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Summer glow going already? Here are 14 of the best beauty buys to restore hair, skin and nails
By Hayley Spencer,
5 hours ago
A few swaps in your beauty regime and some rehydration can help repair summer damage. Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images
Summer was a bit of a washout in the UK, so who can blame us for making the most of it when the sun finally appeared? Of course, we all protected our hair and skin (didn’t we?), but still, damage gets done.
“After summer, your skin may suffer from dehydration due to moisture loss and a weakened skin barrier,” says Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of clinic, Self London “You may notice the development of hyperpigmentation: dark spots and uneven skin tone, and an acceleration of signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.”
Nails and hair suffer from sun damage too, from sun and chlorine to salt and extra dry – or extra humid – air. “These temporary changes can leave hair in a state of shock,” says Tom Smith, hair trend forecaster, “meaning that there can be some work to do to overcompensate for any damage caused.”
Happily, a few swaps in your beauty regime will help restore your skin, hair and nails, and also keep the holiday glow going. These are my fail-safes for a post-summer reboot for all skin and hair types.
Laneige lip sleeping mask
Everything from drinking to sweating can rub sunscreen off your lips, meaning they’re vulnerable to burning. To deeply hydrate them, try this cult overnight mask. It has a lovely balmy texture, is highly smoothing, and comes in several lovely scents. A mini silicone brush aids hygienic application.
Wearing open-toed shoes, or going barefoot, can strip the skin of its natural moisture and leave feet dry and flaky, says Zara Horrill, educator for the Gel Bottle nail varnish. The first step to restore them to softness is to use a quality foot file it on clean, dry feet to (gently) buff away hard skin or calluses. Beauty Pie’s has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to get a grip on.
Sweat, sunscreens and more time spent outside exposed to pollution can leave pores clogged; and the sun can leave skin drier. This deodorant-style stick with exfoliating glycolic acid and soothing shea butter is a godsend for rough patches, body spots or if you’re prone to KP (keratosis pilaris). I even have a dedicated stick just for my feet. Apply to clean soles a few times a week, let it sink in, then pop some socks on.
It might sound counterintuitive to exfoliate to hold on to your summer glow, but this gentle sugar scrub not only sloughs away dead skin cells and helps to remove debris that can clog pores, but it allows creams to penetrate more deeply, so skin stays hydrated, which will make it look healthier, less dull and therefore more glowing.
Tender, sun-exposed skin calls for something fragrance-free (to avoid any chance of irritation) and deeply moisturising. CeraVe’s cream is great for sensitive skin, feels cocooning, and is easily absorbed.
One of my favourite new launches for parched summer skin is this spray, which has an uplifting scent of rose and vanilla. The lightweight formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and soya bean extract, while aloe vera soothes.
If your face seems particularly sensitive or reactive to your normal products, there’s a good chance you’ve damaged your skin barrier from too much sun exposure. To restore lost ceramides (that work to maintain hydration) and give an instant boost of moisture, I rate Herbar’s silky soft, adaptogen-boosted cream for all skin types.
If your summer glow is already starting to fade, this new serum from Aussie-founded vegan tan brand Three Warriors will make you look like your skin is lit from within. It contains a unique blend natural Tasmanian kelp extract, hydrolysed collagen and niacinamide, and just the teeniest amount of tan. Use overnight a couple of times a week to keep your glow going and don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands after to avoid giveaway splodge marks.
After holidays, use a clarifying shampoo to lift all that residue, from suncream to sea water, from your hair. It might feel counterproductive when hair is dry, but it’ll help you reset your regime. Davines’ deep cleansing formula is perfect for a post-summer cleanse – and it’s vegan.
Blonde hair may need added SOS if too much sun or pool time has left it with a yellowish tinge. Beauty Pie’s purple shampoo (don’t be alarmed) is more moisture-rich than your average, and the shampoo’s violet tone works by neutralising brassiness. Mix in a squeeze with your deep cleansing shampoo or use it after on its own.
Sun and sea had left the ends of my hair feeling drier and more brittle than usual, but this repair mask has made my hair noticeably softer. Use it instead of conditioner once your hair is towel dried after your shower (it works well on all hair types, including curly), with particular focus on the lengths and ends. Leave to set for four minutes before adding your styling products. The patented peptide formula claims to “fill in” any “holes” in the hair’s structure to bring it back to life.
Just like your skin, your nails can become dehydrated by too much sun exposure. This cuticle serum by the queen of nail care, Margaret Dabbs, will sort out dryness or irritation in no time. It’s antibacterial as well as hydrating and has a pen-like nozzle so you can target the application.
According to Florence Johnson, co-owner of, Afro Hair Salon, the drying effect of sun on hair “can be particularly harmful for curly or afro hair types, which tend to be naturally drier.” After a clarifying shampoo, she recommends a steam treatment to bring back hydration. Steambar’s cap comes highly recommended for at-home treatments as it creates the optimal humidity to open the hair cuticle which aids in the absorption of treatments. Heat it for a minute and pop it on your crown over a hair mask for 20.
Not to be forgotten is to continue using a daily sunscreen – even in overcast weather – to protect your skin from further sun damage. This Alpha H serum, which combines skincare and protection, is my new obsession. It’s lightweight and the addition of niacinimide makes your skin look really glowy and can tighten pores for that coveted “glass skin” look.
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