It’s normal for our skincare routine to regularly need changing. We need to adapt to take into account everything from our individual skin conditions, to our hormones, to the weather outside. Your summer skincare routine is no exception, and there are a few things you can do to switch it up at this warm and sunny time of year to make sure your skin stays healthy, happy, and looking radiant at all times.
From your weekly exfoliation, to the ingredients you should add, to essential SPF, here’s how to adapt for summer when it comes to your skincare routine…
Want personalised advice on how your skin will fare in summer? Book a free consultation with one of our Skin Experts:
#1 If nothing else, use SPF!
We can’t stress this point enough, which is why it’s going first on our list. If you have not already started to include an SPF product in your skincare routine, begin now. Our skin should be protected from UVA and UVB rays every day throughout the year — yes, even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds. This is especially true in summer when sunburn is more of a risk.
Sun damage is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun or things like tanning beds. UVA light penetrates the deeper layers of skin to cause long-term skin damage, while UVB light burns the surface, which leads to sunburn.
Sunburn is not the only problem; even if you are not burning while in the sun, UVA rays could still be causing skin damage. SPF products are the best way to avoid this. From SPF sticks to powder products, we stock a great range of medical-grade SPF products across multiple brands which you can view here.
#2 Add vitamin C to your skincare routine
In summer our skin needs different ingredients to stay healthy, and vitamin C is one that’s perfect for this time of year. If you don’t already have some in your skincare routine, you may want to incorporate a product with this included.
Vitamin C helps to protect against environmental stressors, and can help provide some protection against dark spots, which tend to develop more in stronger sun. Since the sun can decrease our collagen and increase the production of fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C is a fantastic ingredient to help avoid this.
Obagi’s Professional-C® Serum comes in various percentages to suit all skin types, and your Skin Expert may recommend a product like this to introduce vitamin C to your skincare routine.
#3 Switch to a lighter moisturiser
Heavy, thick moisturisers can feel sticky and greasy on skin during summer, but instead of stopping moisturising altogether (definitely don’t do this!), switch to a more lightweight moisturiser that can keep skin hydrated without the thick consistency. There are many moisturising products available so you are bound to find one that can be an effective alternative to your usual.
We offer a range of creams and hydrators that can provide the exact consistency of moisturiser you are looking for. Speak to your Skin Expert to learn more.
#4 Avoid products that make skin sensitive to sun
Some products and ingredients come with a disclaimer that advises you should avoid going out in the sun after use. This can be true with things like chemical peel treatments and AHA products, retinol treatments, some acne creams, and more.
It’s always best to speak to one of our Skin Experts to make sure you are taking the proper precautions after any treatments, such as avoiding sunlight altogether, avoiding using the products altogether, or simply switching to an evening application instead of the morning.
When it comes to retinol use and certain other active ingredients, your Skin Expert will likely advise that you apply these products in the evening, and always apply SPF30 sunscreen or higher in the morning while using any retinol products, to keep skin properly protected. They may also recommend you cease using your retinol products a few days before going anywhere very hot and sunny, such as an abroad holiday.
#5 Regularly exfoliate
In summer, skin can become more oily due to use of SPF products and perspiration in hot weather. You may end up with more of a buildup of dead skin cells in summer, and these need to be regularly sloughed away.
Use an exfoliating product such as a face scrub to dislodge and remove dead skin cells and other impurities inside pores, and if you already use this weekly, perhaps try increasing the frequency of use ever so slightly to keep skin looking and feeling fresh.
While we have a number of exfoliating products in our range, Obagi’s Professional-C® Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask is a great one that combines skin polishing power to remove dead skin cells, and 30% vitamin C for a boost in skin protection.
#6 Rinse off when you get sweaty
Summer tends to bring warmer weather, which can lead to skin feeling more moist, hot and sweaty. When this happens, sweat can settle in areas of the face — for example, around the hairline or in the creases of the nose — and dry there, causing spots to pop up, or an irritated, itchy feeling. If you feel yourself getting sweaty throughout the day, splash some cold water on your face to rinse away any bacteria that may have settled, so you feel fresher and are less likely to see blemishes appear.
If you are rinsing your body regularly too, try not to overdo it on showering. If you are planning on showering more than once a day, keep the water cool if you can, keep your shower short, and don’t use any harsh body wash products.
#7 Embrace the no-makeup look
This one is not exactly skincare related, but it’s worth mentioning as your makeup can affect the quality of your skin. When the weather gets warmer, it doesn’t always feel nice to slather on a thick layer of makeup. Instead, go with a thin layer, or better yet, give your skin a breather from makeup and embrace the natural sun-kissed beauty that comes with summer.
If you must wear makeup, opt for non-comedogenic products, which means they won’t block pores when applied, and are less likely to cause breakouts when skin becomes oilier. Tinted sunscreens (such as the Obagi Sun Shield™ Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50) are also a great option as they can act as a two-in-one product; a minimal makeup look that also provides sun protection.
Summary: How do I adapt my skincare routine for the summer months?
When the sun is out and the weather becomes more humid, our skin reacts accordingly by getting sunburn, sun damage, or becoming oilier, which allows more dead skin cells to build up. To combat this:
- Speak to one of our Skin Experts to find a great SPF product that will work for your skin, as well as products that incorporate vitamin C to help boost your skin protection throughout summer
- Ask about a lighter moisturiser to avoid greasy, oily skin in warm weather
- If you get regular treatments or use products that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, have a conversation with your Skin Expert about this too so you know what to avoid, or if you need to adapt your routine accordingly
- Start exfoliating more regularly to remove any dead skin cells that could lead to breakouts
- Rinse your face when you get sweaty, to remove any leftover sweat or bacteria that could also lead to breakouts
- Switch up your makeup to a lighter product, or skip makeup altogether during really sunny days (but never skip the SPF!)
Want to read more from our blog? Here are some articles that may interest you:
- Dr Julia's tips on how to check your skin for cancer
- Top 6 bad skincare habits and how to break them
- Our top 5 tips for healthy skin during the winter
