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Six habits that are ruining your skin. There are a number of ways your skin can be damaged during the warmer months, from the sun to the use of certain fragranced products. Kimberley Medd, Clinic Lead at Face the Future, has revealed six habits that could be damaging your skin over the summer months. Heavy ingredients Summer is when your skin is most likely to benefit from light, simple products. ”One of the biggest mistakes people make during summer is continuing to use heavy moisturisers or skincare products formulated with occlusive ingredients.” "They can trap sweat and sebum in the pores when temperatures rise, leading to clogged pores and dreaded breakouts.” "Instead, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy residue.” Skipping SPF Sunscreen is an important part of your daily skincare routine. ”Sunscreen is non-negotiable year-round, but it's especially crucial during the summer months when UV radiation is at its peak.” "Unfortunately, many people either skip sunscreen altogether or don't apply enough to provide adequate protection. To avoid sunburns, premature ageing, and skin cancer, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.” Not prepping for sweating If you know you're going to sweat, use products that won't clog your pores. ”Sweating is the body's natural way of cooling down, but it can also lead to clogged pores and breakouts when mixed with oil, dirt, make-up and bacteria on the skin's surface.” "To combat this, consider switching to lightweight, oil-free skincare and lighter make-up products that won't congest your pores. Additionally, make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly after sweating.” Using scented products While fragranced products may seem appealing, they are often harsh on the skin. ”Fragranced skincare products can be problematic during the summer months as, whether synthetic or natural, they can increase skin sensitivity, especially when exposed to sunlight.” "This can lead to irritation, redness, and even phototoxic reactions known as phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when skin exposed to sunlight encounters certain chemicals.” Highly-concentrated vitamin C serums When buying serums, it's important to check the ingredients list to make sure the concentration isn't too high. ”Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that can brighten the complexion and protect against environmental damage.” "However, high-concentration vitamin C serums, particularly those formulated with L-ascorbic acid, can be unstable and prone to oxidation when exposed to heat and sunlight.” Hot showers and baths Try to avoid very hot showers or baths, as they can break down your skin's moisture barrier. ”Hot showers or baths can actually strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.” THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT