Dive Into Your Summer Skincare Routine

Summer time. That’s when things get a little brighter, more magical and carefree. Why not do the same for your skin? That’s where your summer skincare routine comes into play.

With the help of the experts, we share how the sun can affect your complexion and which skincare products are ideal for the warmer months. We jump!

What can happen to my skin in summer?

Here comes the Sun. And along with it, the need to protect your skin. Although solar radiation affects your skin throughout the year, the burning rays (UVB) can be stronger in the summer.

In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer and visible skin damage, excessive sun exposure can also trigger something called oxidative stress. Dr. Aurora Garre, Medical Communication Manager, explains: “Too much UV radiation from the sun can overwhelm your system, making these molecules unstable and triggering oxidative stress.” — Also known as photoaging.

“Photoaging refers to the process in which the sun’s rays accelerate the signs of skin aging, such as dark spots and fine lines,” continues Dr. Garre. And he does it more than anything else in his environment or skin exposure.

The best way to combat photoaging? Protect and repair your skin every day. And updating your summer skincare routine is a great place to start.

How can I update my skincare routine for the summer?

Once again, sweet summer indicates the need to focus on two things: protecting the skin from the sun during the day and helping to repair its effects at night. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Use an effective cleanser

Even if you’re relaxing on the beach, your skin is still exposed to environmental stressors. Between pollution, sweat, sebum, cosmetics, and the buildup of impurities (have you ever thought about how many times you touch your face a day?), your skin needs constant cleansing. Switch to formulas that work hard to remove impurities, sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.

AM: Start the day with a hypoallergenic micellar cleansing water, suitable for sensitive skin and fragrance-free. Our recommendation: micellar solution

P.M: Look for an oil formula for a gentle yet powerful clean. Melt away waterproof sunscreen and makeup, while adding some much-needed antioxidant support. Our recommendation: essential cleaning

Expert tip: Do your best to always cleanse twice a day, whether you’re wearing makeup or not. Starting with a fresh palette ensures that the rest of your summer skincare products work as intended.

Step 2: Apply a refreshing eye contour

Laughing with friends. Squinting at the sun. Staying up late. The skin around the eyes exercises more during the summer. And since it’s one of the thinnest on your face, it can use a little extra love, too. Look for revitalizing eye contour creams to brighten your eyes.

AM: When you’re trying to get the most out of your summer, it can catch up with your skin. Vitamin K oxide helps diminish the appearance of dark circles. Our recommendation: Portholes K

P.M: Helps the skin around your eyes start anew each day. Eye cream formulas with antioxidant melatonin can help fight oxidative stress caused by daily skin aggressors. Our recommendation: vital eyes

Expert tip: Look for an eye cream that has a cooling ceramic applicator for an extra cool feeling.

Step 3: Add a super serum

summer asks skinimalism. Which means less can be more when it comes to skincare formulas (but not when it comes to results). Now is the time to look for serums that do it all with lightweight textures.

AM: Embrace the bare face. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and skin-firming peptides to smooth skin and give it an overall healthy look. Our recommendation: hyaluronic concentrate

P.M: Look for a formula that helps repair the effects of damaging free radicals caused by the sun, without being too harsh for sun-soaked skin. Turn to bakuchiol, an all-natural retinol alternative with a gentle profile. Our recommendation: Melatonik®️

Expert tip: The regeneration (or replacement) cycle of your skin lasts between 21 and 28 days. So if you’re replacing a new serum for the summer and counting on the results, keep a realistic timeline in mind. While the hydration effects can kick in within a few days, the rejuvenating effects usually take at least 30 days to kick in. As with most good habits, consistency is the key!

Step 4 – Find a rejuvenating moisturizer

Although winter is the most Notorious season for dry skin, staying consistent with your moisturizing routine in the warmer months has its benefits, too. Dr. Garre weighs, “In summer, hydration is still essential, so that sun damage doesn’t penetrate further into the skin and cause even more damage.”

AM: Make sure your moisturizer pairs well with your next adventure. Are you trading vacation plans by the sea for urban landscapes? Switch to a formula that hydrates and helps protect against the damaging effects of pollution. Our recommendation: age contour

P.M: Add antioxidants. Night creams, which include antioxidants (like melatonin), can help undo the damage of the day and minimize any visible signs of aging. Our recommendation: Age Contour Night

Expert tip: How do antioxidants work? They can help protect against oxidative stress caused by damaging free radicals. Rich in antioxidants help your skin regain its glow and elasticity, leaving it looking and feeling revitalized.

Step 5: Don’t forget the sunscreen

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, sunscreen is essential. But, on warm days when you’re swimming (or perspiration) be sure to reapply your sunscreen more often. And it is always a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid the midday sun.

AM: As the last step in your skincare routine or the first step in your makeup routine, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays). And find a texture that you like to wear every day. Our recommendation: actinic eryfotone

Expert tip: How much sunscreen should you apply? For your face, the equivalent of two full fingers should be enough. That means running your sunscreen down the length of your index and middle finger and voila, that’s the perfect amount.

A Most Essential Summer Skincare Routine

All day: The best plans aren’t actually, well, planned. And that means your summer beauty products need to keep up. Try an on-the-go mineral powder formula that leaves a matte finish. Bonus points if it offers additional protection against the aging effects of the sun (photoaging) and pollution. Our recommendation: mineral brush

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Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a variety of lifestyle and technology topics in Washington DC and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour and sunscreen, always.

Medical Communication Manager

In addition to ten years as a primary care physician, Aurora has over 23 years of experience in healthcare product development and communication, most recently in cosmetic dermatology. She is the co-author of many publications in dermatology journals and has spoken at international health and beauty conferences. Ref: College of Physicians of Madrid number 282840102