Summer is all about sunshine, beach days, and long evenings outdoors, but the season’s extra sun exposure, heat, and humidity can wreak havoc on your skin. Finding the right routine can help protect your skin from UV damage, prevent breakouts from sweat, and keep it hydrated through the hottest months. Here’s a summer skincare guide to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh all season long.
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1. Start with sun protection: SPF is a non-negotiable
The foundation of summer skincare? Sunscreen. Even on overcast days, UV rays can damage the skin, accelerate ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30 that offers broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays). Apply it generously in the morning and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in the water.
Sunscreen sticks are great for on-the-go touch-ups, while lightweight, gel-based formulas work well if you tend to sweat or have oily skin. For extra protection, consider adding a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses—both stylish and practical.
2. Lighten up: Switch to lightweight products
During the summer, the heavier creams and oils that work wonders in winter can start to feel too greasy. Opt for lighter, gel-based moisturizers and serums that provide hydration without clogging pores. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which draw moisture into the skin without weighing it down.
If you wear makeup, consider switching to a lightweight, non-comedogenic tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. It’ll keep your skin protected and even out your complexion without feeling heavy in the heat.
3. Keep your skin hydrated
Sun exposure, heat, and sweating can lead to dehydration, which makes your skin appear dull and may cause dryness or flakiness. Hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas and fresh fruit can also help keep you hydrated, and foods like watermelon and cucumber offer an extra boost of water content.
For topical hydration, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid is a great step to add between cleansing and moisturizing. Facial mists with ingredients like rose water or green tea are also perfect for a midday refresh and can help calm irritated skin.
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4. Exfoliate gently to keep skin smooth
While exfoliating is key to removing dead skin cells and keeping your skin fresh, it’s essential to be gentle in the summer. Over-exfoliating, especially with harsh scrubs, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week, and opt for gentle exfoliants, such as chemical exfoliants with mild alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
If you’re planning a beach day or outdoor activities, avoid exfoliating the night before to minimize sun sensitivity and prevent potential irritation.
5. Soothe and repair with antioxidants
Sun exposure can increase oxidative stress, which leads to premature ageing and damage. To counteract this, incorporate antioxidant-rich products into your routine. Serums or moisturizers with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or green tea extract can help fight free radicals, support collagen production, and brighten your skin.
Vitamin C is particularly powerful and is known for its skin-brightening and protective effects. Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning, followed by sunscreen, to give your skin an extra layer of defence against UV rays and environmental stressors.
6. Double down on cleansing
Summer often means sweat, sunscreen, and more outdoor time, all of which can lead to clogged pores. A double-cleansing routine—using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming or gel cleanser—can effectively remove buildup without over-drying your skin. This routine ensures that you’ve fully removed sunscreen, sweat, and impurities at the end of each day.
In the mornings, a single cleanse is usually enough to prep your skin for the day.
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7. Don’t forget your body
While we often focus on our face, summer skincare should extend to the rest of your body. Sun exposure on the neck, chest, arms, and hands can lead to ageing and damage if left unprotected. Apply SPF to all exposed skin, and if you’re planning to be outside for extended periods, reapply every two hours.
Exfoliate gently and moisturize after showering, especially if you’ve been in chlorinated or saltwater. A lightweight body lotion with hydrating ingredients will keep your skin soft and smooth without feeling sticky.
8. After-sun care: Cool and calm
Despite best efforts, sometimes a sunburn happens. If you’ve spent too long in the sun, focus on soothing and repairing your skin. Aloe vera gel, which has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, is a classic go-to for sunburn relief. Hydrating sheet masks or moisturizers with ingredients like aloe, cucumber, or chamomile can also provide a calming effect.
Avoid hot showers, which can exacerbate irritation, and skip exfoliating until your skin has healed. Hydrate, be gentle with your skin and apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer to help it recover.
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