Summer Skincare and UV Protection: The Ultimate Guide

As the days grow longer and the sun’s intensity rises, one thing we can be certain of is that summer’s increased heat and humidity call for a completely fresh approach to your skincare routine. 

Much like adapting your skincare routine to accommodate winter’s drier air and harsher winds, summer also means altering your ritual to prioritise hydration, lightweight formulas, and unwavering sun protection. 

If the scorching heat has left you questioning how to care for your skin when the warmer months roll in, you’re in the right place. Join us as we reveal Doctor-approved tips for summer skincare, including essential changes to your routine, why your skin needs this seasonal upgrade, and how to maintain radiance all summer long.

When we think of summer, we’re reminded of sunny days, balmy nights, and unavoidable sweat and heat. While the beautiful weather is a gift, the warmer months also pose unique challenges for your skin that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

So, what exactly happens to your skin in summer? As our internal body temperature rises with the heat outside, we’re more susceptible to trans-epidermal water loss through sweating, resulting in skin dehydration and clogged pores. To make matters worse, the sun’s powerful UV rays don’t just lead to dryness — they can accelerate damage and premature ageing if left unchecked.

Before we delve too deep into this topic, it’s important to acknowledge that the fundamental aspects of your skincare ritual will stay the same, regardless of the season. What exactly does this mean? Cleansers, exfoliators, serums, and moisturisers are still non-negotiable parts of your routine. However, their frequency and the types of products you use will change with the needs of each season. 

In summer, the goal is to focus on skincare that protects your skin barrier from damage while keeping moisture in. Let’s take a closer look at how you can create the perfect summer skincare routine for healthy, nourished skin:

While SPF50+ should be a no-brainer for your skincare ritual all year long, there’s no better reminder of its importance than in the harsh, damaging effects of the summer sun.

The perfect option for you will depend on many factors, including your skin type and budget.

However, as a general rule, we recommend switching to a water-resistant SPF30+ or 50+ sunscreen that protects against UV and UVB rays. 

Deciding between a chemical or mineral sunscreen? There’s pros and cons to both, and it will likely come down to your skin type:

If you’re an avid reader of The Skin Journal, you’ll know we’re strong advocates for double cleansing pretty much all year round (if your skin type permits). Yet, there’s no time more important than in summer!

Wondering why, exactly? Hotter temperatures mean higher humidity, subsequently resulting in increased sweat and the potential for an overproduction of oil. When our skin produces excessive sebum (oil), it is more likely to increase your chances of blackheads, acne breakouts, and blocked and congested pores.

[Read Full Article: Know Your Skin: The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Acne]

As such, it’s important to invest in a good-quality, gentle cleanser that can adequately cleanse your skin without stripping your natural oils. By cleansing twice, you can ensure that any built-up skincare product, makeup, sunscreen, environmental pollutants, and excess oil are properly removed, providing a fresh canvas for the rest of your skincare lineup.

When deciding on the best cleanser, finding one that aligns with your skin type and concerns is important. Use the following as a guide:

Exfoliating in summer is a crucial skincare step for ensuring your skin isn’t building up a layer of dead skin that will clog your pores and cause breakouts. However, increased sun exposure can also make facial exfoliation a little riskier, as increased exposure can make our skin more sensitive to over-exfoliation.

Not sure where to start or what the dos and don’ts of facial exfoliation are? Here are a few helpful summer exfoliation hacks to keep your skin happy and healthy:

• Opt for chemical exfoliators in summer as they’re more gentle on your skin than physical exfoliators.
• Exfoliate in the evening. Sun exposure makes your skin more sensitive to damage. As such, exfoliating in the evening ensures you aren’t causing unnecessary damage to skin that may have spent a little too much time in the sun.
• Don’t skip serums and moisturisers post-exfoliation. It’s important to restore and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier!
• Always wear sunscreen. Just remember, freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage!

Generally, we recommend exfoliating roughly 1-2 times per week, which is the sweet spot for most skin types. However, a tailored approach is always best if you know your skin type well. Consider the following:

[Read Full Article: The Best Exfoliator Methods Based on Your Skin Type]