Summer can be a difficult season for our skin, with the changes in temperature, sun exposure and humidity all affecting how our skin looks and feels.
Your skin needs a different skincare routine during the warmer months, to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
How Sun Protection Supports Healthy Summer Skin
SPF is something we should all be applying daily, regardless of the season, to protect our skin against the sun’s harmful rays.
UV exposure weakens your skin’s barrier which can lead to dark spots, sped up visible aging and an increase in your risk of deeper skin damage. We can reduce the risk of those happening by making sunscreen part of our daily skincare routine, and not just something you apply when you’re going to the beach.
For your facial SPF, mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays before they can harm your skin.
When you apply a broad spectrum SPF of 30+, it gives your skin reliable protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Always apply your SPF at least 15 minutes before doing outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
Why Lighter Skincare Can Feel Better In Hot Weather
When the temperatures rise, heavy creams and rich oils can feel sticky on your skin, trapping sweat and making your skin look greasy and shiny faster.
As the humidity kicks in, your skin will prefer more breathable skincare formulas that are going to sit lightly on your skin, without creating a heavy film that feels like it is suffocating your skin.
Swap any dense skincare formulas for more lightweight formulas, to keep your skin feeling fresh.
My personal favorite moisturizer during the summer is the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream. It feels like a gel as it’s so lightweight and once it has fully absorbed, you can’t feel it sitting on your skin
Don’t skip applying a facial serum, as they spread easily over your skin, they absorb quickly and they layer well under your makeup and sunscreen.
If you have excess shine issues or clogged pores, oil-free skincare products will feel more comfortable during the warmer months.
How To Keep Skin Hydrated In The Heat
Even during the warmer months, your skin can lose moisture through sweating, sun exposure and frequent washing. Keep your skin comfortable with lightweight skincare formula with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe and ceramides.
If you apply your skincare when your face is slightly damp, they can help lock in hydration, without feeling too heavy on your skin.
You can boost your skin’s hydration from the inside too, with steady water intake throughout the day, especially if you’re active outdoors.
Facial mists feel amazing on warmer days, if your skin is feeling tight or overheated, and if you keep them in the fridge, they’ll feel even more refreshing and soothing on sun-exposed skin.
You can also use a cooling face mask to calm and refresh your skin. Again, if you keep them in the fridge, it’ll have an even nicer soothing effect.
When To Exfoliate Without Irritating Sun Exposed Skin
After sun exposure, you need to allow your skin to recover before using any exfoliation products.
Wait for at least 24 to 48 hours after spending a long day outside, and skip using any exfoliation products if your skin is red, tender, peeling or stinging.
Use gentle exfoliation techniques instead of harsh scrubs, like a soft face cloth, a mild enzyme face mask or a low-strength lactic acid skincare product.
Never exfoliate your skin before heading to the beach or before extended sun exposure, as exfoliation will make your skin more sensitive to UV exposure.
Start off by exfoliating your skin once a week, and only increase the frequency if you don’t have sensitivity issues.
After exfoliation, always rinse your skin and follow up with a soothing moisturizer, and never forget to apply a broad spectrum SPF.