6 unwanted summer beauty issues (and how to treat them!)

We spend nine months of the year waiting for summer – the sunshine, longer days, warm weather and floaty dresses, but it’s a bit of a catch-22 when the same weather that begs for sleeveless tops, evening swims and bronzed limbs brings with it surprising and quite frankly, unwanted beauty issues.

Here we look at six of the less glamourous side effects of summer, and how to solve them in a pinch.

THE PROBLEM: CHAFING

Right, let’s get the most embarrassing out of the way first, shall we? Chafing is a common problem that many people experience during our steaming Aussie summer – and it’s not just our inner thighs that can fall victim to the chafe. It’s the result of friction between two surfaces, be it skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing contact, that causes a dry, flaky or inflamed irritation and can occur anywhere on the body – most commonly on the inner thighs, inner glutes, underarms and nipples.

THE FIX:

Fortunately, there are ways to not only prevent the chafe but also to heal sore and inflamed skin. Coconut oil or healing ointment will soothe and repair skin, and can be used on any part of the body.

Try these chafe-savers: QV Skincare Sport Chafing Cream, Lush Ultrabalm, Sudocrem Healing Cream

THE PROBLEM: BURNT SCALP

It’s one of those things you never think could happen, until you can’t blow-dry your hair without squealing in agony. Add in unsightly peeling and you’ve got one of the most distressing summer beauty problems.

THE FIX:

There are a number of things to do when faced with a burnt scalp: First, skip the clarifying and volumising shampoos and choose a moisturising one which will act as a lotion for your head. If your scalp is burnt down your usual part, switch this up while it heals, don’t pick when it peels and – it sounds obvious – but avoid heat. Adding additional heat to the area could result in permanent damage. Lastly, cover and protect. Wear a hat, pull your hair back and apply a light mist sunscreen. Just make sure it’s not going to leave your locks greasy.

Try these scalp saviours:Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Shampoo, The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo, Banana Boat Aloe Mist Spray, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Spray SPF50+

THE PROBLEM: CHAPPED, CRACKED LIPS

Summer is all about bright and bold lip colours, but they’re no good on chapped, cracked and dry lips. Exposure to the wind, sun, salt, heat and air con do you no favours, and only wreak havoc on your lips, so be prepared and remember to prevent – rather than treat – the issue. Don’t and you’ll risk burning, ageing and damaging your kissers, or if you’re super lucky, contracting a cold sore.

THE FIX:

Before you board that plane, head off for a day at the beach or steer that sailboat off into the windy sunset, think L-I-P-S. Protect and nourish with a moisturising lip balm that contains SPF, and refrain from licking them at all costs.

Try these pro-perfect pout products:Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Balm, ChapStick Natural Papaw Lip Balm, ViraproX Lip Balm

THE PROBLEM: OVER-CHLORINATED SKIN

A quick dip in the pool isn’t likely to leave your skin screaming for hydration, but over time, chlorine can certainly attribute to dryness. Swimming in chlorinated pools regularly can strip the surface layer of oil on your skin that locks in moisture and leave you with dry, cracked and sometimes itchy skin.

THE FIX:

The key is fast action after you exit the water. A quick rinse in the shower will wash away the harsh chemicals that dry out skin, then follow up with a thick and luxurious moisturiser to rehydrate and prevent your skin drying out further.

Try these moisturising must-haves: Clarins After Sun Moisturiser Ultra-Hydrating, L’OCCITANE Almond Milk Concentrate, Reef Coconut Body Butter

THE PROBLEM: BODY BREAKOUTS

Can’t put your finger on why you’re breaking out more than usual in this heat? The answer is simple: We sweat more. That combined with bacteria on the skin’s surface, plus the addition of some oily sunscreens can contribute to clogged pores.

THE FIX:

Your first line of defence against body breakouts is to get in the shower and scrub, scrub, scrub! Use a body wash that contains salicylic acid which penetrates the skin and dislodges oil and debris from your pores. Invest in a long-handles loofah for those hard-to-reach places, and follow up with an oil-reducing toner.

Try these breakout banishers: Natio Acne Clear Daily Purifying Body Cleanser, Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash, Eco Tools Bamboo Loofah brush, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner

THE PROBLEM: SORE FEET

Not surprisingly, our feet are our most commonly neglected body part, but they don’t have to be. Hitting the pavement, beach or boardwalk in sandals or barefoot on a hot summer’s day isn’t exactly easy going on our feet. The result? Blisters, burns, dryness and tough skin.

THE FIX:

With a little TLC, you can achieve smooth, soft and happy feet all summer long. Treat your toots to regular DIY pedicures, exfoliating treatments, and of course, supportive shoes.