How can you make your summer skincare routine as comfortable and safe as possible? Which products are your summer must-haves, and which ones should you set aside?
Summer Skincare Tips for a Comfortable Routine
Summer, heat, and scorching sun present a real challenge for your skin. To avoid complicating things further, it’s worth reviewing your routine: what will be comfortable for your skin, and what is better left for later?
Choose Gentle Acidic Cleansers
In summer, skin typically becomes oilier due to increased sebum production. Therefore, if you’re looking for a cleanser, consider gentle gels and foams containing salicylic acid, which will help balance the elevated pH. This will help preserve the microbiome, reduce excessive sebum production, and prevent the appearance of inflammatory elements and clogged pores.
Less is More
In summer, you definitely don’t want to burden your skin. Often, the heat can be so overwhelming that you may feel like applying nothing at all. However, this is not advisable, as your skin needs care in any weather.
To keep things comfortable, try replacing dense creamy textures with light cream-gels, milky lotions, and emulsions. Choose water-based moisturizing serums or toners. Use a minimal amount of products: there’s no need to layer toner, serum, cream, and sunscreen (this is unlikely to be comfortable). It’s enough to choose one watery product (serum or toner) and a sunscreen that, besides providing sun protection, will also perform the necessary skincare functions and retain moisture in the skin.
This basic minimum will help your skin stay healthy, feel comfortable, and avoid clogged pores, the feeling of heaviness, oiliness, and stickiness.
Hydration is a Must
In summer, due to excessive sweating and sebum production, it may seem that your skin doesn’t need hydration. However, in reality, due to the sun and heat, it loses moisture and becomes dry and dull. Therefore, hydration is essential. Choose watery serums or toners and seal them with a light cream in the evening and a sunscreen in the morning.
Sunscreen is Your Best Friend
Sun rays have a very harmful effect on the skin, so sunscreen is your main ally all year round, especially in summer. Choose products with SPF 50 and apply two fingers’ worth (half a teaspoon) to each exposed area. If you use sunscreen with physical filters, remember to reapply it every two hours or after contact with water. Do not replace sunscreen with a foundation with SPF, as it’s impossible to apply it in a sufficient amount.
Additionally, try to avoid staying under the scorching sun, wear protective clothing, and hats. This simple step will help preserve the health, youth, and beauty of your skin for longer.
Exfoliation: Yes or No?
Exfoliation helps keep the skin smooth and radiant, prevents clogged pores and inflammatory elements, but in summer, you need to be careful. Choose gentle exfoliation products like enzyme powders, peeling gels, light peels, or pads. Use them only in your evening routine, and be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning. Remember, excessive exfoliation can increase skin photosensitivity.
Can You Use Retinol?
Retinol is a powerful ingredient for acne and aging skin care, but you need to be cautious with it. If you’re new to retinol and want to incorporate it into your routine, it’s better not to start in summer but wait for a cooler and less sunny season.
If retinol has been part of your routine for a long time and you know how to use it correctly, you can confidently continue using it. Remember to use this active ingredient only at night, and in the morning, don’t forget to apply sunscreen in sufficient quantity using the two-finger rule.
Choose Quality Makeup
Don’t be afraid to use makeup in summer, but choose comfortable products that don’t clog pores or cause irritation. You can opt for a foundation with SPF, but remember, it can’t replace sunscreen.
And of course, remember that in the evening, both makeup and sunscreen need to be removed with a makeup remover: cleansing oil, balm, or micellar water.
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