The key to managing oily skin during the warmer months

With temperatures soaring into the twenties and even thirties, there’s no doubt that our favourite season – Summer – is here. Each skin type reacts differently to the conditions outside, and those with oily skin need to stay extra vigilant and maintain good beauty habits to prevent their skin looking more shiny. Worst of all, summer is prime time for acne and blemishes to pop up on oily skin, which is on no one’s wishlist. Here, dermatologist and acne expert Dr Jo-Ann See shares her best advice for looking after oily skin as the warmer weather approaches.

Don’t get lazy with cleansing

There’s something about Summer that makes us want to simplify our skincare regimens. And whilst there’s nothing wrong with using a makeup wipe to clean your face, it shouldn’t be the only thing that you’re using. “I tend to advise people after using a face wipe to also wash their face with water to remove any chemicals from the face wipe,” says Dr See. “And, if you’re using retinol at night, you’ve got to remember to wash it off in the morning.” The reason for this is because retinol can sensitise your skin, making it more prone to burn when you’re in the sun.

For a gentle cleanse, you can’t go past micellar water which you can use on its own – you don’t even need water to rinse the product off. The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water Ultra Oily Skin is a cinch to use, not to mention, really gentle on skin. Pop a few drops onto a cotton or reusable microfiber pad and sweep it across your skin to collect dirt and debris.

As for something to use in the shower, a gel cleanser like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel Cleanser should be your calling. Its formula is boosted with thermal spring water to provide anti-inflammatory properties and zinc PCA to address bacteria which can cause acne, making it an essential for those with oily skin.

Switch to lighter textures

You’re likely to swap heavier knits for more airy singlets and t-shirts in summer, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your skin? “In summer, it’s hot and moist, so your skin is actually more naturally moisturised,” says Dr See. “You don’t want a heavier moisturiser because you don’t need to lock in that much moisturiser when your skin’s relatively hydrated.” So, it might be a good idea to look for lotion or gel textures rather than a thick and balmy cream this summer.

Steer clear of the sun

When the weather is nice and warm outside, you may be tempted to spend more time outside at the beach or pool. “Sun exposure is fine on arms and legs, but we should protect the face as much as possible,” says Dr See. “This is because the face is exposed everyday, and it doesn’t help with acne.”

Looking for a daily sunscreen? The La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ is the perfect summer companion, and has been specially designed with oily skin types in mind. The mattifying texture targets shininess, yet the texture remains lightweight – like you’re not wearing anything at all.

This article was written by Iantha Yu and sponsored by La Roche Posay