How To Layer Your best Summer Skincare Routine

Hello Reader! So I heard you were looking for a skincare routine?

Summer is finally here, and we can finally leave our homes and show off our pretty summer outfits. But as we enjoy the warmth and sunshine, let’s not forget about our skincare routine. Personally, I use different routines throughout the seasons, mostly because I wasn’t gifted with the best skin and have had to take ultra care of it throughout my life.

Summer can be tough on your skin with the increased exposure to UV rays, heat, and humidity. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for building an effective summer skincare routine to keep your skin glowing and healthy all season long. Let’s dive in!

Cleanse Twice a Day for Your Summer Skincare Routine

During the summer, our skin tends to produce more oil and sweat. Cleansing your face twice a day – in the morning and before bed – helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Why you’ll love it: A clean face is a happy face, preventing acne and keeping your skin fresh.

Products to Use:

• Gentle Cleanser: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (Amazon UK | Amazon US) is perfect for removing impurities without stripping your skin.
• Foaming Cleanser: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (Amazon UK | Amazon US) is great for a deeper clean, especially in the evening.

Extra Tip: In the summer, if you don’t want to double wash your skin, you can consider using micellar water in the morning to avoid the harsh effects of tap water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils. This is especially helpful if you have combination skin with dry patches.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. Aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to keep your skin smooth and glowing. Be gentle to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Why you’ll love it: Regular exfoliation helps to reveal brighter, smoother skin and allows other skincare products to penetrate more effectively.

Products to Use:

• Physical Exfoliant: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (Link UK | Amazon US) provides a gentle exfoliation.
• Chemical Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Amazon UK | Amazon US) is great for clearing pores and brightening your complexion.

Extra Tip: For a deeper clean, consider incorporating a derma roller into your routine. This tool helps to unclog pores and stimulate collagen production, enhancing the effectiveness of your exfoliation routine.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is crucial, even in the summer. Opt for lightweight, hydrating products that won’t feel heavy on your skin. A good moisturizer helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and prevents dehydration.

Why you’ll love it: Hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

Products to Use:

• Lightweight Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Amazon UK | Amazon US) is a fantastic option for lightweight hydration.
• Hydrating Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) provides intense hydration and can be layered under your moisturizer.

Extra Tip: Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine for an added boost of hydration. Also, consider using a silk pillowcase to prevent overnight dehydration of your skin and hair.

Never Skip Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine

This one is non-negotiable! Sunscreen is your best defense against harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours if you’re outside.

Why you’ll love it: Protecting your skin from UV damage is the best way to maintain a youthful, healthy complexion.

Products to Use:

• Facial Sunscreen: Pick one that is lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for daily use.
• Tinted Sunscreen: It provides both hydration and sun protection with a tint for light coverage.
• Body Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) provides strong protection without feeling heavy or sticky.

Extra Tip:: For acne-prone skin, choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores.

Stay Cool with Face Mists

A refreshing face mist can be a lifesaver in the summer heat. It helps cool your skin, hydrate, and even set your makeup. Look for mists with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or rose water.

Why you’ll love it: A quick spritz can refresh and revive your skin throughout the day.

Products to Use:

• Cooling Face Mist: Mario Badescu Facial Spray (Amazon UK | Amazon US) with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater is soothing and hydrating.
• Hydrating Mist: Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray (Amazon UK | Amazon US) is perfect for a quick refresh.

Switch to Lightweight Makeup in Your Summer Skincare Routine

Heavy makeup can feel uncomfortable and clog pores during the summer. Switch to lightweight, breathable products that won’t weigh down your skin. Tinted moisturizers or BB creams with SPF are great options.

Why you’ll love it: Lightweight makeup feels comfortable and allows your skin to breathe while still providing coverage.

Products to Use:

• Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) provides light coverage and sun protection.
• BB Cream: Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) offers great coverage with high SPF protection.

Extra Tip: In the summer, less is more. Opt for minimal makeup to let your skin breathe and reduce the risk of breakouts.

Keep Your Lips Protected

Your lips are just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of your skin. Use a lip balm with SPF to keep them moisturized and protected from the sun’s rays.

Why you’ll love it: Soft, protected lips are essential for a healthy smile.

Products to Use:

• Lip Balm with SPF: Burt’s Bees All-Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm (Amazon UK | Amazon US) provides hydration and sun protection.
• Tinted Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) adds a hint of colour while protecting your lips.

Stay Hydrated from Within

Drinking plenty of water is just as important as moisturizing your skin. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Why you’ll love it: Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and overall health.

Extra Tip: Drink 1.5 litres of water daily and incorporate 2 cups of green or white tea, which are excellent antioxidants.

Take Care of Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs special care, especially in the summer. Use an eye cream with hydrating and brightening ingredients, and wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays.

Why you’ll love it: Protecting and hydrating the eye area helps prevent fine lines and dark circles.

Products to Use:

• Eye Cream: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye-awakening Gel cream (Amazon UK | Amazon US) provides intense hydration.
• Sunglasses: Invest in a good pair of UV-protection sunglasses.

Don’t Forget Your Body in Your Summer Skincare Routine

While we often focus on our face, the rest of our body needs care too. Use a body lotion with SPF and consider a gradual self-tanner to give your skin a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage.

Why you’ll love it: A well-moisturized body feels soft and looks radiant, and a self-tanner can enhance your natural summer glow.

Products to Use:

• Body Lotion with SPF: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 (Amazon UK | Amazon US) keeps your skin hydrated and protected.
• Gradual Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (Amazon UK | Amazon US) gradually builds a natural-looking tan.

Extra Tip: If you can, incorporate a weekly professional skin cleansing session or a DIY home spa session and consider a zinc supplement to support your skin health from the inside out.

Conclusion

There you have it – my top tips for building an effective summer skincare routine. Remember, taking care of your skin not only helps you achieve a glowing complexion but is also a beautiful way to show love to yourself. Our bodies and minds endure so much, carrying us through the various challenges life throws our way. By nurturing your body, mind, and soul, you are expressing gratitude and self-love. It’s a meaningful way to honour the vessel that supports you every day. Make sure to check out my other articles and don’t forget to leave a comment below!

Happy summer, and stay glowing!

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