With the weather warming up, we’re all excited to get outside and enjoy the summer sun. However, warm weather brings new skincare challenges and burning questions like “Do I really need to lather on moisturizer after I’ve been sweating all day and my face feels oily?”. We’ve rounded up our top 6 tips to perfecting your summer skincare routine to enjoy healthy looking skin all summer long:

  • Lighten up your skincare routine

With the cold frigid air transitioning into heat and humidity, you can stash away your heavy skincare products and shift to using lighter textured formulas. Your summer skincare routine can be more lightweight, meaning you can swap out thick cleansers and moisturizers in favour of foaming cleansers or replacing your moisturizer with a combination of hydrating serums and sunscreens. 

Try using Vivier’s Foaming Cleanser for a light and smooth finish, or Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex serum with a sunscreen for lightweight moisture.  

  • SPF, SPF, SPF

The most important, central and cardinal rule for all summer skincare routines: SPF! Don’t leave your house this summer (or ever) without applying sunscreen. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and to be sure to reapply every couple of hours. For double the coverage, you can incorporate multipurpose sunscreen options, like a tinted sunscreen for that extra SPF protection and to replace your foundation. Check out Skinceutical’s Sheer Physical UV Defense for a transparent and 100% mineral option, or for something tinted, try EltaMD’S UV Physical Tinted option for light coverage.  

  • SPF, but everywhere

You’ve protected your face but don’t forget the rest of your body! People often neglect applying sunscreen to other commonly exposed areas. Don’t forget your neck, ears, lips, chest and hands. For more active days, try using EltaMD’s UV Sport 50 for water resistant protection.  Again, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every few hours so make sure you pack extra sunscreen for long summer days spent outside. Quick tip: set a reminder on your phone that it’s time to reapply!

  • Seek shade

After being cooped up indoors all winter we know you want to spend all day in the summer sun,  but make sure to avoid direct sun exposure for long periods of time. We’re not saying to avoid the sun completely, just be mindful to jump into the shade every so often. Think sitting under an umbrella, wearing wide-brim hats, sunglasses and trying to avoid the midday sun. 

  • Add an exfoliant to your routine

Kiss your dull winter skin goodbye and let your clear, healthy skin shine through! We’re often reminded to not over-exfoliate the skin, but incorporate an exfoliant 1-2 days a week into your summer skincare routine. Exfoliation will open up blocked pores and remove oils and sweat that build up from the summer heat and humidity. Try out Zo Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish, or for a more gentle option use Vivier’s Vitamin C Scrub

  • HYDRATE!

Hydration is the most important for our skin, especially in the summer. With rising temperatures, up your water intake and aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin and to stabilize the skin barrier. Hydration can also help skin recover after a sunburn - but we know you avoided getting one of those in the first place. 

Need more help in selecting your summer skincare products? Give us a call or visit us in-store to meet with one of our skincare experts who will help you find the perfect summer skincare products for your routine!