The intense sun and heat combination from a heatwave can create havoc on our skin, especially if we wear makeup regularly. Here, Tammy Richards from Pure Optical explains what our makeup is doing to our skin in a heatwave and offers advice on how to keep our skin safe and healthy.
While a heatwave can be exciting, especially in the UK when summers tend to last just a few days, the sun and heat combo can create havoc on our skin. “A heatwave can alter our skin’s natural oil production,” Health Practitioner and Skin Specialist Tammy Richards from Pure Optical explains. “Exposure to heat naturally means you sweat more frequently than usual, as your body works to cool you down. This sweat mixes with the bacteria and oil on your skin, thus causing breakouts.”
So, what happens when you add make up to the mix? Tammy explains the affects which make up causes on your skin, from foundation to mascara, and offers advice on how to safely wear makeup in a heatwave – without risking breakouts.
How does foundation affect our skin in a heatwave?
“Makeup impacts your skin’s ability to sweat and cool down,” Tammy explains. “Essentially, makeup acts as a cover on your face, forcing the skin to almost suffocate and retain all the oil and sweat which it produces in the heat. Wearing lots of makeup is not advised, as it can cause skin to become congested and built up with bacteria, resulting in more frequent blackheads and breakouts.”
If wearing foundation is unavoidable for you during a heatwave then there are some ways to ensure you can wear it comfortably, without risking breakouts. “Avoid foundations which have an oil-base, as this will only add to the excess oil and sweat which inevitably comes from sweating in the heat,” Tammy advises. “Instead, opt for cream or gel-based products, such as tinted moisturises or BB creams. Many of these also have a built in SPF, which will ensure your skin is kept safe from UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature ageing and even skin cancer.”
How does mascara affect our skin?
Bad news for all of those who love long lashes: wearing mascara in a heatwave can result in a build up of bacteria and an eye infection. “Mascara needs to be replaced regularly, more regularly than many people realise,” Tammy explains. “If you happen to be using an older mascara, one that is over six months old, then bacteria can build up in its container. Once you start sweating during the heatwave, the mascara and bacteria can then enter the eye, thus causing risk of infection.”
Tammy advises “make sure you replace your mascara at least once a year, if not more frequently, as the bacteria build up can result in nasty infections. Also, to avoid panda eyes, opt for a waterproof mascara instead.”
How should I prepare my skin for wearing makeup in a heatwave?
“Preparation is key when wearing makeup during a heatwave,” Tammy explains. “Firstly, exfoliating your face once or twice a week is important, as doing so unclogs pores by getting rid of any excess dirt and oily secretion. This will help in maintaining your skin’s freshness.”
Tammy continues, “begin your makeup routine by cleansing your skin thoroughly to remove any excess dirt and oil which may have built up since the last exfoliation. This step cannot be skipped, as this will ensure the makeup goes on smoothly and will sit well on the skin.”
Before applying your foundation straight away, Tammy also advises to opt for a decent SPF layer, to protect your skin from burns, early signs of ageing and skin cancer. “Make up, even heavy layers, will not act as a deterrent against the sun, and you may still find yourself with sun related ailments if you do not include SPF.
Article By Health Practitioner and Skin Specialist Tammy Richards at Pure Optical
