With the annual wrangle of whether or not the British summer will arrive, we know what readers of this piece are thinking: what possible need could there be for fine-weather skincare, when the climes seem so underwhelming? In theory, overhanging clouds and brief patches of blue don’t generally tend to signal a boost to the sun-centred sector of the grooming industry – and we’d wager you’ve spent less time lounging outside this year than you have on your spring-season commute. The French Riviera, the UK is not.
Yet, that shouldn’t mean the sun can’t peak out with barely a second to discard the Burberry mac, unfold the Persols and unsheathe the factor 30. So, this summer, to ensure that you finally circumvent any blistered shoulders; blotchy, unflattering salmon-pink sheens; dry complexions; and a general feeling of being oppressed from any hot and heady days, here are some of the best grooming items to store in your to-go bag right now…
Create a base layer with a proper SPF
Ah, the aforementioned salmon-pink sheen. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, in all that fiery discomfort. To take preventative action against any pain and flare up, we’ve rounded up a handful of the most premium SPF blocks you can buy now.
You could start by liberally slathering on a layer of Malin+Goetz’s SPF30 High Protection Sunscreen, which is vegan-friendly, works on all skin types, and is water-resistant – we’re also drawn to the pared-back packaging whose orange typography speaks of brighter days. In an equally punchy bottle is La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid, which has a higher SPF, at 50+, and is made with a featherweight yet luscious feel that’s angled towards those with sensitive skin. Perhaps the most luxe option you can reach for, though, comes courtesy of skincare doyen La Mer – its Protecting Fluid keeps your skin hydrated while working to prevent any future discolouration.
Scrub off the day with an easygoing exfoliator
After you’ve spent all day working on that golden glow, perspiring in the balmy heat, letting your sunblock trickle across your skin, it’s time to get rid of the detritus when you get back home. In this case, we’d nudge you towards an exfoliator – but, with your skin in a delicate place, opt for something gentle and don’t scrub away the day’s debris with too much vigour.
Boutique Margate label Haeckels proffers a Salicylic Exfoliating Powder that mixes hand-harvested seaweed with walnut shell powder and willow bark powder, ingredients that aid the removal of dead and fatigued skin cells with minimal irritation. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Facial Scrub is aimed for those with sensitive complexions, and the combination of silk extract, shea butter and sweet almond oil not only stimulates blood circulation, but encourages skin renewal, too. For those giving their hands a workout in the sun by toggling on their smartphones all day, Diptyque’s Exfoliating Hand Wash, fragranced by ground olive stones, will soften out your palms and fingers.
Wash away any final remnants
Like with your normal grooming routine, follow a soothing exfoliation with a face wash that will clear away those remaining impurities. With your skin probably having had plenty of moisture and energy sapped away after a few hours exposed to the sun, opt for a wash with hydrating, reviving properties.
A perennially popular item is Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, which features lemon-and-orange extracts that awaken the skin and leave it feeling cool and crisp, and we’d also recommend Heath’s Face Wash as it eschews parabens and sulphates in favour of black lava and activated charcoal. Centred around pumice, Acqua di Parma’s wash is a fuss-free, easygoing addition to your grooming cabinet as it’s designed to not create a foam or a froth.
Add some hydration back in with a new line of defence
If you’re poolside or taking a dip in the Med, a day in the sun, when combined with the drying properties of saltwater or chlorine, can leave things feeling (and looking) parched. Once you’ve done your scrubbing and cleansing, start the reparative process by pumping some hydration and skin-boosting ingredients, such as collagen, back into your look.
Aesop, the go-to grooming label for globetrotters and trendsetters, offers myriad ways to nourish your body; a favourite of ours is the Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm, a viscous but easily absorbent concoction that is replete with macadamia nut, sandalwood oils and vanilla. Dr Sebagh, a cosmetic expert that uses cutting-edge technology, has a Skin Perfecting Mask said to regulate your oil production while softening the skin and tightening pores. And, finally, Susanne Kaufmann‘s Hypersensitive Body Lotion draws upon sunflower- and broccoli-seed oils that nourish and protect – just the thing for a hot, dry day.
Looking for a sunny destination to make all these aftersun purchases worthwhile? These are the 50 hotels every gentleman should visit before he dies…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Gentlemen's Journal is happy to partner with The Prince’s Trust RISE campaign, which is working to create a network of young adults aged between 21-45, who are passionate about social mobility. You can become a Prince’s Trust Riser by donating just £20 per month to the scheme.
Further reading
Rough ’n’ ready: tackle the great outdoors with Crockett & Jones’s new high-performing silhouettes
Fit and flair: Oliver Brown’s bespoke service does away with luxury’s gimmicks
