Dive Into Your Summer Skincare Routine

Summertime. It’s when things get a little bit brighter, more magical, and carefree all around. Why not make it the same for your skin? That’s where your summer skincare routine comes in.

Ahead, we’ll explain just how sunshine and warm weather can change what your skin needs—including a few new products and habits. Let’s jump in!

What might happen to my skin in summer?

Here comes the sun. And along with it, the need for protection. While solar radiation affects your skin all year round, the rays that cause sunburns (UVB) are at their strongest in the summertime.

On top of increasing your risk for skin cancer and visible skin damage, getting too much sun can also trigger something called oxidative stress. Here’s how it works: excess solar radiation can overwhelm your system and provoke unstable molecules—AKA free radicals. And all this can lead to photoaging.

Photoaging is the process where the sun’s rays accelerate the signs of skin aging, such as dark spots and fine lines. And it does so more than anything else in your skin’s environment, also called the exposome.

The best way to combat photoaging? Protect, moisturize, 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 summer?

Sweet summertime signals the need to focus on two things: preventing dehydration and damage from the sun during the day while 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 in the shade, your skin is still exposed to environmental stressors. Between pollution, sweat, sebum, cosmetics, and a build-up of impurities (ever thought about how many times you touch your face in a day?), your skin needs consistent cleansing. Switch to formulas that work hard to remove impurities, sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.

⭐ AM & PM: Reach for an oil formula for a gentle yet powerful cleanse. In the morning, prep your skin for the day ahead. At night, melt away sunscreen and waterproof makeup, while adding some much-needed antioxidant support. Our recommendation: Essential Cleansing

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

Step 2: Apply a refreshing eye contour cream

Laughing with friends. Squinting into the sun. Staying up late. The skin around your eyes gets an extra workout over the summer. And since it’s some of the thinnest on your face, it can also use a little extra love. Seek out revitalizing eye solutions to brighten up your look.

☀️ AM: When you’re trying to squeeze the most out of your PTO, it can catch up with your skin. A cooling, energizing eye solution with moisturizing hyaluronic acid can make all the difference. Our recommendation: Hyaluronic Eyes.

⭐ PM: Help the skin around your eyes start anew each day. Eye contour cream formulas with antioxidant melatonin can help combat oxidative stress caused by daily skin aggressors. Our recommendation: Vital Eyes.

Expert tip: Look for an eye cream featuring a cooling applicator for an extra feeling of freshness.

Step 3: Add in a super serum

Summer calls for skinimalism. Meaning less can be more when it comes to skincare formulas (but not when it comes to results). Now’s the time to reach for do-it-all serums with lightweight textures.

☀️ AM: Embrace the bare face. Reach for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and skin-firming peptides to smooth skin and give it a healthy look overall. Our recommendation: Hyaluronic Concentrate.

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

Expert tip: Your skin’s regeneration cycle (or turnover) takes between 21-28 days. So if you’re subbing in a new serum for summer and counting on results, keep a realistic timeline in mind. While the effects of hydration can show up in a few days, any rejuvenating effects typically take at least 30 days to appear. As with most great habits, consistency is key!

Step 4: Reach for an ultra-hydrating moisturizer

While winter is the most notorious season for dry skin, staying consistent with your moisturizing routine in the warmer months has its benefits, too. In summer, hydration is still essential, so that sun damage doesn’t further penetrate skin and do even more damage.

☀️ AM: Make sure your moisturizer pairs well with your next adventure. Swapping out seaside vacation plans for cityscapes? Turn to a formula that both hydrates and helps protect against the damaging effects of pollution.

⭐ PM: Add in antioxidants. Nighttime creams including antioxidants (like melatonin or vitamin E) can help undo the day’s damage and minimize any visible signs of aging.

Expert tip: Summer can be both drying and cause more oil production than usual depending on the weather and your skin type. Don’t be afraid to switch to a lightweight moisturizer or a richer formula based on your needs.

Our recommendation: Find out which moisturizer is best for you with our quick quiz.

Step 5: Don’t forget the sunscreen

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, sunscreen is essential. But, on the warm days when you’re swimming (or sweating) make sure to reapply your sunscreen more often. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses, avoiding the midday sun when you can.

☀️ AM: As the last step in your skincare routine or the first step of your makeup routine, apply a sunscreen with 360° protection from the sun and other environmental factors. Even better? If it’s a hydrating formula with a lightweight texture that’s still comfortable on the hottest of days. Our recommendation: Fusion Water MAGIC.

Expert tip: Just how much sunscreen should you apply? For your face, the equivalent of two full finger lengths should be enough. That means running your sunscreen down the length of your index and middle finger and voilà! You’ve got the perfect amount.