5-step summer skincare routine
Here’s a step-by-step guide on skincare during summer. Follow the steps to pave the way for healthy and hydrated skin.
Step 1: Double cleanse
Sebum production is at its peak during the hot humid days of summer, which makes the skin prone to acne. On top of that, accumulation of sweat, oil, makeup, and impurities in pores can lead to breakouts. That’s why, include double cleansing in your summer skincare routine to enjoy deep cleaning action.
- For AM cleansing, use a non-drying exfoliating cleanser to combat greasiness and refresh your skin without stripping away vital moisture.
- Follow the double-cleansing routine at night to slough off sweat, makeup, and debris (piled up throughout the day). Start with a no-rinse micellar water and follow it up with your regular cleanser.
Step 2: Use hydrating toner and essence
Wondering what else to include in your summer face care routine? Add a toner or essence. If you follow an elaborate skincare routine, you can use both or else, you can pick any of these for your summer skincare.
Summer heat combined with other environmental aggressors and incorrect skincare regimens and products can reduce the skin’s pH. A balanced pH is crucial for your overall skin health, and one of the easiest ways is to use a toner.
- A toner balances the pH levels of your skin and closes pores, making it a must-have in your summer skincare regimen.
- Once you are done toning your skin, move to apply a face essence. It’s more like a sponge that helps absorb products (lined up in a particular routine) and keeps the skin supremely hydrated and clear.
Step 3: Specialised treatments with face serum
A face serum can be a great addition to your summer skincare routine. Face serums offer several benefits, hydration being at the top in the list. Exposure to summer environment leads to increased Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL – it’s a measurement of how much water evaporates from the skin). The process is normal and inevitable. However, increased TEWL during summer can lead to dehydrated and dry skin.
Here’s a list of different types of face serums you can choose for your summer skin routine:
- Hydrating serum for plump skin: Maintains hydration, reduces fine lines, and leaves skin plump.
- Brightening serum for dull skin:Those struggling with dullness and dark spots can use skin-brightening serum. Face serums enriched with MelasylTM, glycolic acid, and niacinamide can effectively reduce dark spots, sunspots, age spots, acne marks, etc.
- Antioxidant serum to combat sun damage: Using antioxidant-rich skincare products like serums or creams with vitamin E can help you combat oxidative stress and sun damage, and maintain healthy skin.
Step 4: SPF moisturizer for day and night cream for overnight regeneration
Try to avoid using heavy creams during summer as these skincare products can make your skin oilier and prone to acne. For best results, use a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin without making the skin feel greasy.
- Include dedicated day cream (with SPF for added sun protection) and night cream (to expedite the skin’s regeneration process) in your skincare.
Step 5: Sun protection – Your skin's best friend
Summer skincare or any skincare for that matter is incomplete without sunscreen. It shields against premature aging, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Consider your skin type while choosing the right sunscreen formula.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen formula for both UVA (responsible for premature ageing) and UVB (responsible for sunburn) protection.
Essential summer season skin care tips
Here's a list of summer skincare tips to maintain healthy and comfortable skin throughout the season:
- Choose antioxidant-rich skincare:Skincare products enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C or E can help combat free radical damage due to sun exposure.
- Use refrigerated sheet masks:On days you exfoliate your skin, you can use sheet masks to boost the hydration level in your skin. Store the sheet masks in the refrigerator beforehand to soothe sunburn and heat.
- Avoid applying heavy makeup:Go for light BB creams or tinted moisturizers instead of heavy foundations.
- Always remove sunscreen and makeup before bed:Double cleansing keeps your pores clean and clear of buildup.
- Add cooling ingredients: Try out these aloe vera face mask recipes at home and make your summer skincare fun and relaxing.
- Stay hydrated:Following the right skincare during summer isn’t enough. You must adopt skin-hydrating habits for healthy skin. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your skin moist from the inside out.
- Wear protective accessories:Umbrellas, sunglasses, and hats add extra protection from the sun.
Following a summer skincare routine specific to your skin type and issues is vital to achieving healthy, radiant-looking skin. With the right skincare products and practices and proper hydration, you can shield your skin from sun damage.
So, what are you waiting for? Keep your skin summer-ready with these essential skincare steps and tips and maintain fresh and glowing skin throughout this season.
Need help with the skincare routine? Head to the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to analyse your skincare needs as an expert and find what works best for you with ease!
