Summer Skincare: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Glowing Skin
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission
The summer months are here and it’s time to start thinking about taking steps to protect your skin! During this season, the sun is out for longer periods of time, temperatures rise, and our skin can be exposed to a variety of environmental elements that can cause damage.
As someone who loves all things beauty and skincare, I know from experience how important it is to take care of your skin during the summer months. In this blog post, I’ll provide some essential summer skincare tips that will help you maintain healthy, radiant skin all season long.
8 Tips for summer safe skin
1. Sun protection: Your best friend
The first and most critical step in your summer skincare routine should be sun protection. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer.
It's vital to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Use a product with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours when outside.
Related: 4 Ways the Sun’s UV Rays Can Negatively Affect Your Skin
2. The art of gentle exfoliation
Summer means more sweat, oil, and dirt build up on your skin. Regular exfoliation helps remove this layer, unclogging pores and allowing your skin to breathe.
However, it's crucial to choose a gentle exfoliator — harsh scrubs can damage your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
If you have a sunburn, it's recommended that you avoid exfoliating. Allowing your skin to heal naturally without additional irritation is the best approach.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration is key for glowing summer skin. The heat can dehydrate your skin, making it look dull and lifeless. Drinking plenty of water is a must, but don't forget to hydrate your skin externally too. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated without clogging your pores.
4. Keep your makeup simple
Summer is the perfect time to give your skin a break from heavy makeup. To keep your face looking fresh and healthy, use light foundations or tinted moisturizers that won't clog up pores and sweat off easily when exposed to heat.
Consider getting an eyebrow tint or eyelash lift and tint service. These are waterproof for when you’re swimming or sweating heavily.
5. Choose the right products
Your skin type should guide your product choices. If you have oily skin, summer may exacerbate it. Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products that won't clog your pores. For dry skin, a hydrating serum followed by a moisturizer can provide the extra boost of hydration your skin needs. Keep reading for more specific product recommendations.
6. Don't forget your eyes and lips
These areas are often overlooked in skincare routines, but they need love too! The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to wrinkles, so using a hydrating eye cream is essential. Your lips also need protection from the sun, so choose a lip balm with SPF.
7. Wear sun-protective clothing
In addition to sunscreen, it's important to wear sun-protective clothing when spending time outdoors. Wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-blocking sunglasses can provide additional protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
8. Cool down
After a long day in the sun, nothing feels better than cooling down your skin. Consider products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or cucumber. A chilled face mask can also provide relief from the heat and reduce inflammation.
Summer skincare routine depending on your skin type
The tips above are great for any skincare routine during the summer months, regardless of your skin type. However, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind when creating your own personalized regimen.
If you have oily skin
Cleanser → Toner → Exfoliator or mask (1-2 times a week) → Serum → Moisturizer
Cleanse twice a day with an oil-free cleanser and use an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week. Focus on using lightweight hydrating products like gel moisturizer and oil-free sunscreen.
For those with oily skin, it's important to look for products that are specifically designed for your skin type. Ingredients like salicylic acid and clay can help keep the skin clear, while glycerin or hyaluronic acid can provide hydration without clogging pores. Antioxidants like vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and protect against free radicals.
If you have dry skin
Cleanser → Toner → Essence or ampoule → Serum → Sheet mask (1-2 times a week) → Eye cream → Moisturizer
Dry skin types should focus on using hydrating and nourishing products that will keep the skin balanced and hydrated. Avoid harsh cleansers and look for gentle, creamy formulas instead.
Opt for serums with hyaluronic acid to provide intense moisture, as well as sheet masks for extra hydration. Nourishing oils can also help replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect it from environmental damage.
If you have combination skin
Cleanser → Toner → Spot treatment (if needed) → Serum → Moisturizer
Combination skin can be tricky to manage because of its combination of dry and oily areas. The key is to balance and hydrate without clogging pores or causing excess oil.
Look for lightweight formulas that can provide hydration to the dry areas and address the oily areas with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide. Think of it as a balance between hydrating and mattifying products.
Applying toner, focus on your T-zone and avoid dry areas. You can choose from different types of toners such as those that control oil, clean pores, provide slight hydration with hyaluronic acid, or give a matte finish.
Summer skincare product recommendations
So now that you know the basics of summer skincare, let’s talk about some specific product recommendations.
Peptide Micro Scrub
This phenomenal micro-miracle contains exfoliating action of corundum crystals that break away damaged corneocytes leaving the skin incredibly smooth and polished.
Vitamin C Cleanser
Vitamin C Cleanser is an antioxidant-packed cleanser that promotes hydration and aids in protecting the skin.
Hydrating Lip Balm
Calm and soothe dry, irritated lips with healing botanicals such as jojoba, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil while peppermint and spearmint leave you feeling cool and minty fresh.
Astringent No. 2 with Salicylic Acid
Skin Astringent No. 2 contains 2% salicylic acid, essential oils, and healing botanicals. Skin will feel refreshed while drying up acne, killing bacteria, reducing redness, and controlling excess oil production on the skin.
Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30
Protect and moisturize your skin with this FDA tested and approved, ultra-light, water-based UVA/UVB broad spectrum formula.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summer skincare is all about protection, exfoliation, hydration, and using the right products. It might seem like a lot of work, but with a little effort and consistency, you'll be well on your way to achieving healthy, glowing skin all summer long. So don’t forget to include these steps in your summer skincare routine and enjoy the sun safely!
If you're looking for more personalized advice on how to keep your skin healthy and glowing in the summertime, look no further than a skincare consultation! We will customize a skincare routine specific to your unique needs and skin type. With our one-on-one guidance and support, you’ll be well on your way to having beautiful, healthy skin all summer long!