While summer should be about crisp rosé and balmy evenings spent in beer gardens or on the beach, it invariably comes with a side of semi-gross skincare issues – we’re talking deodorant-proof BO, between-the-legs chafing and angry breakouts that ruin your plans to go make-up free on holiday. All is not lost though. Grazia caught up with consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne in a bid to harvest solutions. Enter your summer skincare cheat sheet:

1. My lips get so dry no matter how much water I drink, how do I go from chapped to juicy this summer?

‘When dealing with parched, chapped or sore lips one of the best things to do is apply a hefty slick of Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, £1.80, before you go to bed. It’s an old school trick that forms a protective layer over the delicate skin on your lips and prevents moisture loss. Come morning you should wash away any excess and follow with another lip nourishing product. Avoid flavoured and coloured balms, making a play for something plain and functional that’s loaded with SPF 50 to nourish and protect.’ Try Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips SPF 50, £7.

2. My shaving rash steals the spotlight when I bare my legs, is there anything I can do apart from hiding under a sarong?

‘Your M.O. should be strengthening your skin barrier – do this over time to ward off irritation in the long term. Always ensure you cleanse thoroughly before and after shaving and pay attention to your technique, too. Shave in the direction of hair growth too, not against it. Yes, some may feel they get a closer shave going against the direction of hair growth, but you increase the risk of shaving rash. Follow with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser. If you’re dealing with a very inflamed area of skin then you could consider topical steroids, you should make an appointment with your GP to discuss this further.’

3. I’m sweat-prone and my body odour ups the ante when the mercury soars, what can I do to ensure I don’t smell?

‘Body odour is a tricky one, but there are some ingredients that can minimise the bacteria responsible for the bad smells like benzoyl peroxide. Consider swapping your everyday shower gel for a benzoyl peroxide wash twice a week. It’s a great ingredient pick  if you’re not keen on the thought of chemicals in your skincare as it isn’t absorbed by the body.’ Try Acnecide Face Wash, £9.99.

4. I have sensitive skin but hate the texture of mineral sunscreens – sorry! – what face SPFs can I use without worrying my eyes are going to turn red and puffy?

‘I always suggest those with sensitive skin try the Bioderma Photoderm Sunscreen Face Cream SPF50+, £16 and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream, £19.90. Both are soothing and calming – perfect for those with sensitive eyes or complexions.’

5. I bloat like crazy after long-haul flights, how can I de-puff quickly?

‘It sounds counterintuitive, but drink even more water – your body holds onto water and bloats when it thinks it doesn’t have enough. Stay hydrated throughout your flight and particularly after you land. It’s also important to avoid salty snacks like crisps or nuts, dehydrate you and make puffiness and bloating more likely. There’s also the option of wearing DVT stockings on a flight to compress legs prone to bloating.’

6. I’m prone to breakouts and feel my most confident when they’re covered up, but no matter what I try my concealer and foundation slips off in the heat. What’s the answer?

‘Keep layers of skincare and make-up to a minimum and you’ll cut down on slip. Stick to the essentials. In a hot country you may find that a good sunscreen gives you all the moisture you need, which means you can skip your face lotion. You could even go one step further and pick an SPF with a tint that doubles up as your base. SunSense Daily Face SPF 50+ Moisturising Sunscreen, £22.99, has a matte finish that wards off OTT dewiness and boosts its staying power. If you feel you need more coverage, apply a stick-fast concealer over small areas.’

7. Chafing is the bane of my summer, how can I ward off that painful friction without condemning myself to purpose-made underwear? 

‘Chafing is caused by a combination of moist skin and friction. I’d actually recommend something cheap and cheerful here –  talcum powder. A little goes a long way and can help keep the area dry and friction free.’ After a more portable solution? Megababe’s Thigh Rescue, £8, is a viral hit on TikTok.

8. My spots thrive in summer. I know you’re not supposed to squeeze them, so I leave them but they do not budge. How can I get rid of them quickly, or at least tone down that fiery inflammation?

‘Because of an increase in oil and sweat production, your pores are more likely to clog in summer and that increases the risk of breakouts. If you use a rich moisturiser, switch to a more lightweight alternative and be vigilant about removing SPF. SPF lotions are meant to stick-fast, so a little micellar water in the evening isn’t going to cut it. Follow up with a foaming gel or use an oil cleanser to whip every scrap of it away once the sun goes down.’ You might also consider using an azelaic acid cream like Dermatica’s Clarifying Azelaic Acid 20% Cream, £19.99. It soothes inflammation and inhibits the activity of spot-causing bacteria on the skin.

9.I get major pigmentation around my hairline every single year, why does this happen and what can I do to stop it?

‘This is called melasma and it’s caused by exposure to the sun – your skin reacts by overproducing melanin. The best treatment is prevention, diligent high SPF application and if it persists into winter then a medical topical treatment can help. It’s best to ask your GP or dermatologist here to diagnose and treat. This will help to minimise long term pigmentation.’ Not keen on the idea of smoothing an SPF lotion into your hairline? Try a liberal and frequently reapplied dusting of mineral powder like Supergoop’s (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder, £29, instead.

10.Every year my parting burns and turns flaky – mid-summer dandruff is not a look – what can I do?

‘I suggest finding a great SPF spray and spritzing it onto the hair,’ says Dr Emma. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Shine SPF 50+ Face Mist, £14 is incredibly light and suited to the scalp area. Bald heads need to remember to apply an SPF 50 every single day, it should be a non negotiable.’