Happy New Year, Scenic News readers! I hope you had an incredible Christmas and New Year. For me, it was spent doing absolutely nothing, and it was divine. My body and mind needed to stop. So I did.

Now, for many of us, summer holidays are coming to an end but the summer heat is just kicking in, and so are the effects on our skin.

On a daily basis during warmer and more humid days, the heat naturally encourages our skin to produce more sebum, creating oil and more than usual. And, if you happen to be a pool lover, that chlorine also sucks the moisture right out of your skin and more. It’s a harsh chemical, not designed to be kind or nourishing, it has a job and it does it. And let’s not forget the most common: UV rays! It’s damaging on a whole new level and the only thing that benefits from baking in it is a sundried tomato.

Key signs your skin needs some R’n’R could be:
- Normally oily skin will become more challenging, and breakouts will occur.
- Dry skin may feel really tight and uncomfortable.
- You may develop heat rash. Horrible, uncomfortable, painful – a sign your skin is screaming for moisture and hurting. And this may require professional medical advice.

Some basic sins to avoid if you can:
- Not drinking water
- Not applying sunscreen
- Not washing your hair after chlorine
- Not applying moisturiser to oily skin – sounds silly but true
- Applying Aloe Vera products with alcohol and chemicals in it
- Not washing your face

If you’ve been reading my columns for a while, you will know I don’t advocate giving things up that make you happy. For example, pool days, picnics in the park, or a solid walk with the dogs are all things to continue doing.

And some basic adjustments to your activities like the ones below may very well avoid the “skin sins” and help you discover what your skin needs to glow.

Try these Skin Helpers:
- Carry a 2L water bottle with you, everywhere. All day, every day. And actually drink it, please.
- Apply Aloe Vera in the morning and then pop on your moisturiser.
- Wash your hair, condition your hair and even pop on a deep conditioning hair masque after a pool day
- Your lips are exposed to so much – a lip treatment will be their best friend

My grandmother taught me when I was a kid that if I pinch the skin on the back of my hand and it doesn’t bounce back, I’m dehydrated and need some water stat. That woman was bossy, but she knew what she was talking about.

It’s great to be back, and till next time, spread that kindness like it’s jam on toast.

Rebecca