6 Beauty Hacks For Surviving the Summer Heat, According to the Experts

I don't know about you, but when temperatures soar, my skincare routine falls apart faster than an election promise. Between dehydrated skin, excess oil, sweat, clogged pores and the constant need to reapply SPF, keeping my complexion happy in the heat can feel like a full-time job.

'The issue', says Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatolgoist and founder of Self London, 'is that heat increases oil production, dilates blood vessels (making redness worse) and can trigger dehydration paradoxically - so your skin loses water faster even as it feels oily. Add in sweat, makeup breakdown and friction and you've got a recipe for congestion and irritation.'

It's why I called upon Dr Mahto, as well as some other leading skincare experts, to share the simple changes they recommend for keeping skin healthy, balanced and glowing throughout the hottest days of summer. Ahead, discover six expert-backed tips that will help your complexion thrive, no matter how high the temperature climbs.

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6 Beauty Tips For Surviving the Summer Heat:

1. Avoid Heavy Creams

A big fan of Charlotte Tilbury Magic cream, it's something I have to press pause on during a heat wave. Dr Mahto tells me that's because 'heavy creams sit on the skin uncomfortably.' Instead she clarifies more often that not, 'a gentle cleanser and a non-greasy SPF are enough'. Good to know.

2. Protect Your Barrier

Many people assume their skincare products have stopped working during a heatwave but the picture isn't quite accurate. 'In reality, it's often the air conditioning drawing moisture out of the skin,' reveals Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a London-based medical aesthetic practitioner.

She adds 'as humidity drops, the skin loses water more easily, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Those who have sensitive skin because are much more vulnerable to moisture loss in air-conditioned environments.'

While it's tempting to reach for more skincare products, supporting the skin barrier is key, with a simple routine, regular moisturising and staying hydrated is usually far more effective.

3. Skip Actives

Along with many of you, retinol and acids are part and parcel of my skincare routine, but Dr Mahto advises giving them a miss, especially if your skin is reacting to the heat.

Instead, I've been reaching for niacinamide-based products, which help boost radiance, minimise the appearance of pores and strengthen the skin barrier. Bakuchiol is also a plant-based alternative to retinol that is well suited to sensitive skin and is proven to work in the same way, minus the irritation.

4. Always Reapply SPF

So many people apply SPF as part of their morning routine and then completely forget about it for the rest of the day, but sun protection isn't a one-and-done step. When the UV index in high, SPF is even more vital. 'A mist makes reapplication incredibly easy, especially if you're wearing makeup,' advises skincare expert Anel Lamaine, founder of Skin By Anel Lamine.

5. Keep Your Moisturiser In the Fridge

This easy hack is totally worth is as it feels so satisfying applying a cool gel moisturiser or sheet mask to my face. Dr Mahto also adds that it's worth 'using a cool compress in the evening' and I'm a fan of keep my cryo tools in the fridge and massaging over my face and down my neck before I go to bed.

6.  Apply Skincare ASAP After Showering

Not to rush you, but dermatologist Dr Athalye says that this tricks help seal moisture and improves product absorption. 'One of the most impactful skincare habits in summer is the one most people skip: applying a barrier-supportive product immediately after cleansing or showering, before the skin has fully dried. That short window is when the skin is most receptive to repair.'

She adds, 'look for plant-based oils with a fatty acid profile compatible with the skin’s own lipid structure, such as coconut oil or manuka leaf oil. These support barrier repair while helping to address the bacterial environment on the skin’s surface that can interrupt healing.'