Your Step-by-Step Summer Skincare Routine

Summer skincare can be a bit tricky because of the excessive summer heat and humidity. It is important to adjust your skincare routine accordingly in order to maintain healthy, glowing skin during the summer months. Here are some summer skincare tips to help keep your skin looking its best.

---

Does Skin Change with the Seasons?

The answer is yes! During the summer season, our skin is exposed to more harmful sun rays, increased humidity, and heat. All of these factors can cause havoc on your skin’s appearance.

From excessive sweat to dryness to breakouts, you may experience an array of new issues that were not previously present. It’s important to adjust your skin care routine to protect both your face and your body from the effects of summer.

---

Can I Skip Moisturizer in Summer?

When it comes to moisturizing your skin in the summer, there is a common misconception that moisturizers are not needed. However, this simply isn’t true. According to a board-certified dermatologist, moisturizer is just as important in the summer as in any other season because hydration is essential for healthy skin all year round—whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

The key to hydration in the summer is choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type and climate. If you’re experiencing extreme humidity, it would be beneficial to search for a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin as they help retain hydration without making your skin feel greasy.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with low humidity, a heavier moisturizer like an oil-based or creamy moisturizer can help hydrate your skin and protect it from environmental aggressors.

No matter what type of moisturizer you choose, make sure to apply it after cleansing and toning your face in order to lock in hydration and prevent dryness. Additionally, it’s important to look for moisturizers with SPF protection as this will help protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

---

Summer Skincare Tips

We mentioned putting on moisturizer as a part of your daily skincare routine during the summer, but that’s not the only thing you should do. In addition to moisturizing your skin, there are other summer skincare tips that can help keep your skin healthy and glowing in the summer season.

Whether you’ll be having endless beach days or only get a minimal amount of sun exposure, here are a few summer skin care tips to get you started.

Wear Sunscreen

The most important step in any summer skincare routine is sunscreen. UV rays can cause serious sun damage to the skin, which often leads to premature aging and an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

So, no matter how minimal or short your exposure to direct sunlight may be, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen of at least 15 every day. 

Additionally, apply sunscreen liberally to your exposed skin. When applying sunscreen to your face and neck, put a strip of sunscreen on each of your index and middle fingers to get the appropriate amount needed. For the body, a shot glass amount is enough sunscreen to cover all the exposed areas.

Mineral Sunscreen vs Physical Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, there are two main types: mineral and physical. Mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its active ingredient, which forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays away from the skin. This type of sunscreen is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin because it won’t irritate or clog pores.

Physical sunscreen, on the other hand, contains ingredients like avobenzone and octisalate. These ingredients absorb the harmful rays of the sun and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Physical sunscreen is often better suited for people with oily skin because it won’t leave a greasy residue.

Does SPF Matter?

Yes, SPF does matter when it comes to sun protection. SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and the number associated with SPF indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun before getting burned compared to if you weren’t wearing any sunblock at all.

So, an SPF of 30 will protect your skin from harmful rays for 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing any sunblock. That being said, SPF should not be the only consideration when choosing sun protection as there are other factors such as UVA and UVB protection that also need to be taken into account.

Use a Vitamin C Serum

Applying only sunscreen and moisturizer isn’t enough for a summer skincare routine. A board-certified dermatologist recommended that a few drops of vitamin C serum on your skin can help brighten skin tone and protect skin from environmental damage.

Vitamin C helps reduce the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, and lessen the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin, making it the ideal ingredient for a summer skincare routine. Try adding this step to your routine in the morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen.

Adjust Makeup Accordingly

In the summer months, it is important to choose makeup products that are lightweight to let your skin breathe under the sun. Use a tinted moisturizer instead of a heavy foundation and use a water-based primer instead of an oil-based one. 

Additionally, avoid pore-clogging ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin as these can block pores and cause acne flare-ups. For those with acne-prone skin, it is best to opt for mineral makeup formulas as these are non-comedogenic and help reduce irritation.

Follow Double Cleansing

In the summer months, a great way to prevent sweat and dirt from accumulating on the surface of your summer skin is to double cleanse. Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser on dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and other oils that clog pores, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining dirt and impurities.

This two-step process helps eliminate clogged pores and keeps your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface of your skin is a great way to open up blocked pores and keep your complexion looking bright and healthy. However, it’s important to be gentle when exfoliating in order to avoid irritation.

Opt for a mild scrub that contains natural ingredients like sugar or honey as these are less abrasive and can help slough away dead skin cells without causing discomfort. Additionally, limit exfoliating to once or twice a week in order to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.

Use a Face Mist

In the summer, you might be thinking that staying inside a room with air conditioning can help you avoid sweat, lessen sun exposure, and stay out of the heat. While it certainly does help, air conditioning can dry up your skin as well. Using a face mist can be beneficial in providing additional hydration and refreshment to the skin. 

Look for face mists that contain aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin as these ingredients help draw moisture into the skin. Spritz on a mist throughout the day to give your skin a healthy glow, an extra boost of hydration, and help it retain moisture under the hot weather. A mist can also help in soothing hot, sensitive skin.

Stay Hydrated

It is essential to drink plenty of water during the summer as dehydration can lead to dull-looking skin. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day and supplement with extra hydration from other sources like coconut water, green tea, and herbal teas.

By drinking enough liquids throughout the day, you will help your body stay cool and hydrated, which will keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

---

Final Note

By following these simple steps, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin throughout the summer months. Remember that a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen is your best defense against sun damage, so make sure to apply it liberally on both your face and body and reapply frequently whenever you spend time outdoors.

Additionally, opt for lightweight makeup products to avoid clogged pores and keep your skin feeling refreshed. Finally, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water and using a mist to freshen up on warmer days.

With these easy steps, you can keep your skin happy and looking radiant all summer long!