Summer skincare to keep you feeling cool and fresh
Photo: Claire Pepper
Having spent many a summer without adequate sun protection, my skin has been damaged. Sooner or later the small, dark patches on my forehead and cheeks will start to look like leopard print. But hey, now that I’m a grown-up I use a moisturiser with SPF30. One product I’m prepared to splurge on is Elemis’ Daily Defence Shield. For me, a moisturiser that is light, easily absorbed and fragrance-free is the holy grail of skincare. Plus, there’s the added bonus that Daily Defence comes in a 40ml tube, making it ideal for travel. And no-one needs 30 different products per day. Keep it simple with a cleanser, a serum and a moisturiser. Balance Me’s Vitamin C Repair Serum with hyaluronic acid is lightweight, lovely and has a delicate citrus fragrance. Another everyday, light moisturiser with SPF protection is Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Radiance Moisturiser. Creams that are too rich and heavy or too scented have never appealed, and this is something I am increasingly aware of as I age.
Vichy’s Idéal Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water (SPF 30) has been my discovery of the summer. A quick spritz before leaving the house is infinitely preferable to a gloopy, high protection cream that leaves me greasy and dripping with sweat. And that is probably why I have cycled without sun protection, for years. Beside my desk, as well as a constantly whirring electric fan, there are a couple of cooling sprays, including Mario Badescu’s lovely aloe, cucumber and green tea facial spray (also available in lavender – I can cope with natural smelling beauty products). One of my colleagues swears by Jurlique’s Rose Water Balancing Mist and says that the glass bottle seems to help the water stay cooler. For a spritz on the commute, try Avene’s Thermal Spring Water (from £3 for 50ml).
One hot weather essential is a lovely, refreshing cleanser to wash away the daily grime – impossible to avoid when you’re travelling around London. Balance Me’s Pure Skin Face Wash contains grapefruit, frankincense and camomile oils and smells fresh, lightly fruity and very summer-y. For a fragrance-free wash, I use Muji’s face soap. And then once in bed, I’ve been enjoying Vichy’s Neovadial Night Complex; designed for menopausal women this has a lovely cooling effect on the skin. Vichy’s complex contains hyaluronic acid, has a smooth, light consistency and is easily absorbed. Such a soothing experience before dropping off, which together with an open window and a glass of water has become a necessity on a sultry night.
*Some of these products have been gifted.
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Discussion (28 Comments)
Thanks for the recommendation, Helen. I’ve heard good things about Skinceuticals.
Gabrielle says:
All of these sound lovely. Having been hooked on the Nuxe sun range over the last couple of years, I have recently found La Roche-Posay 50+ Anthelios ultra non-perfumed cream. Brilliant if like me you have very sensitive eyes and sun intolerant Celtic skin.
Sue Metcalf says:
I agree that UV cream is a lovely – a little tacky initially but settles after being on the skin a bit. This range has helped my rosacea ++ too.
Candy says:
Agree. Their tinted sunscreen liquid is great too — recommended by my dermo as good for sensitive skin and won’t cause rosacea to flare
Gill says:
Just checked out Muji for the first time – amazing! Where have I been?
Skincare for menopausal women seems to be a growing trend. Is it different? Is it wirth it? Love to know what people think about this.
Alyson, I love the Caudalie range – since going teetotal a couple of years ago its the nearest I get to a glass of wine!
Betty says:
Shiseido’s Urban Defense used to be my go to – but they are stopping the production of it (why oh why do companies do that??). It was perfect, either at 30 or 50 SPF.
PS: Love your earrings! What brand are they? Completely gorgeous!
Thank you, Betty. The earrings are J.Crew (a collaboration with Lulu Frost several years ago).
Sara says:
Less concerned about the main topic and much more about that fab shirt (or dress? I hope not) that you are wearing, Alyson. You look so cool, in all senses of the word. Please don’t say it was a a little number from way back! The downside of repurposing your wardrobe……
I am a great believer in the wonderful, late lamented Anita Roddick of Body Shop fame who said all skincare is basically oil and water. Great common sense, so hats off to good old basic brands, all the more money for more exciting items.I always use Bodyshop eye makeup remover. The shirtdress was a Joseph sale bargain last summer, I noticed they had something similar this year….
https://thatsnotmyage.com/style-inspiration/what-to-wear-in-a-heatwave-its-the-summer-of-the-shirt-dress/Regina J Erekson says:
An overlooked great drugstore brand CeraVe has great products. Cetaphil cleanser is also beloved by experts. Both are suitable for sensitive skin. Something menopausal women and others experience. I think menopausal skincare is a marketing gimmick because that age group has the most money to invest.
Hi Regina, Thanks for your suggestions. I agree with you and am also sceptical about menopausal products but I genuinely liked this cream and it soothed my skin. I think if it’s effective and makes you feel good, then that’s OK.
Gerri says:
Thank you for the post. May I recommend a look at the Colorescience range? Have just discovered. Really terrific stuff.
All of these sound lovely. Having been hooked on the Nuxe sun range over the last couple of years, I have recently found La Roche-Posay 50+ Anthelios ultra non-perfumed cream. Brilliant if like me you have very sensitive eyes and sun intolerant Celtic skin.
Jaxx says:
I have super-sensitive skin since menopause and use Pai. It doesn’t aggravate my redness. It’s not widely available, but John Lewis has it. Camomile & Rosehip Calming Day Moisturiser, very lightweight, and Camellia and Rose Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. Aveda’s sun protection also doesn’t aggravate – Daily Light Guard Defence. I’m looking for a serum if anyone knows one. Pai’s didn’t work for me. For taking make-up off I like Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleanser Discs (from Liberty) as the pads are quick to use and they’re gentle but still take mascara off (even micellar water can make my redness flare up).
Mrs Tonia says:
Thanks Alyson for your suggestions of good products. I’m a fan of Caudalie Vinosource moisturiser but this summer have been using in day time Avene Hydrance moisturiser with SPF 20. And their sun spray 30 SPF on face and body with Roche Posay cream 30 SPF on limbs. All of which are excellent and have freed me from sun rashes. Sitting in hot sunshine on a staycation here I wear big sunglasses and a straw hat. Face is washed with a foam Nuxe cleanser for sensitive skin and makeup and sun cream removed with a Caudalie cleanser plus their Eau Micillaire. The best products for my skin with no irritation or dryness now. Highly recommend all these French pharmacy ranges which are widely available. Though more expensive now with the tanking pound euro exchange rate. But that’s a whole other topic.
Rhizophora says:
The best sun protection in my experience is to cover up. I wear a hat and a light-weight scarf to cover the décolletage. If I’ll be in the sun for a more extended period (more than 10 minutes) I’ll wear a light-weight long-sleeved shirt. (For cyclists like Alyson, there are even good hats to combine with cycling helmets!) For even more extended periods such as the endless days of fieldwork in my youth, hiking, gardening and long drives today, I even wear a pair of gloves. All to be removed when I’m at my destination. I’ve been doing this this 25 years, I’m now in my mid 40s and and my vigilance is paying off. I have a fun collection of hats that add style, although I have to admit that the gloves look more retro than stylish! I have lived in the desert for the past 12 years and have discovered that this is the best remedy for relentless sun. Perhaps in a more moderate clime I might be tempted to rely on sunscreen on occasion.
Maisie says:
I agree heavy sticky creams are a no- no , and I prefer a slightly medicinal smell for my skin care , rather than an overpowering scent. Just about everything I use comes from the pharmacy these days. Caudalie is fast becoming a favourite brand, I recently started using their Night Infusion Cream which if lovely and light for hot summer nights. Their cleansing oil is brilliant, the Nourishing Body Lotion has a light summery scent and the large bottle is lasting me ages. Also the Body Shop never disappoints, I buy their Hemp Hand cream on repeat, There’s nothing better.
I would love to try the Muji range you recommended, but although the prices are cheap, shipping to Europe is not.Susan says:
I’m an Angelina in London and I wear SPF 50 in summer, just like I did back in LA. Currently using Clinique Mineral Sunscreen. It’s very lightweight and the tiny bottle is great for travel, but of course it’s meant for the face only- you’d need something bigger if you went to the beach. Clinique was my first skincare as a teen, and I’m finding they do great products for mature skin too. I love the Moisture Surge moisturizer, available in a lightweight gel that I use in summer and a heavy duty rich cream for winter. The creamy chubby sticks are good makeup for mature skin.
I agree with you about Clinique dramatically different moisturiser. I’m still using the yellow original liquid one in a bottle or tube. Very good when layered over a serum in cooler months. They’ve even moved on to creating a new two in one version which I’ve got samples of to try.
The chubby sticks for cheeks are the perfect texture for blusher/rouge with enough sheen and no irritation. I mix the Rhubarb shade with the Rose one in general unless I’m in orange or pinker outfits. And the chubby sticks for lips in the sheer version or intense which is more pigmented are great lipsticks to wear on their own or layered over another lipstick or balm. Prices creeping up because of exchange rates but worth getting during Clinique promotion which samples and make up bags are provided with two purchases. One on right now. I’m sent the publicity material so I can keep track of when these take place.
Susanna Singer says:
I think I’m one of the rare women who is sensitive to hyaluronic acid, something which makes me sad because it’s in almost every product these days. But even the great LaRoche Posay moisturizer/sunscreen makes me break out in redness around the nose within days. Consequently I’m a big fan of CeraVe eye cream, plain argan oil, and Aveeno moisturizer/sunscreen for day wear – cheap and cheerful, I know, but they seems be the only things that work for me. Luckily I’m still able to use the fabulous cleanser and night cream from LaRoche Posay. Has anyone else had this issue with hyaluronic acid?
Ann Carroll says:
Hi Alyson,
I have so many allergies that I cant use any of the products mentioned but I use Moogoo “cover up baby” which I find blends easily and also acts as a type of makeup primer. by the way where did you get your sunglasses? they are fabHazel Abbott says:
Yes, I too am allergic to hyaluronic acid, retinol and pretty much any skin lotion that sounds like something from the school science lab. It does save money though as I look out for cheaper and less faffed-up lotions. Weleda Skin Food is a good moisturiser and I too am a fan of La Roche Posay factor 50+ sunscreens.
Fiona 
paula c. 
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Living in Spain, I require something stronger still. I strongly recommend Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defence SPF50 Universal Tint… just a bit of extra coverage. I have been using it for about five years now. No break outs ( I have a combination skin) and no burn. Just wear a bit of serum under it. I don’t bother with a moisturiser as well in this heat.