SUMMER TIME. It’s when things get a little brighter, more magical and carefree all around. Why not do the same for your skin? That’s where your summer skincare routine comes in.
With the help of the experts, we share how soaking up the sun can affect your skin and which skincare products are perfect for the warmer months. Let’s jump!
What can happen to my skin in summer?
The sun is coming. And with that, the need for protection. While solar radiation affects your skin year-round, the Sunburn-causing rays (UVB) are strongest in the summer.
In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer and visible skin damage, excessive sun exposure can also cause something called oxidative stress. Dr. Aurora Garre, Director of Medical Communications, explains, “Too much UV radiation from the sun can overwhelm your system, causing unstable molecules (AKA free radicals) and triggering oxidative stress.” And this can lead to photoaging.
“Photoaging refers to the process where the sun’s rays accelerate the signs of skin aging, such as dark spots and fine lines.” Dr. Garre continues. And it does this more than anything else in your skin’s environment, also called exponential.
The best way to fight photoaging? Protect and repair your skin daily. And updating your summer skincare routine is a great place to start.
How can I update my skincare routine for summer?
Again, sweet summer signals the need to focus on two things: protecting your skin from the sun during the day and helping to repair its effects at night. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Use an effective cleanser
Even if you’re relaxing on the beach, your skin is still exposed to environmental stressors. Between pollution, sweat, sebum, makeup, and dirt build-up (have you ever thought about how many times you touch your face a day?), your skin needs constant cleansing. Switch to formulas that work hard to remove dirt, sunscreen and waterproof makeup.
I AM: Start your day with a micellar cleansing water that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Our recommendation: Micellar Solution
AFTER NOON: Ask for an oil formula for gentle yet powerful cleansing. Melt away sunscreen and waterproof makeup while adding some much-needed antioxidant support. Our recommendation: Basic Cleaning
Expert advice: Do your best to always cleanse twice a day, whether you’re wearing makeup or not. Starting with a fresh palette ensures that the rest of your summer skincare products work the way they’re meant to.
Step 2: Apply a revitalizing eye contour cream
Laughing with friends. Sun squint. Staying up late. The skin around your eyes gets extra exercise in the summer. And since it’s among the thinnest on your face, it can also use a little extra love. Look for refreshing eye contour creams to brighten your look.
I AM: When you’re trying to get the most out of your PTO, it can get to your skin. Vitamin K oxide helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. Our recommendation: K-Ox Eyes
AFTER NOON: Help the skin around your eyes start anew every day. Eye cream formulas with antioxidant melatonin can help fight oxidative stress caused by everyday skin aggressors. Our recommendation: Vital eyes
Expert advice: Look for an eye cream with a cooling ceramic applicator for an extra sense of freshness.
Step 3: Add a super serum
Summer demands skinism. Less can be more when it comes to skincare formulas (but not when it comes to results). Now is the time to reach for do-it-all serums with light textures.
I AM: Embrace the naked face. Reach for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and skin-tightening peptides for smooth skin and an overall healthy look. Our recommendation: Concentrated Hyaluronic
AFTER NOON: Look for a formula that helps repair the effects of damaging free radicals without being too harsh on sun-soaked skin. Turn to bakuchiol, an all-natural retinol alternative with a gentle profile. Our recommendation: Melatonik®️
Expert advice: Your skin’s regeneration (or renewal) cycle lasts between 21-28 days. So if you’re looking to launch a new serum for the summer and counting on results, keep a realistic timeline in mind. While the results of hydration can be seen in a few days, any rejuvenating effects usually take at least 30 days to appear. As with most great habits, consistency is key!
Step 4: Find a refreshing moisturizer
While winter is the most notorious season for dry skin, staying consistent with your moisturizing routine in the warmer months has its benefits. Dr. Garre weighs in, “In the summer, hydration is still essential, so that solar radiation does not penetrate further into the skin and cause even more damage.”
I AM: Make sure your moisturizer pairs well with your next adventure. Trade beach vacation plans for cityscapes? Turn to a formula that simultaneously hydrates and helps protect against the damaging effects of pollution.
AFTER NOON: Add antioxidants. Night creams that include antioxidants (such as melatonin or vitamin E) can help alleviate the day’s damage and minimize any visible signs of aging.
Expert advice: Summer can be dry and cause more oil production than usual, depending on the weather and your skin type. Don’t be afraid to switch to a light moisturizer or a richer formula based on your needs.
Our recommendation: Find out which moisturizer is best for you with ours quick quiz.
Step 5: Don’t forget the sunscreen
Whatever the season, whatever the weather, sunscreen is essential. But on hot days when you’re swimming (or sweating) make sure to reapply your sunscreen more often. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses, avoiding the midday sun when you can.
I AM: As the last step in your skincare routine or the first step in your makeup routine, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays). And look for a texture you’ll be happy to wear every day. Our recommendation: Eryphotona actinica
Expert advice: Exactly how much sunscreen should you be wearing? For your face, the equivalent of two whole fingers should be enough. This means running your sunscreen along your index and middle finger and voilà! You have the perfect amount.
More summer grooming essentials
Additional coverage: The best laid plans are not really, planned. And that means your summer beauty products need to keep up. Try an on-the-go mineral powder formula that delivers natural coverage with a matte finish. Bonus points if it offers added protection from pollution and photoaging. Our recommendation: Mineral brush
Protection everywhere: As your favorite tank top becomes a seasonal staple, so does body sunscreen. Get an all-mineral formula that protects and hydrates — combats the effects of sun-drenched moisture. Our recommendation: Fusion Mineral Body
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time skincare obsession into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics in Washington DC and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
Medical Communication Manager
In addition to ten years as a primary care physician, Aurora has over 23 years of experience in healthcare product development and communication, most recently in dermocosmetics. He has authored numerous publications in dermatology journals and has spoken at international health and beauty conferences. Ref.: Colegio de Medicos de Madrid numero 282840102
