Skincare Products for Summer You Need to Get Your Glow On: Melanin-rich Skincare Guide
Summer is here. Yeah! the weather is changing, guess what else should be changing, your routine. As summer approaches, you should switch up your skincare products and routine to suit the needs of summer.
Did you know that summer introduces a unique set of challenges for your skin? Yes. The combination of higher temperatures, increased humidity, and prolonged sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin.
This article will guide you through the best skincare products for summer, helping you maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout this summer and beyond.
Key Takeaways: Skincare Products for Summer
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to guard against UV rays.
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Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
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Use moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to combat dehydration.
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Exfoliate 1-2 times a week with chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
How Summer Can Impact Our Skin Negatively
Increased Risk of Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
Sun exposure is the most obvious summer skin concern. UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Statistics reveal that over 9500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer related to exposure to UV light and the sun. As such, protecting your skin from these harmful effects is crucial.
Increased Oil Production
Summer heat often leads to increased oil production, especially for individuals with oily or combination skin. This can result in clogged pores and breakouts, making it essential to adjust your skincare products accordingly.
Dehydration
Despite the humidity, summer can dehydrate your skin. Air conditioning, sun exposure, and even swimming can strip away essential moisture, leaving your skin feeling tight and dry.
Ultimately, using the right products is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin throughout the summer period.
What are the Essential Summer Skincare Products to Use for Summer?
In summer, it’s essential to use lightweight and hydrating skincare products such as oil-free moisturisers and water-based serums. It’s also essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to protect against sun damage.
Let’s explore the essential skincare products needed in summer in more detail.
Sunscreen
No summer skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. It’s your first line of defence against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Now, there are two main types of sunscreen: physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
For proper protection use a non-greasy, no white cast mineral sunscreen or a moisturising invincible finish sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use. If you plan on spending extended periods outdoors, ensure to reapply after every 2-3 hours.
Moisturizer
It’s common to see people avoid using moisturisers in summer due to the hotness of the season. Keeping your skin hydrated during summer is just as important as protecting it from the sun.
With the right moisturiser, you’ll feel comfortable in your skin, despite the heat. So, what’s the right moisturiser to use in summer?
Opt for lightweight body moisturiser and face moisturiser. Heavy creams can feel greasy, make you feel uncomfortable and clog your pores, leading to breakouts.
In addition, use moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, among others. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture without making your skin feel heavy or oily.
Face/Body Wash : Skincare Products for Summer
A good wash is vital for removing sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil. Gel-based washes are generally better, as they help control oil without stripping the skin.
Foam-based wash can also be effective but ensure they don’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
Avoid washes containing harsh sulphate and alcohol. This is because they can dehydrate your skin and disrupt its natural barrier.
In a nutshell, you should a gentle and nourishing face wash and shower gel in your skincare routine.
Exfoliants
You also need exfoliants in your summer skincare routine. Exfoliation in summer can offer the following benefits for your skin;
- Remove dead skin cells
- Ensures your skin absorbs your products effectively
- Improves skin clarity
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin
- Unclogs the pores and improve skin texture
When it comes to exfoliation, you have two options. You could use physical or chemical exfoliants.
Physical exfoliants use small particles to manually scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), dissolve dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing.
The right way to exfoliate your face is with a chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliation is gentler on the skin and is less likely to irritate your skin.
Ensure to exfoliate 1-2 times a week to prevent over-exfoliation. Over-exfoliation can irritate your skin and make it more sensitive to sun.
Ultimately, exfoliation is important for promoting a healthy and glowing skin all summer season.
Serums: Essential Skincare Products for Summer
These can provide targeted treatment for specific skin concerns, and they’re essential skincare products to include in your routine this summer. Serums you’d want to include in your routine this summer include;
Vitamin C Serum
This is a potent antioxidant that can protect your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure. Vitamin C serum helps brighten your complexion and even out skin tone.
Serums with Hyaluronic acid
The benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin are numerous. For one, it is a powerful hydrator that can help your skin retain moisture.
In all, hyaluronic acid is especially useful in summer when dehydration is common.
Skincare Routine Adjustments to Make for Summer: Essential Skincare Products for Summer
You need to adjust your skincare to address the season’s unique challenges.
Morning Routine
- Start with a gentle face and body wash.
- Next, use your toner for extra moisture and to enhance the absorption of your skincare products.
- Proceed to use your vitamin C serum or any other preferred hydrating serum.
- Use a lightweight moisturizer.
- Finish off with a sunscreen.
Evening Routine
- Cleanse with a gentle wash again to remove the day’s impurities.
- Apply your toner, followed by your desired serum.
- Next, apply any special treatment serum like serum for dark spots and wrinkles.
- Finish off with a lightweight face moisturizer and body moistuizer.
Addressing Common Summer Skin Issues
Some common skincare issue individuals experience in the summer season include;
Acne
To combat summer acne, use azelaic acid serum and avoid heavy, pore-clogging products.
Hyperpigmentation
Use products with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to address sun-induced hyperpigmentation. Consistent use can help brighten dark spots over time.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin Beyond Product
Aside from using the right skincare products, here are some helpful tips to protect your skin this summer.
Wear Protective Clothing
In addition to using sunscreen, wear protective clothing like hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your skin from the sun.
Limit Exposure to the Sun
Whenever possible, stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) to minimize direct sun exposure.
Staying Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and body hydrated. Dehydration can make your skin more susceptible to damage and dryness.
Best Skincare Products for Different Skin Types : Skincare Products for Summer
Here are the best products for you, based on your skin type.
- If you have oily skin, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
- Dry skin: choose hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep your skin moisturised.
- Combination Skin: use lightweight products that balance your skin’s oil production without drying out the drier areas.
- For sensitive skin, stick to gentle, fragrance-free products that won’t irritate your skin. Look for soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera.
Debunking Summer Skincare Myths
Myth 1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer
Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can increase oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Myth 2: Higher SPF Means Better Protection
While a higher SPF provides more protection, the difference becomes marginal beyond SPF 30. The key is to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours if you spend a lot of time indoors.
Myth 3: Melanin-rich Skin Don’t Need Sun Protection
There’s a common myth that melanin-rich skin doesn’t need sun protection. This is based on the belief, that melanin offers natural protection from the sun.
Well, if you fall into this school of thought, that’s far from the truth. Indeed, melanin provides some natural protection, but it is not enough to prevent all sun damage and related health issues.
Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is essential for protecting black skin from cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing. So, ensure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, regardless of your skin colour.
Conclusion: Skincare Products for Summer
Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your skin’s unique needs during the warmer months and choosing the right products, you can keep your complexion healthy and radiant all season long.
Remember to protect, hydrate, and adjust your routine as necessary to enjoy the summer sun without compromising your skin.
FAQs Related to Skincare Products for Summer
1. How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating, to maintain effective protection.
2. Can I use the same moisturizer year-round?
It's best to switch to a lighter moisturizer in the summer to prevent clogging pores and feeling greasy.
3. What ingredients are good for summer skin?
Grape seed oil, vitamin C, and green tea are excellent additions to a summer skincare routine because they address key seasonal concerns. Grape seed oil provides hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits without clogging pores.
Vitamin C offers powerful antioxidant protection and brightens the skin while boosting collagen production. Green tea soothes irritation, reduces sebum production, and provides further antioxidant defence against UV damage.
Together, these ingredients help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion during the hot and humid summer months.
4. What oils to use on the face in summer?
Our recommended oils to use in the summer season for lightweight moisturization, skin rejuvenation, antioxidant protection, and overall healthy skin include;
We advice people with oily acne prone skin to avoid using thick oil to avoid clogging the pores. This could worsen irritation and breakouts.