Summer skin - it’s getting hot in here

We all know that winter plays havoc on our skin, but that doesn’t mean it gets any better with the arrival of the warmer months. Summer brings its own set of skin woes - think sun, sweat and saltwater. While in the past it was anti-ageing products driving the growth of the skincare market, this summer the focus is set to swing to sectors including multi-functional and natural. Research by Mintel into the US market found that over 40 per cent of customers seek products with multiple benefits, while nearly 25 per cent are looking for products that are free from” certain ingredients.

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But it’s not just multi-functional and natural products that will be trending this summer, with the new sunscreen regulations putting SPF in the limelight and exfoliators also garnering a lot of attention. beautydirectory sat down with a number of leading brands to take a deeper look at these four trends and reveal some of the exciting upcoming summer product launches.

The multi-taskers

It seems many of us are living a busy lifestyle, a factor that has seen a growth in the demand for multi-purpose products. Consumers are gravitating toward multi-functional products that allow them to get more benefits while saving them both time and money,” says Mintel beauty and personal care analyst Shannon Romanowski. Palmer's Lisa-Marie Ennis agrees, revealing multi-tasking products are a must for summer. You’re simply too busy and hot to fuss with too many products!” In order to address this, Palmer’s have developed a new range of body washes that not only cleanse but also moisturise.

Another hard-working multi-functional product is the Natural Paw Paw Ointment. One of the top trends this summer will be multi-functional products – small, low cost products that can be carried in a bag or pocket and used for a variety of different skincare situations that might arise. Our Natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment acts as both a beauty product and a first aid product," says Natralus Australia sales team leader Marilyn Titley.

The popularity of BB and CC creams is a reflection of the increasing trend towards hard-working products. SPF incorporation into make-up and moisturisers also plays a major part in this trend as companies focus on multi-functional products. BB creams are a perfect example of this trend and that's why we made sure our new Oasis natural BB creams ticked that box with an SPF of 25+,” says managing director Stephanie Evans.

Going au naturale

Whether it be natural ingredients combined with cosmeceutical ingredients or purely organic products - consumers continue to seek products that are free from”. As we become more discerning about what ingredients are listed on our food labels, more and more women want products that are safe to use on their skin. Pure, natural and organic ingredients are taking the lead in skincare at the moment, and there is a generation of women who no longer want to sacrifice their health in the name of beauty," says Argital Australia director Rosa Ghidella. Pure Fiji PR Sophia Anania has also found that people are moving away from hasher heavy-duty cosmeceutical products towards natural products that deliver the same results.

For , it’s all about taking benefits from both sides of the coin. One of the key trends in skincare for summer 2013 is the combination of cosmeceutical ingredients married with natural extracts. By harnessing the power of science with the benefits of nature, consumers are receiving the best of both worlds in the form of more targeted, results-driven products,” says Alpha-H PR and media manager Tess Stolarchuk.

Upping the SPF

With the approval of new sunscreen regulations late last year leading to the introduction of SPF50-rated products, this summer is set to see a large number of brands roll out their offerings into this higher level of protection. "I believe that SPF is going to play a key factor in product launches this summer and over the coming 18 months. Overseas research shows that products with SPF are driving the biggest growth in the skincare segment. Customers are demanding higher levels of sun protection and you'll see a lot of marketing from companies pushing their SPF50+ sunscreens," says Evans.

This sentiment is also felt by PR and marketing manager Roxy Kilroy, who explains, Everyone is really looking for the SPF, that’s why we’ve launched the two [a SPF30 for the face and a SPF50 for the face and body]. A lot of people want one specifically for their face rather than having the heavier lotions on their face because of the stickier feeling.”

Scrub-a-dub-dub

We all know exfoliating and cleansing helps skin look more vibrant and fresh, but skincare companies are stressing the vital importance of including these two actions in your regular summer beauty routine. "Thorough cleansing is really important in summer; something many don't consider is you need to remove the sunscreens off the skin, as well as the sweat, dirt and debris," says Dermalogica education manager Emma Hobson. communications and digital marketing manager Caroline Høgh Groth adds, Sun, sand and sweat can build up on your face and increase the amount of dead skin cells.”

Two brands that are well aware of the importance of a thorough cleansing is Philips and Olay. Entering the cleansing category for the first time, this October will see Philips launch its new facial-cleansing device VisaPure. Found to be 10 times more effective than cleaning the face by hand, VisaPure is an easy-to-use device that massages the skin to remove make-up and dirt. Olay is also entering the facial-cleansing device sector with its ultra-affordable Olay that helps to loosen, lift and swirl dirt away to cleanse and exfoliate.

Summer skin launches

beautydirectory takes a look at some of the exciting skin launches and favourites for this summer:Purely Revitalising Lifting Eye Crème

Agave Healing Oil Treatment

Argital Slimming Cream Florange

(Avéne New Zealand)Ultra SPF 50+ Clear SprayCentella Body Oil

C.P.R Serum (Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser New Zealand) ()

Fake Bake Passion Fruit Body Polish

Florame Face Makeup Remover Milk

freezeframe® LIPOSLIM

LUSH (Lush New Zealand)

Body Balm

MooGoo SkinCare Cover-Up ButterCup Natural Moisturiser with SPF 15

100% Pure Aloe Vera Spray

Beach Defence Sunscreen Lotion SPF50

Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System (Olay New Zealand)

(Palmer's New Zealand)

Pelactiv Ultimate Protection SPF50+

Philips VisaPure

Soft & Smooth Hydrating & Skin Plumping Body Lotion (Puretopia Soft & Smooth Hydrating & Skin Plumping Body Lotion New Zealand)

(The Body Shop New Zealand)

Xen-Tan Body Scrub