What Has Summer Done to Your Skin & Nails?

I think we can all agree that this summer has been a bit of a scorcher!

After that heatwave, plenty of sunshine, hot nights and the general busyness that comes with summer, you might be starting to notice that your skin, nails, hands and feet aren't quite feeling like themselves anymore.

Summer can be wonderful, but it can also be surprisingly hard on us from head to toe and now that September has arrived, it's a really good time to take a little look at what your body might need as we move into autumn.

Your skin after summer

Our skin has certainly had a lot to deal with over the summer months. Sun exposure, heat, sunscreen, swimming and simply being outside more can all affect how it looks and feels.

You might notice that your skin feels drier than usual, looks a little dull or feels dehydrated. For some people, the combination of heat, sweat and sunscreen can also leave skin feeling more congested or unsettled.

That doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with your skin. It may simply be asking for a little extra attention.

This is where a bespoke facial can be lovely, rather than taking a one size fits all approach, your skin can be looked at and the treatment tailored around what it needs at that particular time.

Of course, there is also the added bonus of lying down, closing your eyes and letting someone else take care of you for a while. I think we could all do with a bit of that after summer!

What about your hands and nails?

Our hands have probably been working hard too.

Gardening, holidays, swimming, sunscreen, washing your hands more frequently and all those little everyday jobs can leave hands feeling dry, while nails and cuticles can become a little neglected.

Summer can also be a time when we don't think quite so much about our nails. We might be outside more, doing more with our hands or simply letting our usual routines slide while we are enjoying the holidays.

September is a lovely opportunity to get them feeling cared for again.

A good manicure isn't just about having pretty nails. It's also about giving your hands and cuticles some attention and leaving them feeling soft, nourished and looked after.

And let's not forget your feet!

If your feet have spent most of the summer living in sandals, flip flops or going barefoot, they might be ready for some TLC too.

Heat, dry weather and walking around in open footwear can leave feet feeling dry and rough, while holidays, swimming and being generally more active can all take their toll.

Sometimes our feet don't need anything complicated. They just need someone to give them a little attention.

A luxury pedicure can be a lovely way to get them feeling soft and cared for again, while giving you a chance to sit down and relax at the same time.

Autumn is a good time to start again

I always think September is an interesting time of year because we are moving from one season into another.

The summer routine is coming to an end, school and work routines are returning and we are starting to spend a little more time indoors again.

It's also a good opportunity to think about what you want your beauty routine to look like for the next few months.

You don't need to completely change everything or suddenly start doing ten different things.

Sometimes it's simply about noticing what needs a little attention and giving it some.

Maybe your skin needs a refresh after the heatwave. Perhaps your nails have been neglected over the summer or your feet are crying out for some proper TLC.

Or maybe, after a busy few months, what you really need is an hour where you can sit down and let somebody else take care of you.

Your autumn reminder

You don't have to wait until something is really bothering you before you give it some attention.

Sometimes September is simply the perfect time to pause, check in with yourself and think, “What do I need right now?”