
Thorough Cleansing
Sweat can mix with dirt, sunscreen, and oil, leading to clogged pores, breakouts and a dull complexion if not cleansed properly. A gentle but effective gel based cleanser should be used daily to ensure skin is thoroughly cleansed prior to sleep. Double cleansing beginning with an oil cleanser at night will ensure heavy duty SPF and waterproof makeup is dissolved prior to applying your leave on PM products.
Exfoliation a couple of times each week will help remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup, reducing risk of breakouts. Just be sure to use natural based, gentle cleansers and exfoliants that won’t cause excessive dryness or irritation. Although you are aiming to reduce oil, if you over-dry or irritate the skin it can cause it to go into oil overdrive as it attempts to balance your barrier.
Choose Sweat-Proof Mineral Sunscreen
Summer and sunscreen are non-negotiable, but choosing the wrong SPF can cause serious oil build-up. Water resistant sunscreens are designed to stay put when swimming and sweating, helping to protect your skin without adding to oil problems. Mineral sunscreens are also a great choice for oily or sensitive skin as they offer a natural barrier of protection without the long list of potentially irritating synthetic ingredients.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
We all know a healthy diet is best for our overall well being, but you might be surprised to learn that what you eat can also influence how much you sweat. Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can raise your body temperature and increase perspiration. The warm weather should make it easier to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables as we tend to crave cool, fresh food in the Summer heat. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, also promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.
Look for Natural Skincare Ingredients That Mattify the Skin
Nature offers a plethora of potent ingredients that can absorb excess oil, minimise shine, and balance skin without harsh chemicals. Here are some of the most effective natural ingredients to look out for in your skincare products.
Clay
Clay has been used for centuries as a purifying and oil-absorbing ingredient. Clays are known for their ability to draw out impurities and absorb excess oils from the skin’s surface, leaving the skin feeling smooth and matte.
Use a clay mask once or twice per week by applying to thoroughly cleansed skin using a mask brush. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Try These: LAMAV Firming Treatment Mask and Glow Beauty Mask
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, but it also has natural mattifying effects. Its gel-like consistency provides moisture without clogging pores, making it ideal for oily skin. Aloe vera also helps to balance sebum production, leaving the skin feeling fresh and non-greasy and offers soothing for summer sun-kissed skin.
Try This: LAMAV’s Skin Balancing Fluid for refreshingly lightweight hydration that balances the skin.
Probiotics
We all know that probiotic rich foods and supplements can support healthy digestion, but have you heard of probiotics in skincare? Probiotics are becoming more common in cleansers, moisturisers and toners thanks to their ability to balance skin microbiome, reduce inflammation and their positive impact on sebum production.
Try This: LAMAV Probiotic Toner
Jojoba Oil
Although it’s best to put the brakes on heavy face oils throughout summer, Jojoba oil is one to make an exception for. Jojoba has unique qualities that closely resemble the sebum naturally produced by our skin. So, it can actually help to regulate oil production and prevent the skin from overcompensating by producing more oil. It also has a non-greasy finish, making it an excellent moisturiser for dry skin in summer and oily skin in the cooler months.
Try This: LAMAV Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub
Rose Water
Rose water is a gentle toner that helps balance the skin’s pH while providing natural hydration. It is known for its ability to regulate oil production and improve skin tone. Rose water also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce irritation and redness associated with oily skin.
Try this: LAMAV Rose Mist Toner
Summer Mattifying Skincare Routine
Keep skin balanced, glowing and clear with our mattifying summer skincare routine below.
AM:
LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser or Bamboo Cleansing cloth with lukewarm water
LAMAV Probiotic Toner
LAMAV Skin Balancing Fluid
PM:
LAMAV Marula Oil Cleanser for makeup and SPF removal
LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser
LAMAV Probiotic Toner
LAMAV Skin Balancing Fluid
Treatments 2 times per week:
Mattifying Makeup
Makeup will literally melt off your face throughout summer if you choose the wrong products. When it comes to summer makeup, nothing beats Mineral Makeup.
Here’s why:
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Lightweight
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Breathable
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Naturally oil absorbing
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Contains natural SPF
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Easy to reapply for all day oil absorption
LAMAV’s Certified Organic Mineral Foundation is formulated with 100% pure minerals and infused with bio-actives to deliver skin health benefits as you wear it. Its lightweight, non-drying formula makes it ideal for all skin types, but is particularly beneficial for those experiencing excess oil and blemishes through the warmer months.
Pair it with LAMAV’s Mattifying Powder to set foundation, concealer and provide additional oil absorbing power to the oily areas of the face. The silky blend of lightweight minerals in this natural setting powder allows you to set makeup and blur imperfections without drying the skin. Your skin will look smooth and radiant without the heaviness.
While you can’t completely stop your body from sweating, there are plenty of ways to minimise its effects and keep your skin looking fresh during the summer months. By incorporating sweat-resistant skincare and makeup, staying hydrated, and following a Summer appropriate skincare routine, you can sweat-proof your skin and enjoy the sunny season minus the excess oil and sweat.