Just like your wardrobe, your skincare regime also needs regular seasonal changes. These are just a couple of things that can take extra toll on our skin at summer:
+ sun rays
+ scorching heat
+ sweating
+ pollution
+ saltwater
+ sand
+ chlorine
+ a lot more time spent outdoors
We definitely need to adapt our routines to this changed environment, but with these simple summer skincare steps you can be sure your skin will be protected, clean, and glowy all summer long.
Wear SPF all the time
A no brainer. Even if there were excuses for not wearing SPF during winter or cloudy weather, now that we spend significantly more time in the sun, it’s really essential to wear sun protection. Take a look at this post to see all and every question you might have about SPF answered. After a ridiculously long and frustrating research (more on that in another post), I have chosen some really promising physical sunblocks: The Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Body SPF 30 and Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF 50+PA+++. For my face, I’ve been using this amazing Bare Minerals Prep Step Broad Spectrum SPF50 Mineral Shield. The EltaMD UV Physical Borad Spectrum SPF 41 is also a good option. All are physical sunblocks without any chemical sunfilter ingredients.
Protect your lips and hair
Poor lips and scalp are often forgotten when it comes to sun protection and summer skincare essentials, which is a problem, as they are constantly exposed to the skin. Use a lip balm (Like the Lanolips tinted balms) with an SPF 15 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours. For the hair, you can either use a mist SPF or sume UV filter hair sprays.
Take care of legs
Summer can be really tough on our legs. The constant shaving, the sun, swelling from the heat can all take a toll on our legs and feet. Try some calming and refreshing menthol/eucalyptus/peppermint feet creams or soaks from your local organic shop and moisturize a lot. I especially love dry oils in the summer (like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse) – they are hydrating, yet dry almost instantly.
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse
It’s extra important to cleanse well in the summer, as there will be a lot more dirt and pollution on your face due to more sweating. This time of the year I prefer lighter, gel-like or mousse cleansers in the morning that are not only effective, but also refreshing. Some current favorites: Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser and the Sasco Eco Face Cleansing Mousse.
For the evening, do the double cleanse as usual – it’s very important to use an oil-based cleanser to get rid of all the sweat, dirt, and makeup.
Exfoliate with care
Exfoliation is great to prepare our skin for the summer, however this is really not the season to overdo it. Any type of exfoliation, but especially acids, usually makes the skin more sensitive to sun. So, use a gentler one, don’t use it everyday, only use acids in the evening and never forget to wear SPF the day after (or ever). I would even suggest stopping a little if you go on a really sunny vacation. My picks: I’m using the Pixi Glow Tonic a couple of times a week (it’s really gentle, yet effective) and my trusted Alpha-H Liquid Gold once a week.
Go lighter
Probably no need for that extra heavy moisturizer, night cream, evening oil, serum, or foundation. Summer skincare is all about going light and minimal. For some extra cooling factor, you can even store everything in the fridge. Switch to oil-free, gel-like moisturizers and morning cleansers, lighter oils, and BB or CC creams. Go lighter on the makeup as well, too much will look artificial and cakey in the sun.
Use face mists to cool off and refresh
I actually really like face mists to refresh and to add some cold to my face if it’s hot outside, but if I’m being honest (and I am) I’m not convinced they are essential to a routine. Sure, they feel good, but there are a lot of other products that are more important to good summer skin. So, if you’re on a budget, you can let this one slide. Also, a new thing I learnt recently: if you’re using thermal waters, spray them on your face, wait a few seconds, then blot off the excess – otherwise it can dry your skin. More on the different types of face mists here and a couple of possible uses here. But to say you cannot live without them is a bit of an exaggeration.
Beware of essential oils
That’s a random one, but I had to include it here after reading an article of a girl who suffered severe burning after using some citrusy essential oils on her skin and then going out into the sun. Please be careful with using essential oils topically – read the instructions and even consult with your aesthetician or dermatologist on the right way to use them.
What are your summer skincare essentials?
