In a perfect world, we would find the right skincare products and they would continue to work for us forever. However, in my experience, I need to change up my skincare routine throughout seasons and phases of my life to continue to properly care for my needs. In the summer it is hotter and the heat and humidity take a toll on my skin. I need to change my routine more often with the weather based on environmental factors. In this post you will find summer skincare tips that are useful and effective.
Summer Skincare Tips
Understand Your Skin
Knowing your skin is the best way to develop a good skincare routine for any season. Figure out your baseline when the weather and environment is more neutral, then evaluate how it changes throughout the seasons with the changes in weather, humidity, UV index, and pollution.
Evaluate Your Environmental Factors
Your environment has a huge impact on your skin. In the winter when air is drier my skin gets so dry and flakey, less oily, and more acne-prone. However, in the summer I have super oily skin, so my needs are much different. The UV index tends to be higher in the summer, not to mention we tend to spend more time outside, so I definitely take that into account when building my skincare.
Cleanse More Often
Naturally, in the summer you will be sweatier and need to cleanse more often. In the winter, I only wash my face once per day allowing my skin to develop oils and self-moisturize. However, in the summer, I get too oily and have to wash twice to keep my makeup in place and not be overly shiny.
Incorporate Vitamin C
Vitamin C is excellent in your skincare no matter the time of year, but it is vital in the summertime. Vitamin C can help balance skin pigment, and complexion, and eliminate acne without making your skin sensitive to the sun.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be worn year-round! But with the amount of time spent outside, and the harsher UV rays in te summer, SPF is non-negotiable. You should be wearing at least SPF 30 to reduce sun damage. Choose a sunscreen made specifically for your face to approach your face differently than the rest of your body with specially made formulas to work with your skincare routine. Find out what are the best sunscreens for face here.
Re-apply Sunscreen
This was worth it’s own heading. Re. Apply. Your. Sunscreen. From touching your face, to oil, to sweat, your sunscreen works overtime. Reapply to ensure you’re covered throughout the day. Even one bad burn can increase your chances of skin cancer.
Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Depending on my routine, I may use face sunscreen as my moisturizer. Regardless of sweat and oils, don’t skip this step! Your skin is working overtime in the summer for skin hydration, always remember to moisturize.
How To Build A Skincare Routine for Summer
Step 1: Cleanser
A gentle cleanser for multiple washes a day is best. A foam cleanser will be very gentle and light on your skin for the summer months. I love Dermalogica’s gentle cleanser, Tula, and Tata Harper for a splurge.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Use a daily microfoliant or a stronger exfoliant regularly several times a week to remove dead skin cells clogging your pores and clear your face of dirt and grime. I find it helps keep acne at bay and helps to clear my skin keeping it soft and smooth. I use the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant because its easier for me to remember when I use it consistently. I wrote all about my Dermalogica recommendations here.
Step 3: Toner
Until I found a spray toner, I did not love this step. However, it is a must-do whether you use a spray or cotton pad. Toner helps clear your skin of unnecessary oils and bacteria as well as preps it for retaining moisture. It is a great addition to your summer skincare routine because of its cleansing properties.
Step 4: Serum
Serums have so many benefits, there are tons of options for your needs. I love a Vitamin C serum because it is a natural antioxidant, helps improve pigment and complexion, and has similar benefits to retinol without being retinol. Hyaluronic acid serum is another great option that will help retain moisture and increase collagen production while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 5: Moisturizer
As I mentioned above, you can’t skip the moisturizer! Choose a light one for your skincare routine either with or without SPF to combat dry skin throughout the summer months. I love both the Kate Sommerville moisturizer and the Tula 24/7 moisturizer. They are both mid-priced options that is perfect for everyday use. It is lightweight and feels great. The Charlotte Tilbury magic cream is amazing but thicker, I recommend using it at night, it works wonders but is a higher-priced option.
Step 6: SPF
Sun protection with SPF to protect against UV light rays is a must in your summer skincare routine! You will need a great everyday one, I love mineral sunscreen, but you can find all of my favorites here. Also, grab one that is great for reapplication even above makeup. I love a spray or powder one to reapply over makeup. You can also use the powder in your hair part!
Step 7:Face Sprays
Keep cool and add moisture back to your face with a face spray. Facial sprays are great to refresh your face quickly and can be used on many skin types. I use a face spray for rehydration, and keep one in each bathroom in my house for a quick grab-and-go spray when I am working throughout the day. Find my favorite face sprays here!
