The 10 best skincare tips to stop your makeup sliding off in the heatwave

Nothing says all of my products are sliding off my face and I’ve got acne all over my forehead like a week of 30C weather – and this round of heatwave hell has even the most committed skincare aficionados giving up on adding any extra layers of product to their skin. Suddenly, Pamela Anderson’s makeup-free approach to existence seems very wise.

So, whether you’re breaking out, looking puffy, or can’t keep your foundation on for longer than five minutes, these are the tips that celebrated facialist Joanne Evans and skincare practitioner Dr Maryam Zamani recommend to keep your skin healthy and happy when it’s (really) hot.

Avoid heavy creams

As much as we want to give our skin a much-needed drink, Evans and Zamani advise opting for a lightweight moisturiser or gel cream as, in hot and humid weather, heavy creams can trap heat, sweat and sebum on the skin, which increases the likelihood of a breakout.

That said, not all skin is the same: “Some still need heavier creams even in summer and that is perfectly fine as well. My perimenopausal skin still drinks up rich moisturiser without clogging my skin,” notes Zamani.

Look after your skin barrier

When it’s hot, our skin barrier is under extra stress from sweating, water loss and high UV, which can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, says Evans.

“Heat increases trans epidermal water loss, so opt for products such as the Mesoprotech Water Veil, which includes hyaluronic acid and has an ultra-light gel-cream texture with the added benefit of very high photo protection,” she says.

Zamani recommends wearing SPF and avoiding over-exfoliation and excessively hot showers, which can strip the skin of its natural lipids. She also suggests using a pH-balanced cleanser and a moisturiser that contains ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane, or niacinamide.

Reduce retinols

Although you don’t have to avoid actives altogether when it’s hot (niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Azelaic acid, Vitamin C, panthenol and peptides are all fine), it’s advisable to reduce retinoids to once or twice a week, apply in the evenings, follow with a nourishing moisturiser and stop if there’s any sensitivity or irritation, says Evans.

“Although if skin has no signs of irritation like flaking or peeling, maintaining your retinoids is fine,” adds Zamani.

Keep creams cool

If there’s one thing that’s going to make you less likely to slather on products, it’s if they’re also the temperature of the centre of the sun, so keep your creams in a cool place and some of them – like eye creams, sheet masks, facial mists, and gel moisturisers – in the fridge.

“However, most skincare products are formulated to remain stable at room temperature. Refrigerating products unnecessarily can alter the texture of some formulations, particularly oils and creams,” says Zamani. “Unless the manufacturer recommends refrigeration, storing products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is perfectly sufficient.”

Creams like the Dr. LEVY Switzerland Freezing Anti-Fatigue Mask are perfect to cool the skin straight out of the fridge.

Lock in moisture while skin is still damp

Evans says that hyaluronic acid can absorb even better if applied to damp skin after cleansing. Then, to cool down a bit, sit in front of your fan to cool down and wait before applying SPF. “Serums should be used first, followed by moisturisers to lock in the moisture and then sunscreen as the final step,” she says.

“If you shower in the morning, complete your skincare routine within a few minutes of stepping out,” adds Zamani. “At night, cleanse away sunscreen, sweat, pollution, and makeup before applying your evening products.”

Reapply regularly

As much as it can feel counterintuitive to pile on more product, adding thin layers frequently can keep your skin in the best condition – particularly when it comes to sun protection, which both experts emphasise is the only non-negotiable element on this list.

“If you are outdoors, driving, exercising, or sitting near windows, reapply every two hours. If you are mostly indoors with minimal sun exposure, one morning application is often sufficient, although I still recommend reapplying before spending time outside later in the day,” says Zamani.

“SPF spray is a great one for the city,” adds Evans. “It’s not as good [as a cream] but it’s better than not reapplying.”

Pop an antihistamine

Skin can get irritated in the summer from all of the heat, sweat or sunscreen. As well as cleansing, it can be a good idea to wash with cool or cold water – or even an ice bath for the face – for oilier or acne-prone skin. “I would just use something really lightweight,” says Evans of subsequent products. “A good extra if all else fails are antihistamines, which are good to introduce for anti-inflammatory reasons.”

Go easy on the foundation

In the hot weather, heavy makeup can make the skin congested and irritated as sweat builds. “I suggest opting for a lightweight tinted moisturiser or medium-build coverage if needed,” says Evans, who recommends the Et Al Intelligent Radiance Foundation or the tinted SPF Mesoestetics 130+ for those with pigmentation and Aveen for sensitive skin.

Slowly does it

Rather than rushing to slap on your products, it’s important to take your time to let each layer of skincare sink in to make the outcome long-lasting and prevent pilling. Then, when adding foundation, do so in thin layers.

“Mineral powders are great, primers for mattifying will keep things in place, also spritzing really helps refresh and keep makeup in place if you have more thirsty skin,” says Evans.

“Preparation is everything,” Zamani adds. “Throughout the day, blotting papers are preferable to repeatedly applying powder, as they remove excess oil without creating a cakey finish. In summer, the most natural-looking makeup is usually the one that enhances healthy skin rather than masking it.”

Never skip a gentle double cleanse

At the end of the day, it’s important to get all of the gunk off of your face to avoid congestion. Evans recommends cleansing with an oil-based product first to remove the SPF, then doing a second cleanse with a gel or BioEffect Micellar Cleansing Water in order to get rid of the remnants.

“This is key to removing all the suncream, makeup, sweat and pollution and supporting the skin barrier further,” she explains. Meanwhile, Zamani emphasises the importance of removing sweat promptly after exercise and changing pillow cases regularly.