As the days grow longer, the temperature gets hotter, and we start to defrost, our skin stops being as dry as the Sahara Desert. The flaky cries for hydration come to an end, and our skin starts to crave a change just as much as our wardrobes do.
The rich, nourishing creams that saved you through winter might suddenly feel too heavy, and humidity can throw your oil levels into overdrive. Hotter weather, more sweat, and extra SPF all mean one thing — it’s time to swap out a few of your go-to products for lighter, glowier, more summer-friendly alternatives.
Now, we’re not telling you to ditch your entire skincare collection and run to buy a bunch of new products. However, your heavy creams might not be the right fit when the sun is beating down and your sweating bollocks.
To understand the summer skincare swaps we should be making as we move into the hotter months, we spoke to Mecca Brands’ Skincare Education Manager, Franchesca Lay.
Why Do You Need To Change Your Skincare Routine Seasonally?
The switch up in the weather acts as an external skin aggressor that can impact your skin barrier. While your skin might feel dry, sensitive and red during winter, it can flip a switch come summer time.
“In summer, heat and humidity can increase activity in our sebaceous glands and an increase in oil production, so we tend to see our customers seeking skincare that helps to control oil production based on their skin type and preferences,” Franchesca said.
In order to keep your skin barrier healthy and strong, you can make adjustments to your skincare routine so you’re not as oily as a slice of focaccia by midday.
What Is A Good Summer Skincare Routine?
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. While I’ve got dry, acne-prone skin, yours might be an entirely different story.
“In general, we see customers lean towards lighter skincare textures in the summer season,” Franchesca said.
“My favourite elements to look for in a summer moisturiser are oil-free options or gel-type textures (such as the Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturiser).”
Franchesca explained that no matter the season, hydration is key to keeping our skin barrier healthy. Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid are great for attracting and maintaining moisture in the skin.
SPF is another crucial step in every summer skincare routine. While some moisturisers have sun protection in them, Franchesca explained that this is a secondary SPF, and it’s not actually enough to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
“For application on top of makeup throughout the day, look for a lightweight SPF that will blend more easily on top of makeup,” Franchesca advised. She recommends pressing the SPF into your skin with a sponge or with your hands in order to prevent your makeup smudging or blending into one big, grey, discoloured ball.
Franchesca — who said she likes her skincare and makeup looking fresh and glowy — said she starts off her skincare with a hydrating essence on clear, dry skin. So she’s not overloading her skin, she follows with a multi-tasking serum and a nourishing-yet-lightweight moisturiser.
“Lastly, I apply a brightening yet effective SPF (MECCA Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum),” she finished.
How Early Should You Switch Skincare Products For A Summer Skincare Routine?
Swapping from a winter to a summer skincare routine isn’t a one-and-done process. It takes time, especially if your skin is sensitive or reacts to certain products. Franchesca said it’s best to switch out one product at a time, so you can clearly identify how each product is impacting your skin.
“We recommend using a product for at least 28 days (the approximate time it takes for a healthy young adult’s skin cells to regenerate), and up to 60 days to see the true effects of skincare,” she said.
“Everyone’s skin is unique, so listen to what it’s telling you.”
If you need some recommendations on summer skincare products that will keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated without excess oiliness, keep on scrolling.
The Best Products To Swap Into Your Summer Skincare Routine
Want some guidance on the best summer skincare products to swap into your routine? Keep on scrolling for our recommendations.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream With Squalane
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream With Squalene is a best-seller for a reason. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and provides up to 24 hours of hydration. A summer staple, for sure!
Image: Kiehl’s
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you probably are already well aware of La Roche-Posay. They’re known for making skincare products that are safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin, like the Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser. It’s a protective cream moisturiser that helps repair and keep the skin barrier free from harm.
Image: La Roche-Posay.
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 473ml
Since our skin gets a little sweatier and oilier throughout the day during summer, a cleanser like this foaming one from CeraVe will help to remove the oil without disrupting your skin barrier.
Image: Adore Beauty.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30mL
Hyaluronic acid should be a skincare staple all year round. L’Oréal’s Revitalift Filler 1.5 per cent serum is a great product to apply daily for plump and hydrated skin.
Image: Priceline.
The Ordinary Supersize Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide is another serum that’s lightweight enough for daily use and supports your skin barrier’s health and moisture levels. It’s a bit of an all rounder, helping brighten the skin, reduce redness and control excess oil.
Image: Adore Beauty.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Of course, you need a solid SPF to save your pretty face from the sun’s harsh rays. La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a popular one, as it’s lightweight and doesn’t feel slimy or oily on your skin. Slip, slop, slap that shit on!
Image: Adore Beauty.
Remember to listen to your skin and make your changes slowly!
Image credit: Mecca / @coseygatsby__._
The post An Expert On The Summer Skincare Swaps To Make As We Head Into The Hotter Months appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
