When we think about summer skincare, our first thought is usually sun protection. And while SPF is absolutely essential, warmer weather can also leave our skin feeling surprisingly thirsty.

Sunshine, heat, travel, air conditioning and spending more time outdoors can all contribute to dehydration. And remember, dehydrated skin is not necessarily dry skin. Even skin that feels warm, shiny or oily can still be lacking in water.

The good news is that summer hydration doesn’t need to mean applying lots of heavy creams. Light, cooling layers can often be exactly what your skin is asking for.

Keep Your Cool with TONING ESSENCE

One of my favourite summer skincare tips is to keep a bottle of TONING ESSENCE nearby and spritz it over your face whenever your skin needs a little refresh.

Pop it in the fridge for an especially lovely cooling mist on hot days, or keep one close by in your handbag or desk drawer.

It’s also useful to have in the car when you’re out and about, although I wouldn’t leave skincare products sitting in a very hot parked car for long periods.

As well as feeling wonderfully refreshing, TONING ESSENCE is alcohol-free, so it helps to hydrate and rebalance rather than leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped.

After misting, apply your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to help hold onto that lovely hydration.

TONING ESSENCE is £25.

Give Thirsty Skin a QUENCH

For a more intensive moisture boost, QUENCH is a fabulous mask to have at home.

It is deeply hydrating, cooling and calming, making it particularly lovely after time spent outdoors, or whenever your skin feels hot, tight, thirsty or uncomfortable.

It can also be used after sun exposure to help replenish and soothe the skin. Just remember that freshly sun-exposed or irritated skin needs gentle, calming care rather than exfoliation or scrubbing.

This month, QUENCH is available for just £20, saving £18, when you spend £50.

It’s a great opportunity to add a proper hydration treatment to your summer routine, especially when your skin needs more than a quick spritz or everyday moisturiser can provide.

Buff Before You Bronze

Regular body exfoliation helps to remove dull, dry surface skin, leaving your body feeling smoother and helping both natural and false tans look more even.

SUGAR BUFF ZEST is a gorgeous summer choice. Its uplifting, zesty aroma makes it feel fresh and energising, while the sugar-based exfoliation leaves the skin beautifully smooth.

You may also recognise it from my AIR Four Elements therapy, where I used it as part of the invigorating body-polish ritual.

AIR may have passed for this year, but SUGAR BUFF ZEST is still available for recreating a little of that fresh, awakened feeling at home.

SUGAR BUFF ZEST is £32.

Before applying self-tan, exfoliate the day before rather than immediately beforehand, concentrating particularly on elbows, knees, ankles and feet.

Follow with moisturiser and allow it to absorb fully before tanning.

Avoid exfoliating skin that feels hot, sore, pink or irritated after sun exposure. At that point, the priority should always be cooling, calming and replenishing.

SPF Is an Everyday Essential

SPF isn’t just for beach days or holidays abroad.

Our skin is exposed while we are gardening, walking, driving, sitting outside with a coffee or simply going about an ordinary summer day.

Apply SPF generously to your face and body before heading outside and remember to reapply when spending extended time outdoors, particularly after swimming, sweating or towelling.

Don’t forget the areas that are so easily missed, including your ears, neck, décolleté, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet.

The DEFENCE DUO is still available for £63, saving £20, and gives you sun protection for both your face and body.

It’s an easy way to make SPF part of your everyday summer routine rather than something you only remember when you’re packing a suitcase.

Calm and Comfort with PEACE BE STILL

After cleansing away your SPF at the end of the day, follow with a generous layer of body moisturiser.

PEACE BE STILL is my future husband’s favourite. Graham uses it throughout the year, but it really comes into its own during summer.

It’s lightweight, calming and comforting, making it beautiful as an everyday body moisturiser and especially lovely after sun exposure.

Massage it into clean skin after your shower, ideally while the skin is still slightly damp, to help leave your body feeling soft, soothed and replenished.

PEACE BE STILL is £21 for 150ml or £32 for 300ml.