The summer season is finally here! Along with a more relaxed mood, outdoor activities, and holidays, the warm weather and increased sun exposure can take a toll on your skin. From dryness and sunburn to clogged pores and excess oil production, your skin may require different care during this time. Adjusting your skincare routine for the summer months is essential to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you adapt your regimen to the changing conditions.
Cleanse and Exfoliate
As temperatures rise, our skin tends to produce more oil and sweat, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. To combat this, start with a gentle yet effective cleanse using micellar cleansing water. Micellar waters are lightweight, soap-free formulas that use tiny micelle particles to capture and lift away dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin. They're perfect for summer as they cleanse thoroughly yet leave the skin feeling refreshed, not tight or dry.
Regular exfoliation is also key during the summer months. Opt for an enzymatic exfoliant rather than a scrub. Enzymatic exfoliants use protein-dissolving enzymes to gently slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. These exfoliants are gentler than scrubs or chemical exfoliants, making them ideal for all skin types, even the sensitive ones.
Philab offers the Gentle Exfoliating Cream, which uses protease enzymes. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, helping to remove dead skin cells effectively and promote a smoother, brighter complexion. However, be mindful not to over-exfoliate, as this can damage your skin's protective barrier. Once or twice a week should be enough.
Moisturize and Hydrate
While you may be tempted to skip moisturizer during the warmer months, it's essential to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun's drying effects. Look for lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid to help attract and retain moisture in your skin.
An ideal option is a lightweight, anti-wrinkle cream formulated with pure, very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeply for intense hydration. Philab’s Anti-wrinkle & Firming Cream not only keeps moisture locked in but also protects your skin's barrier from losing water. Potent peptides in the formula help reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating skin´s own production of collagen.
If you opt to use sunscreen instead of a light moisturizer, consider layering a hydrating serum with anti-ageing properties underneath. Choose a serum with very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as its small molecules can deliver an extra boost of hydration to plump and rejuvenate the skin. The right formula will absorb quickly without leaving a heavy residue. Using a hydrating serum in this way can be especially beneficial during the summer months when the skin is prone to dryness and dehydration from environmental stressors like sun exposure and air conditioning.
Do you want to know more about Hyaluronic Acid? Visit our dedicated blog post here!
Avoid Sun Damage
One of the most critical steps in your summer skincare routine is sun protection. Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to premature aging, sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF every day, depending on your activity, even on cloudy days.
For daily activities, such as commuting to and from work, or a coffee and shopping stroll in the city, a moisturizer with SPF 25 is ideal. Philab's Extra Moisturizing & Anti-Pollution Cream with SPF 25 provides adequate sun protection, while offering triple moisturizing, essential during the hot summer months, and combats environmental pollutants, making it ideal for city dwellers.
When spending long periods outdoors, choose a higher SPF to ensure maximum protection. Activities such as hiking, beach or sports require a stronger barrier against UV rays. Consider using a sunscreen with SPF30 or higher and renew it diligently.
Look for lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen formulas that contain antioxidants for added protection against free radicals. Opt for formulas specifically designed for facial use.
In addition to sunscreen, don't forget to incorporate other sun-safe practices, such as seeking shade during peak hours, wearing protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding direct sun exposure when possible.
By taking a comprehensive approach to sun protection, you can help prevent sun damage and keep your skin looking its best all summer long.
Protect your Eyes and Lips
The delicate skin around the eyes and lips is extremely vulnerable during the summer months and requires special care. Exposure to UV rays and environmental stressors in these areas can lead to premature aging, dark circles, dryness, and even potential skin cancer over time.
Sun protection is crucial, so be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen around the eyes and lips, being careful not to get any in your eyes. However, sunscreen alone may not be enough to fully care for these delicate zones.
Consider using a lightweight, very hydrating serum formulated specifically for the sensitive eye area, that contains active ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. These can help strengthen the thin skin around the eyes and lips, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration exacerbated by sun exposure.
Apply the serum gently around the entire eye area as well as around the lip area. Look for a formula with effective humectants like hyaluronic acid that can deeply hydrate and nourish. Philab has you covered with its unique Intensive Eye Serum, designed to provide deep hydration and protection for these sensitive areas.
Additionally, use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage. A good lip balm with SPF will not only shield your lips from harmful UV rays but also keep them moisturized and prevent dryness. Look for one with broad-spectrum protection and hydrating ingredients to keep your lips soft and healthy throughout the summer.
Avoid Heavy Makeup
While makeup can be fun, heavy or pore-clogging formulas aren't ideal for summer. As temperatures rise, the skin tends to produce more oil which can lead to breakouts when trapped under layers of complexion makeup.
Instead of piling on foundations and powders, embrace a "less is more" approach that allows your natural beauty to shine through. Opt for minimal, breathable makeup that lets your healthy, glowing skin take center stage.
For summer makeup, use as few products as possible:
- Mix in your hand a small amount of moisturizer with SPF, with a few drops of your favorite liquid makeup to create a custom BB cream.
- Use concealer sparingly, focusing on areas like around the nose and chin to cover redness and imperfectiions instead of applying foundation all over.
- Follow with a hydrating tinted lip balm for a subtle sheen.
- Finish with mascara to lift and revitalize your lashes.
If you do want some coverage, look for lightweight, oil-free liquid or mineral formulas specifically labeled "non-comedogenic" to avoid clogged pores. Use oil-blotting sheets to control shine as needed throughout the day.
The summer months are all about enhancing your fresh, radiant complexion - not masking it. Stick to just a few key products for a naturally flawless look. Let your beautiful skin breathe and you'll stay blemish-free.
By avoiding heavy makeup, you'll not only prevent clogged pores and breakouts but also let your summer glow take the spotlight.
Optimize your Lifestyle and Diet
Your skincare routine isn't the only factor that affects your skin's health and appearance during the summer months. Lifestyle and dietary choices can also play a significant role.
Staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can lead to dull, dry, and lackluster skin. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and incorporate hydrating foods like summer fruits and salads into your diet.
Managing stress is also essential, as stress can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Make time for relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or just getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine in moderation.
Exercise is another lifestyle factor that impacts skin. While sweating can initially clog pores, getting your blood pumping boosts circulation for a healthy glow. Just be sure to remove sweat and cleanse skin post-workout.
Finally, consider incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet that can benefit your skin from the inside out. Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and healthy fats from nuts or fish, can help protect and nourish your complexion.
A diet high in whole, unprocessed foods provides the vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats that promote strong skin structure and radiance. Avoid highly processed, sugary, or greasy foods that can trigger inflammation and breakouts.
By aligning your lifestyle and dietary habits with your skincare routine, you'll set yourself up for a beautiful, radiant complexion that glows from the inside out.
Let's summerize!
As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. By adapting your regimen to address the unique challenges of the summer months, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and protected.
- Start with a gentle micellar water and enzymatic exfoliant to deeply cleanse and slough off dead skin cells. Follow up with lightweight, hydrating layers like serums and moisturizers packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides.
- Don't skimp on sun protection - apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and consider a multi-tasking day cream with SPF for added environmental defense. Pay special attention to shielding the delicate eye and lip areas with targeted treatments.
- Embrace a "less is more" approach to makeup, avoiding heavy, pore-clogging formulas that can lead to breakouts. Instead, enhance your natural radiance with just a few key complexion products.
- Finally, support your summer skincare efforts from the inside out by staying hydrated, managing stress, exercising regularly, and nourishing your body with antioxidant-rich whole foods.
By making these simple adjustments, you can maintain a fresh, radiant, and youthful glow from head to toe all season long. Enjoy the summer months with confidence, knowing your skin is getting the tailored care it needs.