With the UK entering into warmer weather, longer days, and more time spent outdoors which means your skin needs extra prep. Summer skincare isn’t just about sunscreen—although that’s crucial particularly at this time of the year. Prep and protect involves adapting your routine to handle the heat, humidity, sun exposure, and increased oil production from the changes in the weather. Therefore, here is your full summer skincare survival guide.
Step 1: Use a Gentle yet effective Cleanser
To start, use a cleanser that removes sweat, sunscreen, and pollutants without drying your skin out. In the summer months, foaming or gel-based cleansers tend to work best.
Tip: If you’re wearing heavy SPF or makeup, dermatologist have recommended doing a double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming wash which will help prevent clogged pores.
Step 2: Exfoliate, But Gently
Exfoliation helps in removing dead, flaky skin and prevents clogged pores. However, an overly aggressive exfoliator can irritate sun-exposed skin. Stick to 1-2 times per week and opt for mild exfoliants such as:
- Lactic acid: Great for dry or sensitive skin
- Salicylic acid: Ideal for acne-prone skin
Avoid: Harsh scrubs, especially before sun exposure
Step 3: Choose Lightweight Hydration
Swap out heavy creams in favour of lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without suffocating the skin.
Star Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
Gel-based moisturizers are particularly beneficial in high humidity such as Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturiser.
Step 4: Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Choosing sunscreen with a mineral formula for sensitive skin or lightweight chemical SPFs for a clear finish.
Reapplication is essential:
- Every 2-3 hours when outdoors
- After swimming or sweating
Individuals often forget often-missed areas which are a giveaway for aging: ears, neck, lips, and the tops of your feet.
Step 5: Antioxidants Are Your Friend
Using antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, in the morning helps protect against skin damage from pollution and UV rays.
Pair with:
- Niacinamide to reduce inflammation
Step 6: Under eye and Lips Care
Use an SPF-containing lip balm and an eye cream with hydrating ingredients. The skin in these areas is particularly thin and thus easily damaged through repeated sun exposure.
Pro Tip: Wear chunky sunglasses and a hat for added protection against the sun.
Step 7: Nighttime Repair Routine
After sun exposure, the key is to soothe and repair the skin overnight. Using calming ingredients like:
- Aloe vera
- Centella asiatica
- Panthenol
- Niacinamide
These will aid in the repair of any damaged skin from the sun. You can also incorporate an overnight hydrating mask once or twice a week.
Additional Summer Skincare Tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep blotting papers or mattifying powders on you if you are prone to oily skin
- Limit long hot showers—they can strip your skin, opt for colder showers when possible
- Put products like toner and sheet masks in the fridge for a cooling and refreshing boost
- Choose makeup products with built-in SPF for extra protection, but still apply SPF as well as the quantity in built in products isn’t enough on its own
Travel Essentials for Summer
If you’re on holiday or partaking in outdoor trips, remember to pack:
- Travel-sized SPF and moisturiser
- Cleansing wipes, to remove pollutants and sweat
- A hat and light clothing
- A hydrating mist for on-the-go refreshment, such as a Aveeno cooling mist.
- Aloe vera gel for post-sun care
Diet and Skin
Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber and include omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds to help maintain a healthy skin barrier and aid in the absorption of skincare. Whereas avoiding sugary snacks and alcohol is essential as they can increase inflammation and breakouts in some individuals.
Summer Skincare for Different Skin Types
Oily Skin: Use gel-based, oil-free moisturizers and lightweight sunscreens labelled as non-comedogenic. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with salicylic acid to keep pores clear. Such as the Dermalogica Active Moist Hydrating Oil-free Moisturiser.
Dry Skin: Stick to hydrating cleansers and richer moisturizers even in summer. Look for ceramides and fatty acids in your products. Such as Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream 50.
Combination Skin: Use gentle skincare and lightweight products. Balance oily zones with oil-absorbing products and hydrate dry areas. Such as CeraVe Oil Control Ultra-Light Face Moisturiser SPF 30.
Sensitive Skin: Avoid products with alcohol or fragrance. Choose mineral sunscreens and calming ingredients like chamomile and oat extract. Such as Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturiser.
Acne-Prone Skin: Stick to a consistent routine with gentle cleansers, non-comedogenic products, and avoid overly aggressive exfoliation. Consider niacinamide and zinc to manage inflammation and oil. Such as Paula’s choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
Ingredient Spotlight: Summer-Safe Actives
- Niacinamide: Balances oil and reduces redness
- Green Tea Extract: Soothes and protects
- Vitamin C: Brightens and boosts SPF benefits
- Zinc Oxide: A physical blocker that reflects UV rays and is highly beneficial for those with sensitive skin
- Aloe Vera: A herbal hydrator and anti-inflammatory
Avoid retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) during the day unless used with high SPF, as they increase sun sensitivity and can worsen sun damage.
Common Summer Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days, UV rays can still be high
- Using out of date SPF
- Over-exfoliating, especially before sun exposure or after the skin has been sun damaged
- Not reapplying sunscreen frequently, every 2-3 hours
- Not protecting your lips, eyes and scalp
- Using heavy products that clog pores in heat and humidity, as sweat will already be clogging pores
Conclusion
Prepping and protecting your skin during the summer doesn’t require a totally new routine, it is about being more aware of seasonal stressors. From simple changes in your cleanser to reapplying SPF, can keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy throughout the warmer seasons.
With the correct approach and by avoiding common mistakes and false information, your skin can thrive under the sun. Whether you’re on holiday or enjoying summer locally, proactive skincare ensures your glow lasts throughout these months.
