Summer. Arguably the favourite of the four seasons, and one that if we’re lucky, will provide three to four months of patio dining, beach days, long sunny days and sun-kissed skin. And while getting outside while the weather is nice is a must, the warm temps also present skin issues like excess oil production, breakouts, melasma and of course sunburns.
Here are a few tips for shifting your skincare routine from winter to summer to protect your skin, while still enjoying the benefits of warmer weather.
1. Wear Sunscreen!
If we could add more exclamation points to this tip without our grammar brain kicking us, we would! You’re probably sick of hearing reminders to wear sunscreen all year round, but it is especially important to pick the right sunscreen through the summer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is recommended for all exposed skin, including hands, feet, ears and lips. It is important to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming, so be sure to pack extra sunscreen in your bag.
We recommend Aveeno Sensitive Skin SPF 50 for an oil-free and lightweight feel that makes it perfect for every day use. This broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen combines naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide and nourishing oat, making it suitable for even those with sensitive skin.
2. Lighten Your Skincare Routine
Some articles you’ll find online recommend eliminating moisturizers from your routine during the humid months of summer, but this is NOT one of those articles. Moisturizers are essential throughout the summer because even though your skin may feel “moist”, sweat does not count as moisturizer and the heat is dehydrating. That being said, similar to how you put your winter coat away for the summer, you can also put away heavy creams and lotions and opt for a water-based moisturizer. This will hydrate your skin without leaving a heavy residue and can help protect your skin from harmful pollutants.
Give Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream a try. This lightweight option contains hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, is oil-free and won’t clog pores.
3. Introduce a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect and brighten your skin, shielding your skin from pollutants and UV rays and preventing hyperpigmentation by blocking excess melanin production. You can incorporate vitamin C into your routine with a serum or toner applied each morning before your sunscreen.
There are also many different formulations for Vitamin C and with so much information online, it can get confusing. We recommend checking out The Ordinary’s online guide to Vitamin C to see what product is best for you.
4. Limit Sun Exposure
This one seems like a no-brainer, but is easy to forget when you’re caught up in enjoying the serotonin boost of being outside. Be sure to take breaks and sit under an awning or umbrella and if all else fails and there is no way to “escape” the sun, wear a hat and UV-protectant clothing to limit harmful UV exposure.
5. Tan Safely
Having a healthy glow or tan is a big benefit of summer weather and one we pine for all year. But you don’t need to sit for hours in the sun to achieve this, you don’t even need to be out for 5 minutes! Try opting for self-tanning options like these tanning drops by Isle of Paradise. They come in three shades, are parabens and sulphates free, and can easily be combined with your daily moisturizer to provide an even tan all over your body.
**Bonus Tip** – Drink more water! Replace the liquids your body loses through sweating on warm days by drinking even more H20 than you normally would. This will keep you and your skin looking healthy and hydrated.