5-step summer skincare routine
Here’s a step-by-step guide on skincare during summers. Follow the steps to pave the way for healthy and hydrated skin.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
Sebum production peaks during the hot, humid days of summer, which makes the skin prone to acne. On top of that, the accumulation of sweat, oil, makeup, and impurities in pores can lead to breakouts. That's why indulging in a double cleansing routine is essential. 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, debris (which piles up throughout the day), and makeup. Start with a no-rinse micellar water and follow it up with your regular cleanser.
Step 2: Use Hydrating Toner and Essence
Summer combined with other environmental aggressors and incorrect skincare reduces skin’s pH. A balanced skin pH is crucial for your overall skin health. One of the easiest ways to achieve a balanced pH is to use 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’re done toning your skin, apply a face essence. It’s like a sponge that helps absorb the next skincare products and keeps the skin supremely hydrated and clear.
Step 3: Specialized Treatments with Face Serum
A face serum can be a great addition to your summer skincare routine. Face serums offer several benefits, with hydration being the number one. Exposure to the summer environment leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the 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.
- To maintain optimal skin hydration levels, include a hydrating face serum in your skincare routine during summer. It will also reduce fine lines and leave you with a plump look.
- Those struggling with dullness and dark spots can use a skin-brightening serum. Face serums enriched with Melasyl™, glycolic acid, and niacinamide can effectively reduce dark spots, sunspots, age spots, and acne marks.
- 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 they can make your skin oilier and more prone to acne. For best results, use a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin without making it feel greasy. Include a dedicated day cream (with SPF for added sun protection) and night cream (to expedite the skin’s regeneration process) in your skincare routine.
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. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen formula for both UVA (responsible for premature aging) and UVB (responsible for sunburn) protection. Don’t forget to consider your skin type when choosing the right sunscreen formula.
Essential Summer Season Skin Care Tips
Here’s a list of summer skincare tips to maintain healthy and comfortable skin throughout the season:
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to keep your skin moist from the inside out.
- 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. Store them 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 aloe vera face mask recipes at home to make your summer skincare fun and relaxing.
- Wear protective accessories: Umbrellas, sunglasses, and hats add extra protection from the sun.
Following a summer skincare routine specific to your skin type and concerns is vital to achieving healthy, radiant-looking skin. With the right skincare products, 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, glowing skin throughout the season.
Need help with the skincare routine? Head to the L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to analyze your skincare needs as an expert and find what works best for you with ease!