The Ultimate Summer Skin Care Routine

You should update your skincare routine seasonally, so if you haven’t switched to summer products yet, it’s time to do that ASAP. If you’re...

You should update your skincare routine seasonally, so if you haven’t switched to summer products yet, it’s time to do that ASAP. If you’re not sure what your summer skincare routine should look like, here are 10 tips to help you make changes that your skin will love?

Cleanse your face gently

Most people sweat more in the summer, and are also exposed to more dirt and pollution thanks to that extra time spent outside. This means that it’s extra important that you are cleansing your skin thoroughly during the summer! Choose a gentle yet effective cleanser that leaves your face feeling fresh, but not dry or tight. If you don’t normally cleanse your face in the morning, consider doing so during the summer to remove any sweat that happened during the night. Also be sure to use a makeup remover at night if you wear cosmetics.

Don’t shower too often

It’s tempting to hop in the shower every time you feel the slightest bit sweaty or hot, but all that water can really dry out your skin and cause it to flake and peel. Try to limit yourself to one shower a day if at all possible, and two at the absolute maximum. Keep the water at a lukewarm temperature (hot water dries out your skin) and limit your shower to five minutes at the most.

Try exfoliating more often

Exfoliation should absolutely be a part of your summer skincare routine. Exfoliation helps to control oil and also removes dead skin cells to keep your complexion smooth. There are many types of exfoliation available, from physical face scrubs to chemical exfoliation serums, so don’t be afraid to experiment around to find the best one for your needs.

Lighten up your skincare routine

In general, you might want to lighten up your skincare routine for the summer. Those heavy serums and thick creams that nourished your face during the winter can smother your skin and clog your pores during the summer. Try to reduce the number of products that you are using overall, and look for multitasking products that can help you to consolidate your skincare routine. Also prioritize products with a lighter texture: For instance, you can swap out a sticky serum for a more watery toner instead.

Don’t skip moisturizing

If your face gets oily and sweaty in the summer, you may be wondering if you can skip your moisturizer without any ill effects. Laying off the moisturizer completely can actually throw off your skin’s balance and cause it to produce more oil rather than less. Instead of skipping moisturizer entirely, choose a lightweight one that will absorb quickly. Speaking of consolidating skincare products, you can also choose a moisturizing sunscreen so that you don’t have to use two separate products!

Use SPF religiously

On the subject of using sunscreen, you should be wearing it every day during the summer — and reapplying it every two hours when you are outside. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to ensure adequate protection. If you find that chemical sunscreen irritates your skin or eyes, opt for a mineral sunscreen, which is less likely to cause irritation. Don’t only apply it to your face but also your neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and any other part of your body that is exposed to the sun (yes, this means the tops of your feet if you are wearing sandals).

Practice sun safety

Besides wearing sunscreen, you should make other sun safety tips a part of your daily routine. Try to avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the rays are strongest, and seek out shade whenever you are outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and neck from further sun exposure. Also wear UPF clothing whenever possible, which will provide a better barrier against UV rays than sunscreen. By following these tips, you will protect your skin from a lot of sun damage, which can hasten premature aging.

Protect your lips

The skin of your lips is very delicate and prone to cracking all year round. While many people frequently wear lip balm during the winter, they slack off during the summer, allowing their lips to become cracked and dry. Be sure to wear a nourishing lip mask at night when you sleep, and use a lightweight lip balm during the day to keep them hydrated. If you are going outside, apply a lip balm with SPF protection: your lips are just as vulnerable to the sun as the rest of your skin!

Tan the safe way

Everyone wants to have a bronze glow during the summer, but unfortunately neither sun tanning nor tanning beds are safe for your skin due to the UV radiation. Using self tanning products or getting a tan at the salon are much safer ways to tan your skin! However, the tan does take at least a few hours to develop with these products. If you want to look tan instantly, use bronzing drops to give your skin a temporary wash-off glow that will make it look like you just got back from a beach vacation.

Update your makeup routine

If you wear cosmetics on a regular basis, you will want to lighten up your makeup routine during the summer, just like your skincare routine. Swap out heavy foundations and multiple layers of products for a simple tinted moisturizer and some blush or bronzer. Powder products will help to soak up extra oil throughout the day, and matte finish foundation will keep you from looking too shiny. Use setting spray and choose waterproof products to prevent sweating off your makeup during outside excursions.

What are your other expert tips for building a summer skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below!