Ah, summer! When you want to spend all your time poolside. As luck would have it, the blazing sun, scorching heat, and unhealthy levels of pollution all contribute to a trying time for your skin. Breakouts, pigmentation, fine lines, dullness and oiliness is pretty much a given come summer. The heat also opens up pores, which means they get clogged with dirt + oil, trapping in bacteria and causing all sorts of skin irritation.
Just like your wardrobe needs an update in the summer, your daily skincare routine too needs a change in hot and humid weather. Incorporating these simple steps into your summer skincare program will help you hold on to that inner glow.
Step 1: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize
Cleansing removes dirt that you acquire throughout the day, making your skin feel squeaky-clean. Use a gentle cleanser that does the job, but without stripping away the natural oils your skin produces. Toning helps in closing open pores and restoring the natural pH balance of your skin; moisturizing hydrates the skin creating a protective layer against the outside world. Use a non-alcoholic toner because it’s gentler, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t block your pores. Try this in the PM, as the day’s activities can leave you with a buildup of sweat that needs to be washed away.
Include a gentle exfoliator 1-2x a week in your CTM routine. This removes dull dead skin debris, prevents congestion of pores, and improves hydration from moisturizers. Exfoliating for the body is equally important – try dry brushing with a natural body brush a couple times a week to slough off the dead skin cells.
Step 2: Treat yourself to weekly masks
Just like our body, our skin needs hydrating too (it is the largest organ after all). Using a sheet mask about 2x a week keeps the skin supple + healthy looking. If sheet masks are not for you, some good old aloe gel or a clay mask will do the job. It’s a great Sunday night self-care activity to indulge in!
Step 3: Don’t skip sunscreen, ever
Sunscreen is not just for a lazy day on the beach, as your skin can get burned even on a cloudy day. Any dermatologist will confirm you should wear sunscreen daily, even on days when you’re spending the max amount of time indoors. It’s essential for protecting your skin from sun damage, fine lines, and pigmentation. An ideal sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, so check the label before making a purchase. Reapply sunscreen every two hours (and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating) for best results. Also, don’t forget the neck, hands and feet.
Step 4: Marie Kondo your makeup routine
Ditch that 14-step makeup routine you’ve been baking your face with, and switch to multi-purpose products that spark joy. Go for minimal products that allow your skin to breathe and provide the glow the Kardashian-Jenner’s swear by (We know minimal + Kim K don’t go together, but you get the drift). Look for products that are waterproof, hydrating, and not heavy duty. Nothing is worse than make-up melting down your face the moment you step out.
Step 5: Hello Hygiene
Personal hygiene makes all the difference, not just in terms of how you feel, but also how others feel about you. If you’re a smelly cat, everyone will know (Sorry Phoebe). Don’t skip the shower because you pressed snooze for the tenth time, and especially not after a workout. Sweat is a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and fungal infections, and you want none of that nasty stuff. Pick up an antiperspirant or natural deodorant for daily use as it helps in masking body odour, making you smell fresh as a daisy all day long.
Take your summer skincare routine one step further:
- Even after all the sunscreen, sunburns happen. Aloe vera provides soothing relief so keep your vanity stocked with a jar of aloe gel. Additionally, it’s also great for a DIY facemask, as a serum, and to heal an old zit.
- Invest in a good Vitamin C serum, and apply 3-5 drops all over your face + neck once a day (under moisturizer) – it has amazing antioxidant benefits that evens out skin tone, protects against sun damage and hyperpigmentation, and is anti-ageing.
- Grab a bottle of dry shampoo for days when your hair needs a quick fix. Washing your hair daily is not feasible, and your scalp tends to get sweaty faster if you workout regularly. On those days a little bit of dry shampoo will do the trick.
- Carry a scarf when you step out – it acts as a great barrier from all the pollution; if you find your hair getting sweaty through the day, add the scarf to your braid or a topknot for a chic hairstyle that keeps hair away from your face.
- Invest in good sunglasses, not just for style – they protect you from the harsh rays of the sun, and from developing fine lines around the eyes.
- We swear by hydrosols – we have one on our desk, one inside our bag, and one on our nightstand to mist when the inspiration strikes, for a boost of instant hydration. Rose water makes you smell great too (we all need more of that during the summers). Keep the bottle in the refrigerator for additional chill.
