Hot sunshine, cool pools, sea air and air conditioning. It sounds perfect - but the joys of summer can also wreak havoc on your skin. Here are a few tips for summer skincare which allow you to enjoy the summer, the glistening sea and the warmth of the sun to the fullest.

Sunscreens are still the number one protection against premature ageing, skin cancer and the drying effects of the sun, so invest in your future beauty by limiting your time in the sun and using recommended SPF skin protection products.

According to Dr Daniel Maes, Vice President of Research and Development, Estee Lauder Companies Inc: "The sun continues to be among the major environmental assaults on the skin. And, now with a growing ozone hole, no one - whether an avid sunbather or not - is safe from the threat of damage caused by UV exposure. Sunscreen is absolutely essential for adequate protection and long-term skin health."

Estee Lauder's In the Sun range of luxurious creams, lotions and oil-free sprays combine optimum UVA, UVB and IR filters with a powerful ant-ioxidant blend. All designed to protect and nourish the skin before, during and after sun with SPF levels ranging from six to 30. But in addition to sunscreen, there are more immediate problems caused by heat and humidity. If your skin is dry, it may look and feel better in the warmer months. But if it's oily, the heat and humidity of summer can make it feel more so.

Small adjustments in the products you use can mean the difference between good skin and problem skin. For example, people with dry, sensitive skin may notice that sun causes more dryness and irritation, so start with a soap-free cleanser and finish with a few swipes of an alcohol-free toner. This way you'll remove makeup and dirt, but you won't strip the skin of all oils or cause irritation.

If you normally use moisturiser every day, you may find that your skin will benefit from a lighter, oil-free formulation in the summer. Most oil-free moisturisers contain silicone or glycerin-based ingredients that provide moisture without feeling heavy or clogging pores. To lighten up, consider using a dual-purpose product like an SPF moisturiser.

If you don't need a moisturiser, you could use a foundation with an SPF, such as The Body Shop's Cream to Powder Foundation SPF15 and Moisture Face Base SPF15. These products give you a radiant and healthy-looking finish as well as helping to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. They are also dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic and have no added fragrance.

Exfoliation is important in warmer weather when you're revealing more skin, but it can easily be overdone, so proceed with caution. Exfoliating scrubs, sea sponges and loofahs are great for elbows, knees and heels, but keep them away from the face.

Water is one of the most important properties in having healthy skin that looks and feels vital and alive and the difference it makes to your skin should be noticeable in a couple of weeks.

Drinking plenty of water is the perfect anti-wrinkle solution because it fills up fine lines, which prevents the skin from looking older than it is, as well as flushing toxins from the system thus brightening the complexion from the inside.

About one half of every cosmetic moisturiser is pure water and it is this ingredient, rather than anything else, which makes the skin look younger. So aim to drink at least two litres of water a day.

With soft, glowing skin and a new spring in your step, you're bound to be a summer stunner.

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