Though men’s skincare largely stays the same throughout the year – cleansing, moisturising and SPF are always essential – there are some seasonal fluctuations.
In winter, the combination of cold temperatures and central heating leads to dry skin, so you’ll want richer creams and oils to replenish lost hydration and nourishment.
When summer hits, it’s a different story. Though hydration is still important (hot temperatures dry you out, too), UV protection is the number one concern.
“Summer skincare is all about protection from the sun,” says Filip Asberg Montgomery, head of product and brand strategy at skincare and wellness brand Narcyss. “Daily SPF is the holy grail of anti-ageing skincare, not just for preventing sunburn but also for slowing long-term skin damage – 90 per cent of visible ageing is actually due to sun exposure.”
That said, the heat also leads to clogged pores through sweat and humidity which, ultimately, can lead to breakouts. So, it’s also important to cleanse thoroughly and use lightweight products that don’t block your cells.
“Summer means more sweat, more oils and more sunscreen buildup,” says Patrick Kidd, founder of men’s grooming brand Patricks. “It’s all about keeping your skin clear without stripping it of moisture so a good quality face wash and scrub is key. The wash should contain ingredients that are both hydrating and soothing while for the scrub, the finer the exfoliants, the better.”
For Narcyss’ Asberg Montgomery, it’s about keeping everything light: “Unless your skin is extremely dry, skip any heavy creams which can trap heat, sweat, and bacteria, making breakouts or irritation more likely. Instead, opt for gel-textured or lightweight hydrating products that absorb quickly and support the skin barrier.”
With that in mind, serums are a summer wash bag essential. Not only do they boast a thinner consistency that absorbs quickly, but choose the right one, and they can also deliver a powerful hit of actives, be it vitamin C for brightening, hydrating hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, which helps with redness and inflammation.
Keep scrolling for our six-step guide to achieving healthy skin all summer long, from cleansing to moisturisers as well as the all-important SPF.
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Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing morning and night is essential all year round because it helps to remove impurities which can lead to skin concerns, be it irritation or blemishes. During the warmer months, it’s best to go with a lightweight gel or foam and avoid balms and oils which could result in unnecessary build-up and sweat.
Horace Purfying Face Cleanser 200ml
Made using 99 per cent natural ingredients, the purifying cleanser by French independent grooming brand Horace will leave your skin feeling clean and soft. It works for all skin types and prevents outbreaks and redness whilst retaining moisture - and with a 4.8-star rating across over 5,000 reviews, it’s clearly a crowd-pleaser.
Buy now £13.00, Horace
Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser 100ml
A mild face wash for those with normal and combination skin, Aesop’s cleanser is infused with purifying and hydrating botanicals of bergamot, chamomile, and rosemary. It will leave your pores cleansed and your skin fresh – and it smells divine. Bonus points for apothecary aesthetics.
Buy now £25.00, Aesop
Step 2: Exfoliate (2 - 3 times per week)
Since your pores get clogged more easily with sweat and sunscreen during summer, it’s good to stay on top of exfoliating regularly – two to three times a week is usually about right. Avoid any strong acid exfoliators which can make your skin susceptible to sun damage and go for gentle scrubs instead.
Patricks FS1 Volcanic Sand and Crushed Diamond face scrub
Perhaps the best face scrub you’ll ever try, Patricks’ formula not only smells incredible, but it’s also packed full of active ingredients that reduce ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and thoroughly clean pores. Exfoliating power besides, it’s also powered by age-defying peptides, multivitamins and anti-irritants that leave skin smooth and well nourished.
Buy now £58.00, Patricks
Malin + Goetz Jojoba Face Scrub
Malin + Goetz is the New York-based skincare expert with fuss-free formulas intended for all skin types, including sensitive. This scrub will gently buff away dullness with a mix of jojoba oil beads and natural rice powders, leaving your skin feeling healthy and refreshed.
Buy now £34.00, Malin + Goetz
Step 3: Mask (2-3 times per week)
Consistently using masks is an easy way to level up your skin game. Depending on which you choose, they can have a real impact on reducing fine lines, balancing skin tone or simply bumping up your moisture levels.
When the sun’s shining, go for masks which are hydrating or cooling because they’ll combat the effects of heat and sun exposure. Steer clear of abrasive peels and exfoliators which could have adverse effects.
111SKIN Cryo De-Puffing Facial Mask
Sometimes (usually when we’re not in the mood for it), we can wake up with a puffy, dull complexion. If that is ever the case, simply whip on one of 111SKIN’s Cryo De-Puffing Facial Masks which, inspired by the science behind cryotherapy, increases blood circulation to the face instantly depuffing your skin.
Price for five masks.
Buy now £95.00, Lookfantastic
Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask
With extracts of avocado and evening primrose oil, this Kiehl’s mask will supply your skin with the moisture it craves, leaving it feeling soft and replenished. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, it’s a great go-to when your face needs a gentle refresh.
Buy now £44.00, Kiehl's
Step 4: Apply serum(s)
Serums really make the difference during summer. They’re the quickest way of getting a powerful hit of nutrients without loading your skin up with a heavy cream or oil.
We’d always recommend using one that’s targeted to the eye area (dark circles and puffiness are two key concerns for lots of guys) as well as a general face serum that’s designed for a specific end result, whether it’s for an even complexion, anti-ageing or just for a general glow.
Byoma Hydrating Serum
Does exactly what it says on the tin: a simple and effective serum from this brand that focuses on protecting the skin barrier. For £12.99, it’s a steal.
Buy now £12.99, Cult Beauty
Loya SupeReverse Serum 50ml
If you want a more advanced serum that delivers hydration while reversing signs of ageing, go for Loya’s SupeReverse Serum.
It’s a science-backed blend designed by dermatologists which is clinically proven to restore elasticity, smooth wrinkles, strengthen the skin barrier and even help with long term repair. You can find all of the independently validated statistics on the website.
Buy now £210.00, Loya
Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer
The benefits of Murad’s eye depuffer are twofold. Number one, the formula itself is enriched with peptides and caffeine which help to reduce fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Number two, it comes in an easy-to-use applicator which encourages lymphatic drainage for extra depuffing. Keep it in the fridge for best results.
Buy now £48.00, Murad
Step 5: Moisturise
In this day and age, every guy should moisturise. There are so many benefits – it supports your skin’s barrier, improves its texture, firmness and complexion, and helps fend off signs of aging for a little longer. And, considering that there’s good options to be had at every budget, there’s literally no excuse.
When it’s warmer, go for lightweight creams which sink in quickly. Anything too thick will sit on the skin’s surface for longer which in turn will cause excessive sweating. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalene are three of the best ingredients which deliver moisture and nourishment without the viscosity of plant based oils.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors & HA
This moisturiser from The Ordinary contains two main ingredients. HA - or hyaluronic acid - is renowned for its ultra-hydrating properties. Natural Moisturizing Factors are lesser known but have been selected with the sole purpose of conditioning your complexion.
It is made up of amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides and sodium PCA - aka elements naturally present in the skin and responsible for replenishing. Together, they combine to create a hydration powerhouse that offers long-lasting results and can applied on all skin types, even (and especially) those with sensitivities.
Buy now £12.80, The Ordinary
Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturizer
It’s hard to find lightweight moisturisers that boost your radiance – until you’ve come across Tatcha’s Dewy Milk Moisturiser, that is. It’s clinically proven to absorb quickly, balance excess oil, deliver an all-day glow and leave your skin feeling bouncy and hydrated. A moisturiser that’s worth the investment.
Buy now £61.00, Tatcha
Step 6: Apply SPF
Sun damage is a big contributing factor to aging skin, and, ultimately, can lead to skin cancer – so it’s crucial to apply an SPF every single morning. Actually, if you’re exposed to the sun during the height of summer, it’s best to reapply every few hours.
Go for one that’s specifically designed for your face because most body sun creams can clog your pores, leading to inflammation and imperfections. Instead, you’ll want lightweight formulas which sink in quickly – and always make sure it’s factor 50+ broad spectrum for tip top protection.
Bulldog Skincare Anytime Daily UV Moisturiser SPF 50
With broad spectrum SPF 50, antioxidant vitamin E and soothing British marine algae, the Bulldog Skincare Anytime Daily UV Moisturiser SPF 50 really is your new skincare staple.
Formulated specifically for men’s skin, it will protect against UVB and UVA rays all summer long while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
Buy now £18.00, Bulldog Skincare
Narcyss SPF 50+
Narcyss’ SPF does more than protect from the sun. It’s also enriched with niacinamide to help calm inflammation, improve skin tone, regulate oil and strengthen the skin barrier – and it delivers deep, lasting hydration with every application.
Buy now £24.00, Narcyss
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
Dermatologist-approved French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay is here to save your skin from the ageing effects of the sun. Known for a high-quality, light, and affordable formula, the brand’s facial SPF offers ultra protection against harmful rays, including UVA, UVB, and Ultra Long UVA. Plus, it won’t leave you looking greasy.
Buy now £15.20, Amazon
