Summer brings with it the promise of sunshine, long days, and opportunities to relax outdoors. However, for our skin, the season can be quite challenging. Increased temperatures, sun exposure, and humid conditions can exacerbate skincare issues, making it essential to adopt the best summer skincare routine. Below, we lay out a detailed, step-by-step skincare routine that addresses the needs of various skin types - whether you're dealing with dry, acne-prone, or combination skin.
Step 1: Double Cleanse for Extra Measure
Cleansing forms the first line of defense in any skincare regimen, more so during the summer months. Sweating, increased sebum production, and exposure to pollutants necessitate a thorough cleanse with a gentle and hydrating cleanser to keep your skin healthy. And since summer rhymes with sunscreen, you will want to throw in double cleansing in the morning to get rid of any sunscreen residue and keep your pores unclogged. Here is a guide on how to choose the right cleanser.
Step 2: Hydrate Intensely
High summer temperatures lead to a higher risk of skin dehydration therefore hydration has to be the focus of your routine. There are several ways to go about hydrating your skin, but our favorite is the application of essences after cleansing. An essence is a concentrated formula that hydrates and prepares the skin for other treatments. These versatile skincare products have at the heart of the function to hydrate the skin but can also contain bonus ingredients to help tackle other skin issues like blemishes. When picking an essence this summer, look for lightweight, hydrating essences such as the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence.
Step 3: Apply Hydrating Serums
Adding a hydrating serum to your routine is a great way to add a dose of moisture without suffocating your skin. For the season, our go-to ingredients in a serum are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, aloe vera, or squalane. Take a look at our best picks;
For instance, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is excellent for combating blemishes and congestion, whereas the Cosrx Hyaluronic Intensive Cream provides intense hydration.
Step 4: Moisturize
Even during summer, your skin needs its daily dose of moisture. Summer is the right time to pull out lightweight, water-cream, or gel-based non-greasy moisturizers. The Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid cream is one of our favorite moisturizers and contains 3 hyaluronic acid complexes for intense hydration. The Natural Moisturizing Factors from The Ordinary is another thick moisturizer very suitable for the summer seasons.
Step 5: Apply Sunscreen
No summer skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. It's the most important thing to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Make sure to use broadspectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 and above. Apply to all areas of your skin that get exposed to the sun and reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.
We recommend the SKIN1004's Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum if you have dry skin and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 for oily and acne-prone skin.
In addition to these 5 key steps here are more tips to maintain glowing skin throughout the summer.
Exfoliate At Least Once a Week
Exfoliating is a critical step that removes dead skin cells, making your skin look brighter and smoother. And while you take care of your face, do not forget to exfoliate the rest of your body as well. Follow this in-depth exfoliation guide for optimal skincare results. Consider using Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant once a week.
Invest In a Good Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent and treat hyperpigmentation. While it can be used all year round, adding a good vitamin C serum to your routine during the summer increases your chances of securing clear skin throughout the season. Plus it helps boost collagen production in the skin for better skin texture. Our editor’s pick when it comes to Vitamin C is The Ordinary Vitminan C 23% Emulsion + HA spheres
Best 5 Tips I Do For A Great Summer Skincare Routine
I never step out without my SPF and I re-apply every 2 hours.
I invest in a toner, face-mist, or essence for better hydration.
I always double cleanse in the morning to wash off sunscreen residue.
I moisturize very well so that moisture is sealed in and my skin does not get dehydrated.
I exfoliate about thrice a week. This goes for my face, body, and feet so my skin is soft and bright.
Here is a skincare tips recap below:
5 Must-Haves for the Best Summer Skincare Routine
1. Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
A gentle, moisture-retaining cleanser perfect for dry skin formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
2. Paula's Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
This foaming cleanser is formulated to maintain a healthy pH balance, ensuring your skin is not stripped of its natural oils. Ideal for combination with oily skin, it also contains skin-soothing ingredients that provide a calming effect, making it an excellent choice for daily use.
3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Infused with 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3) and 1% zinc, this product works to balance oil levels, hydrates the skin, and improve skin texture. It's a lightweight, serum-like formula that's suitable for all skin types, particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
4. Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid cream
A deeply hydrating moisturizer packed with Hyaluronic Acid and Provitamin B5 that replenish and retain optimal moisture levels in the skin. The cream boasts a lightweight, non-greasy texture that is easily absorbed, leaving skin supple and glowing without any residual stickiness. Suitable for all skin types, it's particularly beneficial for those with dry skin seeking to restore a healthy, moisture-balanced complexion.
6. SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
This is an innovative sun protection product that combines the skin-soothing benefits of Centella Asiatica from Madagascar and the hydrating power of Hyaluronic Acid. This lightweight serum offers a high level of SPF50+ PA++++ protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, while also nourishing and hydrating the skin. Its non-sticky, fast-absorbing formula makes it suitable for all skin types and perfect for daily use, leaving skin protected, moisturized, and soothed.
7. The Ordinary Vitamin C Emulsion 23% + HA Spheres
The Ordinary Vitamin C Emulsion 23% + HA Spheres is a potent serum designed to brighten the skin and reduce the signs of aging. It contains a high concentration of 23% pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) in a stable emulsion, supported by a network of dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid to smooth and hydrate the skin. This combination promotes a healthy, youthful glow, improving skin texture and tone, while also helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
8. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This serum is a unique leave-on exfoliant that efficiently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces visible signs of aging. It features 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), a powerful exfoliant that goes deep into pores to clear out excess oil and skin debris, helping to reduce blemishes and blackheads. Suitable for all skin types, this non-abrasive, gentle formula also soothes and calms the skin, leading to a brighter, smoother complexion with regular use.
9. L'Oreal Paris Skin Care Revitalift Bright Reveal Cleanser
This cleanser is a highly effective facial cleanser formulated with Glycolic Acid to exfoliate and brighten the skin. It gently yet thoroughly removes all traces of makeup and impurities, while the micro-pearls present in the cleanser buff away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, radiant complexion. Suitable for all skin types, this dermatologist-tested product forms a key step in a revitalizing skincare routine, especially for those aiming to address dullness and uneven skin tone.
Adopting these summer skincare tips can make all the difference in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. The key lies in understanding your skin type and selecting products that address its unique needs. Remember, consistency is as important as product choice.
FAQs on Summer Skincare Routine
What are the Top Summer Skincare Tips for Glowing Skin?
Do not step out without sun protection, hydrate your skin properly, and moisturize adequately.
Should I Switch Skincare Products During the Summer Compared to Winter?
Yes, it's advisable to switch to lighter, hydrating products during summer and use heavy creams during winter.
Is Sunscreen Really That Important for Summer?
Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
Should I Exfoliate in a Summer Skincare Routine?
Yes, exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and brightens your complexion. Glycolic acid is a good chemical exfoliant that gets the job done.
How Can I Prevent Acne During the Summer?
To avoid acne during the summer make sure you cleanse your skin regularly, exfoliate at least 2x a week to unclog your pores, and make sure to wear SPF religiously.
Should I Moisturize My Oily Skin in the Summer?
Yes, using a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer can help balance your skin's natural oil production.
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