Best Beauty Skincare Products for Summer
Summer is here: hot, glossy skin, more frequent acne breakouts, chafing, ingrown hairs, and insect bites. It is also common knowledge that Summer heat may be oppressive, but fear not: our Summer Skincare Products Guide has everything you need to beat the heat. You should summer-proof your schedule whether you work from home or commute to work each day.
That is why I compiled this list of the most critical items to help your skin survive (and flourish) during the season. And I am not simply referring to your looks. In the winter, when we can hunker down behind warm clothing, our skin below the neck may receive the short end of the stick when it comes to skincare.
My favorite recommendations are sun protection, lightweight hydration, and clean skin. These are the only summer skincare products I advise using in the pool, beach, and garden.
Make a commitment to cleansing.
Any effective skincare regimen must begin with a thorough cleansing, especially in the summer. A dermatologist, Dr. Kiran Sethi, suggests using substances like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or green tea in a cleanser to control oil production. “Add a clarifying product, such as peel pads or an exfoliating product, to help remove dead skin,” she suggests. While the skin might become more sensitive during the warmer months, use gentle exfoliation. Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser is one of my all-time favorite gel cleansers, which I highly suggest. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup in one step without stripping the face of moisture.
Hydration is essential
As the weather heats up, you first want to cool yourself with something cold, but your skin could use some moisture. Vandini Gupta, the founder of Team Mary Cohr India, points out that we need moisture for our faces and lips, eyes, and bodies. She advises applying a mattifying hydrating moisturizer. “Skin stays fresh all day long thanks to these products’ ability to absorb excess oil.” Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid are components to look for in your summer moisturizer.
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of niacinamide serum, but summer is when I use it the most. It is because it calms redness and brightens the skin while regulating oil production and minimizing pores. The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum is a better solution I have tested. It is so moisturizing that I often use it beneath sunscreen, and I find that my skin generates far less oil when I use it. See my review of the top niacinamide serums for additional suggestions.
Most Important Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important all year round, but it is vital in the summer. To avoid weighing down the skin, use a gel or mousse-based product. Depending on the amount of sun exposure, choose an SPF. So, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF if you spend more time outside. Similarly, if you are in the sun for a long time, experts advise reapplying sunscreen every two to three hours. In addition to the tried-and-true combination of aloe vera and rose water, you may try a calming clay mask after sun exposure.
Under your sunscreen, you should apply antioxidants like vitamin C. They prevent DNA and collagen damage from free radicals, making your SPF more effective. With 15% L-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is one of the most potent preparations. Salicylic acid (0.5%) and silymarin (milk thistle) prevent oil oxidation and excess oil, making it an excellent summer supplement.
How to Use Summer Skin Care
You should use your skin care products in the proper sequence to get the most out of each one after determining which product swaps work best for your regimen. A dermatologist, Dr. Adeline Kikam, recommends stacking creams from thinnest to thickest.
- After cleansing, start with the lightest product, such as your toner (if you use one), essences, and serums.
- Use lotions and creams, which are heavier but still water-like, as a follow-up.
- Apply any thicker treatments, such as balms and facial oils, last. Use sunscreen after moisturizing if it is part of your daily regimen.
- Be sure to utilize ointments like Aquaphor or petroleum jelly as a last step in your process.
The heavier treatments, such as rich creams as opposed to light serums, provide a barrier that aids in skin protection. Since they prevent water loss, ointments like healing cream and Vaseline are ideal for slathering on dry skin.
