During summer, our skin has different needs, and it’s in our best interest to listen to them if we want to have the skin of dreams all year round – wouldn’t it be such a shame to undo all your hard work so far? We think so too.

With most of our time spent outdoors, our skin is exposed to more sweat, stronger UV rays, and hotter temperatures that lift moisture right out of our skin. Everything pretty much intensifies. But with just a few skincare switches, face care in summer could be, dare we say, fun?

Tip 1: Increase SPF to 50

Sure, SPF 15 is better than no sunscreen at all, but as UV rays intensify during summer, ideally your SPF should too. This is because when the sun rises at this time of year, it reaches the highest point in the sky, meaning UV rays travel straight down to Earth rather than dispersed at an angle.

SPF 15 protects the skin from roughly 93% of UV rays, SPF 30 offers 97%, and SPF 50 comes in at the highest protection of 98%. And when UV rays are at their strongest, adding SPF 50 sunscreen to your summer skincare routine is a no-brainer like ordering another piña colada on the beach.

Try out: DR CEURACLE Cica Regen Vegan Sun SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml) - £22

This 3-in-1 chemical SPF 50 sunscreen is exactly what the doctor ordered. Providing ultimate sun protection, moisture, and essence, it’s a summer skincare essential that’ll save you from getting all hot and bothered with a double-digit routine. The skin-loving formula features centella asiatica for soothing and strengthening, madecassoside for intense moisture, and floral extracts for antioxidants and healing.

Tip 2: Reapply SPF Every 2 Hours, Even Over Makeup

Applying sunscreen once as part of your summer skincare routine simply isn’t enough, but when you’re wearing makeup how do you reapply SPF every 2 hours? A compact SPF of course!

Try out: VT Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA+++ (11g) - £16.50

Leaving absolutely no white cast, this SPF 50 compact won’t wash you out as you reapply throughout the day, so you can keep showing off that tanned summer skin. Combining centella extract and hyaluronic acid, it’ll brighten, strengthen, and hydrate your skin whilst protecting you from UV rays.

Tip 3: Add Antioxidants for Free Radical Protection

To properly care for your face in the summer season, antioxidants are a must. When our skin is exposed to UV rays for long periods, it produces more free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can cause cell damage - yikes. Adding antioxidants into your summer skincare routine will help to stabilise these atoms and prevent them from harming your cells.

Try out: SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow (30ml) - £19

Ready to get your glow on whilst topping up your antioxidants? This pure vitamin C serum contains 3% of the purest vitamin C, ascorbic acid, as well as niacinamide, adenosine, and 10 skin brightening vitamins. Beautiful, bright summer skin has never been easier, and we’re all about simplicity in the heat. 

Tip 4: Switch To a Lightweight Moisturiser

Thick, rich moisturisers are your BFF during colder months, but when the temperature rises, they quickly turn into frenemies. Their heavyweight formulas leave the skin feeling greasy and can clog pores, leading to oily skin and blemishes which isn’t something you want at any time of year, right? But you still want a lightweight moisturiser that’s going to do the job just as much as a thicker one would, as hot weather increases moisture loss and the chances of dry skin.

 Try out: HEIMISH Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream (110ml) - £23

An oily skin favourite, this lightweight gel cream with a barely-there feel is the perfect skincare addition for summer days. It instantly cools, deeply hydrates, and nourishes the skin with watermelon extract combined with other fruit and plant extracts. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants which scores extra points.

Tip 5: Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

As we naturally sweat more during summer days (even if you don’t like to admit it), our pores are more likely to get clogged, so exfoliating shouldn’t be forgotten about in our skincare routines. Especially as pores tend to expand in hot weather as they work overtime to release excess sweat, making it easier for dirt, oil, and bacteria to get trapped. 

Try out: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (100ml) - £25

Keeping your pores gunk-free is COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. This exfoliator reaches deep beneath the skin’s surface to remove impurities and dead skin cells while reducing blackheads with 4% BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid). Makeup-free summer days here we come…