We’re not meant to follow the same skincare routine all year round. You wouldn’t wear a heavy coat in 90-degree heat, would you? No, you’d put that coat in the closet until November rolls around and throw on a tank top instead! Think of your skin the same way.
While there are certain skincare products we should use 365 days out of the year, it’s important to also adapt to changing temperatures and climates. What our skin needs in the middle of winter is very different from what our skin needs after hours in the sun in the middle of July.
Along with going to get your skin checked by a dermatologist and limiting your time in the sun, here’s a simple summer skincare routine that’ll keep your skin happy and healthy:
Vitamin C Is Your Friend
After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, use a Vitamin C serum. While it’s great to use Vitamin C all year round, it is really vital in the summer. It prevents hyperpigmentation, which tends to affect people when they spend a lot of time in the sun, and also prevents wrinkles. It also keeps the face looking bright and fresh.
Try a Lightweight Moisturizer
If you’re someone who has very dry skin and uses a heavy moisturizer in the winter, it’s OK to switch it out for a more lightweight moisturizer in the summer. In fact, your skin will thank you if you do! While it’s always important to moisturize no matter the season, you can opt for something that’ll allow your skin to breathe.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, and More Sunscreen
Listen, you should be using sunscreen all year round, but it is especially important to wear it all day, every day during the summer. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be running errands, spending the day at the lake, or sitting inside your home, sunscreen is not optional.
Not only are you not aware of long you’re actually in the sun on any given day, but it only takes a few minutes for the sun to damage your skin. Sunscreen will keep you from getting burned, prevent skin cancer, and will keep your skin looking youthful for years to come. Keep sunscreen next to your other skincare products so you’ll never forget to put it on every morning.
Oily? Try Exfoliating
Many of us have been told to cut back on the number of times we exfoliate, but it’s OK to ramp it up during the summer. Especially if you have oily skin, it’s OK to exfoliate a few times a week. Find an exfoliant (whether it’s a peel pad or a scrub) that is very gentle and doesn’t completely strip your skin.
Also, don’t forget to slowly up the number of times you exfoliate per week. For example, if you usually just exfoliate one day a week, don’t immediately jump to three or four. Do two days for a little while and see how your skin responds.
Ultimately, Less Is More
The most important thing to remember is that less is more during the summer. Go for the “no makeup” makeup look, cut back on the number of products you use, and allow your skin to breathe. With all the sweating we tend to do during the summer, you don’t want to be layering tons of products on your face. It’ll only irritate your skin more! Take the time to wash your face every morning and evening, use your moisturizer, and last but certainly not least, wear your sunscreen.
