Record-breaking temperatures across the UK have left many struggling to stay cool, avoid sunburn, and sleep through sticky nights. But according to Freddie Sheridan, founder of British male skincare brand YCODE, the heatwave is also visibly altering how people look.
"People think they're imagining it when they look in the mirror during a heatwave and feel they look more tired, puffier or somehow different," says Freddie. "But heat, dehydration, poor sleep and increased oil production can all affect how your skin behaves and looks. It's a perfect storm."
Six Skincare Blunders to Avoid in a Heatwave
If you have been battling to sleep, waking up puffy, or wondering why you suddenly look exhausted since temperatures climbed into the thirties, here are the mistakes Freddie says many of us make — and what to do instead.
Don’t Wash Your Face Every Time You Sweat
When temperatures rise, it is natural to want to splash your face with water or reach for a cleanser whenever you feel sweaty. But Freddie warns that over-cleansing can make matters worse.
"Sweat is water and salt. It is not dirt. Splashing your face with cool water is fine. The problem is reaching for a cleanser every time your skin feels damp. That strips sebum, disrupts the skin barrier and the skin responds by producing more oil to compensate. Cleanse once in the morning, once in the evening. That is enough. In between, water is all you need."
Do Stick to a Gentle Cleansing Routine
If you have been sweating heavily, cleanse gently once you are home, then focus on restoring hydration rather than stripping the skin further.
Don’t Skip Moisturiser Because Your Skin Feels Oily
This is one of the biggest skincare misconceptions, according to Freddie. "Oily skin and hydrated skin are different things. Heat increases oil production but also increases water loss through the barrier. You can be oily on the surface and dehydrated underneath," he explains. "Skipping moisturiser because your face feels oily makes the dehydration worse. Use a lightweight moisturiser that controls oil at the surface while maintaining hydration beneath. That is what the barrier needs."
Heat, sun exposure and air conditioning can all contribute to dehydration, making lightweight hydration more important, not less.
Do Support Your Skin Barrier
"Your skin barrier is usually the first thing that struggles when the environment changes," says Freddie. "Moving between hot outdoor air and air-conditioned rooms can strip moisture and leave skin working harder to stay balanced." Choose lightweight hydration rather than abandoning moisturiser altogether.
Don’t Store Serums in a Warm Bathroom
"A warm bathroom degrades active ingredients over time, so always store your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity," says Freddie.
Do Put Them in the Fridge
Think of this as the skincare equivalent of putting your wrists under a cold tap. "A chilled serum feels incredible when it's hot, but there's more to it than comfort," he says. "The cooling effect can help reduce the appearance of puffiness and leave skin looking fresher and more awake, particularly first thing in the morning or after spending time outdoors."
The Impact of Poor Sleep on Your Face
One of the biggest casualties of a heatwave is sleep, and it is a key reason why many people feel they suddenly look older or more exhausted during prolonged hot weather.
"Poor sleep shows on the face within 48 hours," says Freddie. "Cortisol rises. The skin barrier weakens. Fluid pools around the eyes. Two or three bad nights in a row thanks to a heatwave and the eye area looks measurably different. The skin does most of its repair work overnight. Disrupt that cycle and the recovery backlog becomes visible. The eye area shows it first because the skin there is the thinnest on the face."
Do Give Your Skin a Helping Hand the Morning After
"You can't make up for a bad night's sleep, but you can support your skin's recovery," says Freddie. "A good-quality eye serum can help reduce the appearance of puffiness, while restoring hydration helps your skin look fresher after a disrupted night."
Don’t Assume Skincare Ends After Sun Exposure
Most people focus on SPF before heading outside, but very few think about what their skin needs afterwards.
"UV exposure depletes moisture and stresses the barrier even when you have used SPF," explains Freddie. "Most apply sunscreen and assume the job is done. The barrier still needs support afterwards."
Do Support Your Skin After Being in the Sun
"The hydration and barrier support matter more in the 12 hours after sun exposure than at any other point in the day," says Freddie. "Apply your serum and moisturiser as normal."
Do Cool Your Face Before Skincare
"One of the simplest things you can do during a heatwave costs absolutely nothing," says Freddie. "Fill a bowl with cold water and ice, then immerse your face for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat three times before you apply your skincare."
The cold instantly helps reduce the appearance of puffiness by encouraging blood vessels to constrict. As your skin warms up again, fresh oxygenated blood returns to the surface, leaving your complexion looking brighter and more refreshed. "It takes less than two minutes, but the effects can last for hours," he adds.
YCODE is a male skincare brand developed specifically around male skin biology.
