My summer beauty routine used to be quite effortless, almost nonexistent. Some sun protection, gentle cleansing, maybe some moisturizer when I felt like it. And while my current summer routine is still not very elaborate, it’s nowhere near as effortless anymore.
It may be due to natural aging (sad, but true), or how the environment has changed in recent years (a lot more heat waves, dirtier cities), but I need to pay more attention to how I treat my skin in the summer than I used to, otherwise my skin either breaks out or becomes dry and sensitive.
I always say it’s worth adjusting our beauty routines to the seasons. As the weather changes, so do our skin’s needs. My most important summer skincare rules are:
+ Above everything else – sun protection
This cannot be emphasized enough – read all about sun protection in this post. Kind reminder: SP15 infused day creams do not cut it in the summer. We need dedicated sunscreens and extra protection, like clothes and hats in order to be fully protected.
+ Lighter creams
Oils and some creams can be too much for my skin in the summer, therefore I go for lighter textures, gels, and mousses.
+ Antioxidants
Antioxidants provide protection by neutralizing free radicals, calm inflammations, and help repair the skin. Look out for Vitamin C and E, resveratrol, and Niacinamide. Best used in serums.
+ Cleansing
Refreshing cleansing in the morning, double cleansing at night, maybe even a quick mid-day cleansing. It’s very important to cleanse well in the summer, as there will be a lot more dirt and pollution on your face due to sweating and time spent outdoors.
+ Exfoliation and retinol with care
Some experts say modern acids and retinol formulas are safe to use in the summer as well, but because these usually make the skin more sensitive, I prefer to tone down my retinol serums and exfoliation this time of the year. Better be safe than sorry. Some exfoliation is important though, but only in the evening and definitely not every day.
Summer skincare essentials
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may get paid commission if you click through those links and make a purchase. I only link to products I’ve tried and love, but please consult the ingredients and product descriptions before you make a purchase, or get a sample to try. For reference, my skin is normal, occasionally dehydrated and my main skin concerns are brightening, prevention, and offsetting environmental damage. For more information please read my Disclaimer.
Bare Minerals Prep Step Broad Spectrum SPF50 Mineral Shield
My most recommended beauty product ever and with good reason. I mentioned previously that I only use mineral sunscreens, but it’s not easy to find a good one that doesn’t leave a heavy white cast. This sunscreen, though, is just perfect: it’s mineral based, provides great sun protection, is easy to apply, and blends into the skin beautifully. No white cast, just smooth, glowy skin.
Ilia Cucumber Water Stick
A solid toner by organic beauty brand Ilia with cucumber extract, aloe, and chicory root. This can be used on your whole face but I mainly use it around my eyes. Applying eye cream is usually the most neglected part of my beauty routine – I either completely forgot to use one or just don’t bother after all the toners, serums, and moisturizers. But ever since I got this stick, I’ve been using it every single day. It’s easy to apply, hydrating, and, best of all, very refreshing. I swear I also see some smoothing and depuffing effects as well. For extra coolness, keep it in the fridge.
Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser
A lightweight, mousse cleanser that is not only effective but also refreshing. Perfect for summer mornings.
Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir was MADE for summer. This grape seed infused face mist is incredibly reinvigorating and refreshing, probably due to a mixture of bitter orange flower water, rosemary leaf oil, peppermint oil, balm mint leaf oil, and grape extract. I’m not sure it has revolutionary long-term effects on my skin, but then again, I mainly view toners as wellness products. It’s fun to use and that smell always brightens my mood.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
My go-to evening cleanser in the summer. It’s a balm that melts into a gorgeous oil-like consistency when you massage it into your face. It removes makeup well, hydrates and smoothes the skin. Bonus sensory points: it has a pale mint color and a cooling, refreshing smell.
Moisturizing is important, especially when we spend the whole day in the sun or in salty water, but who wants to add anther greasy layer to the skin especially after a refreshing shower? This is when dry oils come handy. I usually use this one by Nuxe – it’s moisturizing, but it dries almost instantly and the only residue it leaves is a nice glow on the skin. Plus, it smells amazing.
The first time I’ve used this overnight mask, I was a bit skeptical as the consistency is very light, almost runny. I wasn’t sure how much moisturizing power it had. It turned out, a lot. I especially love it during the summer, the gel-like texture is easy to apply, doesn’t leave a heavy residue, my skin absorbs it quickly, and I always wake up with much softer and smoother skin.
Vitamin C serums
While I tone down the oils and heavier serums during the summer, Vitamin C serums have a steady place in my skincare routine. Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients we can use all year round, but especially in the summer, when we’re the most exposed to the sun. Sun exposure means free radicals which we can offset by using potent antioxidants like Vitamin C. It also brightens and protects the skin. I currently alternate between the Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C+E serum and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster serum, both formulated with Vitamin C and Vitamin E, a great ingredient combination.
What are your summer skincare essentials?
