Summer beauty is all about glowing cheeks, natural, air-dried hair and tanned, smooth limbs. Well, maybe in the pages of a glossy magazine – in reality, the average British woman gets heat rash in hot weather when she realises her usual beauty routine doesn’t stand up to direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Our summer beauty struggles may be embarrassing, but the good news is they’re not inevitable. From chub rubs to damp hair to excessive sweating, we asked the experts how to make this summer less of a struggle.
When the weather is hot, the average British woman gets heat rash because she finds that her usual beauty routine does not stand up to direct sunlight and high temperatures.
That’s the problem
As offensive as the term “chub rub” may be, most of us are familiar with the painful chafing that can occur when you have bare legs, sweat a little, and walk a lot. But did you know there’s a medical name for it, too?
“Intertrigo, the fancy name for chafing, occurs when skin rubs against skin and becomes sore and inflamed,” explains Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa, founder of the skin care advice website Joyful Skin.
Prevention is of course better than cure, so focus on reducing both friction and moisture. “Try a cream that acts as a barrier and prevents chafing, such as Megababe Anti-Friction Stick or Vaseline,” advises Dr Sophie Momen, a consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck private clinic. “If excessive sweating is a contributing factor, then look for antiperspirants (which contain aluminium chloride) such as Driclor or Glycopyrronium wipes.” If all else fails, invest in anti-chafing underwear or shapewear that prevents friction – Marks and Spencer and Snag Tights both sell shorts that you can wear under dresses and skirts that will help you avoid the stinging.
Hair is a hot mess
A good trick is to apply dry shampoo to clean hair before going to bed and then brush it out in the morning.
Hot and damaged hair can develop in two ways: it can become frizzy into an unruly cloud, or it can become limp and lifeless due to excess sweat and sebum.
Frizz is caused by humidity in the air penetrating the hair strands and breaking down their structure. To manage frizzy hair, it’s important to use products that moisturize and protect against water in the air, says trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, ambassador for UKLASH. Avoid washing too often, as this can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and frizz, says Hannah.
Use an anti-frizz serum or leave-in conditioner. The K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask or Damage Shield, which also protects against UV rays, are good options, says Lydia Wolfe, co-founder of Jack & the Wolfe salon in Hampshire. Also try drying your hair with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. “These materials are less abrasive than regular towels and reduce the frizz caused by rough drying,” says Hannah.
If you’re more concerned about an oil slick, use dry shampoo as a preventative measure rather than waiting for the oil to show up. A good trick is to apply dry shampoo to clean hair before bed, then brush it out in the morning.
Strawberry legs and arms
Nothing reminds us of summer more than strawberries with cream – and unfortunately also of “strawberry skin”, which is also known as keratosis pilaris.
“Keratosis pilaris is a very common form of dry skin characterised by flaking of the hair follicles, resulting in small, rough bumps that resemble goosebumps and typically appear on the upper arms and thighs,” says Dr Ellie Rashid, a consultant dermatologist at OneWelbeck. “It is a genetic condition that occurs when keratin, a protein that makes up our skin, builds up and clogs the hair follicles.”
It’s harmless, but unsightly if you were hoping to show off smooth legs in the sun.
Products containing salicylic acid – such as CeraVe SA Cream and The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid – creams containing urea (including Eucerin 10%), and products containing lactic acid or topical retinoids – such as Environ Body EssentiA Alpha Hydroxy Derma Lac Lotion and Environ Body EssentiA Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil – can help smooth skin.
Makeup breakdown
The answer is not to apply ever heavier products, but to take a “less is more” approach to foundation.
A combination of extra sweat and oil on the face and around the hairline can often cause foundation and mascara to fail.
“This happens more often in humid weather when the skin produces more oil and sweat. This mixture can create a slippery surface that destroys makeup, especially mascara,” notes Shenaz Sharrif, founder of the Face and Body Clinic in London.
The solution is not to apply ever heavier products, but to take a “less is more” approach to foundation, she says.
“It’s usually better to use lightweight products and reapply as needed.” Shenaz recommends thoroughly cleansing with a gentle, oil-controlling cleanser before applying a mattifying primer, followed by a lightweight, oil-free foundation or tinted moisturizer.
Translucent powder or blotting paper in your purse can be used to absorb excess oil throughout the day without affecting your makeup, Shenaz adds. She recommends a heavier formula for the eyes to avoid the raccoon look. “And finally, don’t touch your face too often, as this can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your face, causing your makeup to wear off faster.”
Up to date
As if damp armpits and a feverish forehead weren’t bad enough when temperatures rise, the area under the breasts can also become a problem for anyone with a cup size above B.
“Breast sweat is created in the same way as armpit sweat, but breast sweat is different because the skin contact under the breasts traps the moisture and prevents it from evaporating,” says Dr. Ellie Rashid. Not only is this uncomfortable, but the lack of evaporation can also quickly become visible through clothing.
How to deal with it? Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and invest in a breast-specific anti-sweat powder like Megababe Bust Dust. Another trick is to use a disposable nursing pad, typically used by breastfeeding mothers, to discreetly absorb sweat, adds Dr. Rashid.
If you find excessive underarm sweating unbearable, Dr. Momen says treatments like Botox are also an option. This blocks the nerve signals that tell the sweat glands to become active.
Turn your back on back acne
Acne can occur at any age – and body acne, especially on the back and buttocks, can be unsightly, painful and particularly difficult to remove. Not the best bikini accessory.
“Body acne occurs for similar reasons as facial acne,” says Dr. Mahsa Saleki, aesthetic doctor and founder of SAS Aesthetics. “The hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. However, body acne can be more likely caused by friction from clothing, sweating and physical activity.”
That means your clothes can make a real difference. “Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce friction and sweat buildup, and shower immediately after sweating,” says Dr. Saleki.
Please stop wearing the same leggings to brunch after yoga! When washing, use an acne-fighting cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—Acnecide and Blemicalm Spray by FaceTheory are some experts’ favorites.
