Want to achieve that perfect summer glow? Follow this simple 6-step skincare routine for an instant glow-up

There’s no better time than summer to be hypervigilant about your skin. We all know that the sun is a primary factor in skin ageing, but did you know that up to 90 per cent of UV rays can pass through the cloud cover? So even on those dull days, a broad-spectrum SPF is essential.

Meaghers Pharmacy (and of course, www.meaghers.ie) not only has an incredible selection of skincare brands to choose from, but they are also the ultimate skincare experts who know exactly how to guide you when shopping for new products.

Cleanse well

There’s absolutely no point in putting any of your amazing skincare products on to skin that is not prepped to accept it. Cleansing well, including some exfoliation, is the basis for every successful skincare routine. Exfoliating is the best way to remove dead skin cells that may be causing dullness on the surface of the skin and congestion in your pores. While mechanical exfoliation is great for the surface level, chemical exfoliants like lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid are a gentle way to go deeper, meaning your serums and moisturisers can work even harder for you.

Try it: Skingredients AHA Cleanse Brightening and Exfoliating Lactic Acid Cleanser, €31

Hydration is key

Make hydration a priority. Drinking as much water as you can is a no-brainer, but when it comes to skin, hyaluronic acid is the key player in terms of hydration. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum twice a day combined with a lightweight moisturiser will trap moisture in your skin instead of letting what is there seep out. We recommend applying it to damp skin to really up the absorption.

Try it: Pestle and Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, €43

Add an antioxidant

Antioxidants play a key role in the protection of your skin cells against damage. They defend against things like UV rays, environmental pollutants, and other free radicals that attack skin cells and increase visible signs of ageing. Starting to prevent lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven, dull skin begins with an antioxidant serum. Using one every morning, and also taking an antioxidant supplement, can help protect those precious cells and reduce the signs of ageing while also correcting some of these issues. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that should be included in every skincare routine.

Try it: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 30ml, €185 or Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Antioxidant 60 Capsules, €44

Go lighter

If you’ve got oily skin, you might be somewhat scared of oily products – you’ve no need to be, for most of the year. But summer months tend to bring more activity, possibly outdoors, warmer weather and more humidity, and this can make our skin pine for something lighter. Temporarily ditch the rich, oily products and opt for light layers of a lotion or a gel – or a lightweight cream if your skin is particularly dry.

Try it: Vichy Minéral 89 72 Hr Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Boosting Cream, €23

Sunless tanning only

According to the Irish Cancer Society, skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in Ireland. Luckily for us, there’s a way to reduce your risk of getting it, and that is to avoid tanning. That includes the dreaded sunbeds (which emit UV rays that can be 15 times stronger than the midday sun in a hot country) and being out in the sun for long periods, particularly without SPF. Always remember: your tan will fade but the damage will not. Repeat after us: the only safe tan is a fake tan.

Try it: SOSU Dripping Gold Luxury Tanning Mousse, €23.95

Protect yourself

We saved the best – or rather, most important – until last. If there’s one thing you should prioritise in your summer skincare routine, it’s finding an SPF that you can and will comfortably wear every single day. Overcast or not, sunscreen is essential, and choosing the right broad spectrum one is key. Find an SPF that you will use every day. UVA and UVB rays that are present even on the most overcast days can result in at worst, skin cancers and melanomas, and at best, visibly aged skin with dark spots, fine lines, and pigmentation. The Anthelios range from La Roche-Posay include some incredible SPF options for oily, combination, sensitive and dry skin types.

Try it: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream 50ml, €32

Visit Meaghers in store or online at www.meaghers.ie to shop the entire range of health, beauty and wellness products.