OK so although it doesn’t feel like we’ve got much of a Summer this year, we still feel like it’s our duty to pass on Summer skin rules that simply make sense. It’s your skin health we’re thinking about, so here’s a list that top dermatologists have agreed on:
1. Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine
Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine as soon as spring starts will have an abundance of benefits. When used alongside SPF, vitamin C serums enhance the performance of SPF products by giving your skin thorough protection against UV rays. The serum can also boost hydration and brightness, giving your skin that sought-after glow.
However, it’s important to note that new products should be gradually introduced to your skincare routine to test how your skin reacts to the change, especially if the vitamin C serum is of a high percentage. One of our favourite Vitamin C serums is The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C Serum – if you can, always try to aim for one with over 10%.
2. Try a niacinamide serum
Struggling with dry skin? Adding a niacinamide serum into your skincare routine is hugely rewarding. Niacinamide boosts the skin’s hydration and enhances moisture, making this product the perfect comeback from those dull winter months.
As the warmer weather sets in, your face will naturally start to produce more oil, but niacinamide serums also helps to regulate oil production, removing any excess oils from your skin (which is why many breakout prone people use it too!). It’s recommended to use niacinamide in both your morning and evening skincare routine and to apply the product after cleansing and toning. Niacinamide should also be applied before using more acidic serums, such as vitamin C.
We’ve had great results from the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, especially for easing signs of pigmentation.
3. Avoid heavy moisturisers
While moisturiser is a fundamental part of every skincare routine, it’s essential to lighten the load over the next few months.
As the weather becomes warmer, too much moisturiser can cause your pores to become clogged, resulting in an oily break-out. To avoid this, it’s better to apply a lighter layer of moisturiser throughout summer; doing so keeps your skin hydrated while reducing the risk of blemishes.
A lightweight one that also has an SPF added is the Darphin Intral Environmental Lightweight Shield SPF50, it’s definitely up there in our ‘spendy’ selections, but the quality is another level.
4. Put your exfoliating acids to one side
As the temperature heats up, it’s tempting to exfoliate daily to reduce the risk of clogged pores. However, limiting your use of exfoliating acids over the next few months is hugely important.
When over-used, exfoliating acids, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, can reduce the skin’s natural protection against the sun and can dehydrate your skin, making you more susceptible to skin damage.
Exfoliating acids should be used in moderation and applied around once a week at most to avoid some nasty sunburn this summer. SPF should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine. Similarly, exfoliating face scrubs should also be avoided over the next few months.
5. Switch to a gel cleanser
Cleansers are a great way to remove excess oils and dirt from your skin, why is why they are the first step in every skincare routine. However, thick cleansing creams have the potential to clog up your pores during the warmer weather, why is why mild gel cleansers are a more trustworthy alternative.
Gel cleansers are a light and refreshing way to cleanse your skin, reducing the risk of breakouts over the warmer months. These products can effectively deep clean your skin without stripping away your natural oils, as we ADORE the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – it’s super affordable and perfect for summer cleansing!
6. Ditch the cleansing oils
On the cleansing front again, your face will naturally begin to produce more oil as the weather heats up. As a result, avoiding cleansing oils over the next few months is recommended.
Applying cleansing oils in warm weather will result in an excessive amount of oil, increasing your risk of a breakout. Because of this, it’s best to dial down during spring and stick to lighter products. Instead, try a refreshing micellar water for your first makeup remover step, like BIODERMA Sensibio Micellar Water – a goldie oldie of our Editors.
7. Don’t forget your SPF
An obvious one by now! As the months get warmer, it’s hugely important to use SPF products. Incorporating them into your skincare routine is a must to protect yourself from the sun and keep you feeling refreshed this spring.
You should apply products containing SPF as the last step in your skincare routine to allow your skin to receive maximum protection as you spend more time outdoors. It’s vital to use a high SPF of at least 30 and wait at least 20 minutes after application before going outside. We personally love La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Face Mist SPF 50+, it is SO easy to apply, and we’re suckers for SPF 50 on the face!
