Summer is nearly over and, while we feel we were cheated on the vitamin D front this year, the season still took its toll on our skin. Whether you ventured to sunnier climes or stayed put, there are plenty of ways summer can do its damage. "The typical signs of summer-damaged skin are redness, roughness and pigmentation," Dr. Ronald Moy, founder of DNA Renewal, tells me. "Redness (or sunburn) and roughness are both signs of DNA damage to the skin, while scaliness, redness and roughness can be actinic keratosis, which are pre-cancerous lesions. Increased pigmentation can also be a typical sign." Yikes. While we're in a committed relationship with our SPF, there are days that can catch you off-guard, and even elements like temperature change (read: sweatiness) and city pollution can challenge your skin in the summer months.
So while prevention is always better ("A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also a solid foundation in healthy skin and in preventing skin cancer," Moy says), if your skincare regime took a back seat to the Aperol Spritz and sea swims, now is the time to focus on restoration and renewal. Facial peels eat away at dead skin, meaning you're left with a new, bouncy, fresh visage, but the key is also to give your damaged skin a bit of TLC.
Ahead, we've selected the products we reach for when we've put skincare on the back burner, from hydrating moisturisers to intensive serums.
Soothing, replenishing and comforting, we apply this cream on hangovers, when we're working late, or after a 24-hour cold – it brings you back to life, making it the perfect post-sunbathing trick.
Elemis S.O.S Emergency Cream, £55, available at lookfantastic.com
Imagine a complete beauty overhaul to take you into Autumn! We're giving away a bundle of the best goodies from lookfantastic.com! Enter online here before midnight on the 19th of September.
The brand's patented Trio-Molecular® formula (where three molecules work together to oxygenate, energise and regenerate the skin) is at the centre of all its products. This gel is really soothing on face and body after a long day in the sun.
Eisenberg Paris S.O.S After Sun Mask Face & Body, £40, available at Eisenberg
Dr. Moy's pioneering research means that DNA Renewal products are science-backed and effective. This cleanser not only revives weatherbeaten skin but removes every single trace of makeup, too.
DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser, £17.50, available at Cult Beauty
This balm is 100% natural – think shea butter, avocado oils and jojoba. It melts into parched skin, and hydrates while prolonging your sun-kissed look.
Decléor High Repair After Sun Balm For Face, £33.50, available at House Of Fraser
Intensely moisturising, this rescue remedy tackles the dreaded leathery look of too many rays. A vegetable-derived emollient, Omega9XEster, works to restore skin's supple texture.
Time Bomb Over Exposed Sun Damage Rescue, £24, available at lookfantastic.com
Imagine a complete beauty overhaul to take you into Autumn! We're giving away a bundle of the best goodies from lookfantastic.com! Enter online here before midnight on the 19th of September.
We could wax lyrical about Tata Harper's farm-to-face products all day, but this moisturiser is a key product for those looking for some real restoration post-sunshine.
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturiser, £94, available at Cult Beauty
Mario Badescu's lightweight formula makes this perfect for any skin type, while vitamin C and ascorbic acid wake up tired and sun-damaged complexions.
Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer With Vitamin C, £18.50, available at Beauty Bay
More snail mucin here, this time in the form of a fun mask. Cooling on application, skin becomes supple and softer when you remove the mask.
TONYMOLY Intense Care Snail Hydro-Gel Mask, £8.50, available at Cult Beauty
This serum is silicone-free, and acts as a barrier between your skin and nasty environmental aggressors. Neutralising toxins, we apply before SPF and moisturiser, but it also works as a post-summer treat for skin, improving texture and brightening your visage.
Soleil Toujours After Sun Rescue + Repair Brightening Serum, £98, available at Cult Beauty
This intensive night treatment works wonders. With 100% organic ingredients, it sends skin into repair mode, boosting fatty acids and restructuring the epidermis.
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Repair Night Oil, £55, available at Cult Beauty
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Sephora's Bestselling Product Has Just Landed In The UK