With a new summer season impending, it’s important that we save our skin from the scorching sun and UV damage, while at the same time, not allowing our sweat to cause any sort of acne breakouts. This time of year, we tend to bask in the light a little longer than usual and embrace the pool, beach, and outdoors.
But, as all of this fun is brewing, our skin may suffer from prolonged sun exposure, oil and grime, and even environmental pollutants. It's so vital to give our skin the care it deserves so we put together an article for you compiling the perfect summer skincare regimen to get you through this long and hot season, helping you achieve radiant and healthy skin even through 100 degree heat. Embracing a summer skincare regimen doesn't have to be a chore. With the use of the right products, you can have healthy and glowing skin all year long.
Why You Need to Change Your Skincare Seasonally
The summer season brings unique challenges for our skin compared to the winter, and even fall or spring. The temperature gets much warmer, increased humidity makes everything a little sweatier, and prolonged sun exposure require adjustments (like using sunscreen repeatedly) in our skincare routine. We also tend to produce more oil, bringing us clogged pores and breakouts. To combat this, a summer skincare routine focuses on lightweight and oil-free products that don’t weigh the skin down.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, winter often brings dry air and harsh winds, which strip moisture from our skin, resulting in dryness and flakiness. Winter skincare routines prioritize deep hydration and nourishment, with thicker moisturizers and protective barriers.
The Perfect Summer Skincare Regimen
1) Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse
First things first: you have to clean the skin throughly. With so much going on in the summer season, cleansing properly (maybe even twice) is the way to start any skincare routine.
A refreshing cleanse will remove any dirt, sweat, and excess oil from your skin. Look for a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type, like Clinical Skin’s Gentle Cream Cleanser, which soothes and hydrate the skin using ceramides, leaving it feeling clean and rejuvenated.
2) Exfoliate for a Fresh Look
A glowing complexion doesn’t just come from clean skin or the use of a Vitamin C serum, exfoliation must come into play here.
Exfoliation is key to achieving a fresh and glowing complexion. Use a gentle exfoliator or a toner once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This step will help your skin absorb other skincare products more effectively.
We recommend the EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner, which feels refreshing and hydrating — we love the way it works to replenish the skin with amino acids and keep your skin barrier protected.
3) The Proper Hydration is Key
Hydration, yes, even if it’s hot and there’s oil all over your face. By maintaining proper hydration during summer, you’re allowing your skin to know it’s hydrated enough, preventing excess oil on the face, leading to less acne and blemishes. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
The Peter Thomas RothWater Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer contains 30% hyaluronic acid complex, which can lock in moisture and plump up your skin.
4) Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The most important step in your summer skincare routine is sun protection, period. This is a complete non-negotiable in any skincare routine, year round. To protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, opt for a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Try to aim for a water-resistant sunscreen that can help protect your skin at the pool and from sweat. Try to reapply every two to three hours or so.
Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce SPF 50+ Sunscreen is one of our favorites because it’s made to work better and amplify it’s strength when your body touches water, ensuring optimal protection
