Summer is all about soaking up the rays, whether you are in the park, driving down to the beach, or flying off to a tropical paradise. While we can all agree that there is nothing quite like a day in the sun, the health of our skin is frequently overlooked. Luckily, we have put together the ultimate summer skincare guide to answer all of your burning questions and keep you glowing all season long.
Discover top summer skincare secrets below, from the best moisturiser for hot weather to the best exfoliators and cleansers for sun-kissed skin.
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What moisturizer should I use in the summer?
There is no doubt that an extra dose of Vitamin D can help you achieve that enviable sun-kissed glow. However, if you do not use the right moisturizer, your skin can look dehydrated and greasy. While some people believe that a rich cream-based moisturiser provides the best long-lasting hydration, overuse can result in clogged pores and dry skin.
Instead, we recommend a moisturiser from a brand like Dermalogica, Sisley, or La Mer. On humid days, this has a lighter matte finish that helps tighten pores, rehydrates, and reduces the appearance of shiny, sweaty skin.
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$155
$22
Should you get a moisturiser with SPF?
Sun cream is always one of the first things you put on in the morning when you are on vacation abroad or enjoying a rare UK heatwave. While this is an excellent way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, it can cause irritation and unwanted breakouts if you have sensitive skin. Including an SPF-based moisturizer in your summer morning skincare routine is a must.
The key difference between a sun cream and an SPF-based moisturizer is that the latter not only provides a layer of protection against harmful UV rays and air pollutants, but its rich, lightweight formula will also nourish dry skin and help diffuse the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Consider the level of protection you require before browsing our selection. We recommend Sarah Chapman’s Dynamic Defense with SPF15 for shorter sun exposure, and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops moisturizer with SPF50 for sun worshipers.
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$19
How do I wash my face after being in the sun?
Our skin becomes dried, red, and sometimes sore after a few hours in the sun. So, make it your summer skincare mission to devote some time each day to providing your skin with the tender loving care it requires. It all begins with the proper cleanser.
If your skin is sensitive, use a micellar water-based cleanser or a foaming cleanser, such as La Prairie’s crystal micellar water. If you have really worked your skin hard in the sun, go for a more luxurious, rich, and creamy cleansing balm or milk cleanser from Rodial or Pixi.
$19
$130
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$48
$29
What should I look for in a good exfoliator?
While cleansing your skin is a great way to remove surface-level dirt and excess skin oil, if you want to keep your radiant glow, you will need to go a little deeper with the right exfoliant.
Unlike cleansers, exfoliators should not be used on a daily basis because over-exfoliation can make your skin even more sensitive to harmful UV rays. Instead, exfoliating your skin up to twice a week should suffice.
Next, look for exfoliators that contain active ingredients such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid, alpha and beta acids. All of these ingredients work instantly to gently remove dull, dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and more radiant. Including an exfoliator in your routine is essential for achieving that summer glow.
$29
$26
If you want something less abrasive, try soothing your overworked skin with the best that nature has to offer, such as Mario Badescu’s almond and honey face scrub or Rodial’s Vitamin C enriched enzyme scrub.
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$40
What should I apply to my face at night during summer?
After cleansing and exfoliating your face, you might think it is time for bed, but before you do, think about the face serum or oil that will work wonders while you sleep.
If you are unsure about which serum to use, choose one that contains hyaluronic acid. Both The Ordinary and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s hyaluronic acid are known for alleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and waking you up feeling refreshed.
$66
$8.99
Sitting in the heat all day can be thirsty work, and while drinking plenty of water keeps us hydrated, your skin requires more assistance. Long periods in the sun can cause hyperpigmentation and breakouts, so we recommend incorporating a cold-pressed oil into your bedtime routine to combat this.
The right overnight oil, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, can help replenish moisture levels, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and defy the early signs of aging, all while you sleep.
$57
$140
