Summer has officially made an appearance, with this week set to be the hottest week of 2020 so far with temperatures looking to reach a soaring 30C[1].
It is thought that if this heatwave lasts for two days or more, they can have a significant impact on people’s health[2].
Further to this, with research revealing getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer[3] and with many of us flocking to our local beaches, it’s so important we keep great care of our skin.
To help cope with the heatwave this week, here are a few things you can do[4]:
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Have cool baths and showers
- Stop rooms getting too hot by using shades or protective material outside the window
- Avoid the heat; stay out of the sun between 11am – 3pm
As well as this advice, we thought we would share with you a few key essentials you may want to add to your skincare bag, especially during this heatwave.
NEW Coconut Sun Lotion SPF 30, RRP was £7.00 NOW £5.00, LloydsPharmacy
Enriched with vitamin E, Solero Coconut Sun Lotion will nourish and moisturise the skin during this hot, sizzling heatwave, whilst giving you a taste of the tropics. High factor SPF30 and protection against UVA and UVB rays will keep your skin safe.
Oilatum Scalp Anti-dandruff Shampoo, RRP £9.49 for 100ml, Amazon
Oilatum Scalp Anti-dandruff Shampoo provides soothing relief from itchy, flaking scalps, including stubborn dandruff, especially during this week’s heatwave. The shampoo, which is suitable for all hair types, is specially formulated with ciclopirox olamine to clear unsightly flakes and reduce even stubborn dandruff.
To use, apply to wet hair and gently massage over the scalp to produce a lather. For best results, use twice a week and leave on for 3 – 5 minutes.
This product is colour free and pH balanced, meaning it’s gentle on itchy and flaky scalps.
NEW IN Vitaskin Vitamin A Daily Protect SPF Moisturiser, RRP £15
This hydrating SPF Moisturiser infused with botanical oils is the ideal day cream, particularly for those scorching hot days in the sun, as it combines both a mineral SPF and intense moisturising properties all in one product. Use alongside the Vitaskin Vitamin A range to give daily SPF protection and ultimate skin hydration.
Cetraben Natural Oatmeal Cream, RRP £6.99, Boots
If the heatwave is causing your eczema to flare-up or is making your skin hot and itchy, help is on hand.
Dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad says: “Some people may find that sunlight makes their eczema worse whereas others find it helps. If you have eczema or psoriasis you should keep your moisturiser in the fridge. This will ensure that the cream or emollient doesn’t melt and it will have an added cooling effect on the skin.”
Cetraben Natural Oatmeal Cream moisturises dry and sensitive skin, helping to soothe eczema. Provides 24 hour hydration and contains colloidal oatmeal, which can help stop the eczema itch and it can be left in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
- [1] https://www.itv.com/news/2020-06-22/heatwave-2020-on-the-way-lucy-verasamy-temperatures-30c-june/
- [2] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/
- [3] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/am-i-at-risk-of-sunburn
- [4] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/