Summer’s here—and so are the sun, sweat, and skin surprises. If your face feels oilier or more irritated than usual, it might be time to update your skincare for summer. Heat and humidity can clog pores, cause dehydration, and increase sensitivity. The good news? With a few simple swaps, your skin can stay fresh, glowing, and protected all season long.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you. With a few smart tweaks and skin-loving habits, you can keep your glow game strong all season long. Let’s dive into the best skin care routine tips to keep your face fresh, protected, and totally heat-proof.
Let's explore the best summer skin care tips, including advice on sun protection, hydration, exfoliation, and more. By incorporating these simple yet effective steps into your daily routine, you can ensure your skin stays in top shape all summer long.
What Your Skin Type Needs This Summer
Know Your Skin Type & Adjust Accordingly
Your summer skin care routine should vary based on your skin type:
-
Oily Skin: Switch to a gel-based cleanser, a lightweight toner for summer, and an oil-free moisturiser to control shine. For acne-prone skin, opt for ingredients like salicylic acid that help unclog pores and reduce breakouts. You can also try our Anti-Acne Pimple Daily Cleanser, which combines bearberry, white willow bark, and tea tree to deeply cleanse and calm troubled skin.
-
Dry Skin: Use hydrating products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Look for a skin care routine for dry skin in summer that layers moisture without feeling heavy. Use a gentle hydrating cleanser such as our Rose, Chamomile & Ceramides Daily Cleanser to prevent your skin from drying out before you moisturise.
-
Combination Skin: Use balancing toners and spot-treat oily zones while hydrating the drier areas.
Top 10 Skin Care Tips for Summer That Actually Work
1. Cleanse twice daily: Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to remove sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil.
2. Use a toner for summer: Toner helps to maintain the skin’s pH and essence hydrates the skin to prepare it for the next steps, therefore it leads to minimising pores and refreshing your skin.
3. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF: Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily. It is best to apply sunscreen cream in the morning, even on cloudy days.
4. Choose the right moisturiser for summer: Hydration is essential, even in humid weather. Choose water-based or gel moisturisers that absorb quickly.
5. Stay hydrated: Replenish your body with a detoxifying summer drink which supports digestion, skin hydration, and gut health, resulting in inner and outer glow.
6. Exfoliate 1–2 times a week: Gentle exfoliation is needed with mild scrubs to shed dead skin cells and reveal a natural glow.
7. Keep blotting papers handy: Blotting papers absorb excess oil without smudging makeup or drying out your skin.
8. Wear breathable cotton fabrics: Cotton allows your skin to breathe and reduces sweat buildup, preventing body acne and rashes.
9. Opt for a lightweight summer night cream: Choose a non-greasy night cream with, it helps hydrate, repair sun-exposed skin, and prevent clogged pores.
10. Eat skin-friendly foods: These foods hydrate your skin from within and fight sun-related damage. Add them to your summer meals for a natural glow and improved skin health.
5 Common Summer Skin Problems and Solutions
-
Acne Breakouts
Solution:Use non-comedogenic products and a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser to avoid clogging pores. If you’re dealing with recurring acne in summer, salicylic acid can help—read our blog on the Top 6 Salicylic Acid Benefits for Skin to see how it clears breakouts and prevents future ones.
Prevention: Cleanse twice daily and avoid touching your face or letting sweat sit on your skin for too long. -
Not Applying Sunscreen
Solution: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors. Wondering why sunscreen is even important? It protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature ageing, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin damage.
Prevention: Make sunscreen a daily habit—even on cloudy days—to prevent tanning, sunburn, and premature ageing.
-
Not Moisturising
Solution: Apply a hydrating, oil-free moisturiser suitable for your skin type to maintain skin barrier health.
Prevention: Don’t skip moisturiser just because it’s hot—use gel-based or water-based options that feel weightless. -
Not Hydrating Enough
Solution: Drink plenty of water and include water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber in your diet.
Prevention: Keep a bottle of water with you and add skin-hydrating foods and drinks to your summer routine. -
Wearing Heavy Makeup
Solution: Switch to lightweight, breathable makeup or go makeup-free when possible.
Prevention: Opt for BB creams or tinted sunscreens and always remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
Best Moisturiser and Toner for Summer Skincare
When choosing summer skincare, prioritise lightweight and hydrating formulas:
-
Gel moisturisers with ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or glycerin deliver hydration without clogging pores or feeling greasy.
-
Hydrating toners made with green tea, rose water, or chamomile help tighten pores and refresh skin without causing dryness. Hydrating toners made with green tea, rose water, or chamomile help tighten pores and refresh skin without causing dryness. Try our Wild Rose & Chamomile Hydrosol Toner — a gentle, soothing mist perfect for summer hydration on the go.
-
Skip heavy creams during the day—unless your skin is severely dry, stick to fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic options.
Summer Tips for Skin That Beat the Heat
These are some simple summer tips for skin to beat the heat and humidity without overwhelming your routine:
-
Stay hydrated.
-
Choose antioxidant-rich summer skincare routine to fight free radical damage.
-
Use refrigerated sheet masks to soothe sunburn and heat Use refrigerated sheet masks to soothe sunburn and heat—check out our blog on DIY Cooling Face Masks for easy at-home recipes.
-
Avoid heavy makeup during summer.
-
Remove makeup before bed.
-
Add cooling ingredients like aloe vera to your summer skin routine.
-
Apart from following the right skincare during summer, try to wear hats, sunglasses, etc., for added protection from the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) What are the most effective summer season skin care tips for daily use?
A) Cleansing, sunscreen, a refreshing toner, and lightweight moisturiser are the basics. Don’t forget water and antioxidant-rich foods.
Q2) Which type of moisturizer is best for summer—gel or cream?
A) Gel-based moisturizers are best for most skin types in summer as they hydrate without heaviness.
Q3) How can I treat summer skin problems like oiliness and sunburn?
A) Use mattifying products for oiliness and aloe vera or soothing gels for sunburn. Prevention is key—never skip sunscreen.
Q4) What is the ideal toner for summer skincare?
A) A hydrating, alcohol-free toner with green tea, rose water, or cucumber is ideal for summer to tighten pores and refresh skin.
Q5) Can I use a night cream in summer, or should I skip it?
A) Yes, but choose a summer night cream that’s lightweight and non-greasy—ideal for overnight repair.
Q6) What should my skin care routine look like for dry skin in summer?
A) Use cream-based cleansers, hydrating toners, and moisturisers with hyaluronic acid. Layer your products for lasting hydration.
Q7) Are there specific products to avoid in a summer skincare routine?
A) Avoid thick, oil-heavy creams and harsh alcohol-based toners. Use non-comedogenic and breathable formulas.
Q8) Do I need a different skincare routine for day and night during summer?
A) Yes! Day routines focus on protection (like SPF), while night routines focus on repair and hydration.
Your skin deserves just as much attention in summer as any other season—if not more. With increased sun exposure, sweat, and humidity, it’s important to follow a targeted skin care routine for summer that keeps your skin cool, hydrated, and protected.
From choosing the right moisturiser and toner to adjusting your routine by skin type, every small step makes a big difference. Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic products, stay consistent, and don’t forget your SPF. With the right care, glowing summer skin isn’t just a goal—it’s a guarantee.
Want to go the clean and green route this summer? Explore our blog on Essential Vegan Skincare Tips for the Summer Heat for gentle, cruelty-free routines that love your skin and the planet.
