Summer is an awesome time for fun in the sun, but it can also be tough on your skin. The hot weather, bright sunshine, and maybe even some sweat can cause problems if you’re not careful. That’s why having a good skincare routine during the summer is super important. Don’t worry, we’re going to break it down step by step so you can keep your skin happy, healthy, and glowing all season long and you can learn the best summer skincare routine. 

Think of your skin as needing a little extra TLC when the weather gets warm. Just like you might change your clothes to lighter fabrics, you should also think about switching up your skincare products. Now you don’t have to change anything crazy, but adding extra steps to keep your skin safe is super important. We’re going to walk through the essential steps to help you find the best products for your summer skin. I will even share my favorite products, to feel free to try them out if your skin seems similar to mine. I have a combination skin tone, with some hormonal acne. As a reminder, all products will work differently on everyone’s skin, so it is best to talk to your dermatologist about new products, patch tests, and keep receipts! 

summer skincare products

Step 1: Start Fresh with a Great Cleanser

Imagine starting with a clean slate. That’s what a good cleanser does for your skin. During the summer, you might find yourself sweating more, and things like dirt and sunscreen can build up on your face. You want a cleanser that can gently wash all that away without being too harsh. The best skincare routine can not start without a clean slate. 

Look for cleansers that are light and won’t dry out your skin. Some people like gel cleansers or foaming cleansers for summer. You want something that leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed, not tight or itchy. I like cleansers from La Roche Posay, which can be found at the drugstore. Wash your face gently in the morning and again at night. This simple step makes a big difference!

Step 2: Tone It Up (If You Want To!)

Sometimes after cleansing, you might want to use a toner. Think of it as a little extra step to help balance your skin and add back hydration if you have really dry skin.

If you decide to use a toner, look for ones that don’t have alcohol in them. Alcohol can dry out your skin, and we want to keep it nice and hydrated in the summer. Look for toners with ingredients like rosewater or green tea. These can feel really nice and refreshing on a hot day. Just pat it gently onto your face after cleansing. You may want to give toners a shot, they have really come a long way since the olden days, so I suggest looking into them if you are not using one.

Personally, I use the Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner. This gives my skin a cool feeling and lots of added hydration. This is great skincare under makeup too so it adds a glowy base to your summer look. 

Step 3: Super Serum Power!

Serums are like superheroes for your skin. They have lots of good stuff packed into them to help with specific things. For the best skincare routine this summer, two serums are really great to think about: Vitamin C serum and Hyaluronic Acid serum.

  • Vitamin C Serum: Think of Vitamin C like sunshine in a bottle! It can help brighten your skin and protect it from damage caused by the sun. It’s best to use this in the morning before you put on your sunscreen. 
  • Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Summer can make your skin feel a little thirsty. Hyaluronic acid is amazing at helping your skin hold onto water, keeping it nice and plump and hydrated. You can use this in the morning and at night. This is my favorite

Just a few drops of serum applied after toning can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels. If you have other concerns for your skin, talk to your dermatologist about a good serum for your skin. This is the step that you would apply to any treatments provided by your doctor. 

Step 4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Even though it’s hot and humid, your skin still needs moisture this summer! Sometimes people think they don’t need moisturizer in the summer, or at all if they have oily skin, but that’s not true. 

Instead of thick creams you might use in the winter, try a light lotion or a gel moisturizer in the summer. These will give your skin the hydration it needs without feeling heavy or greasy. Apply moisturizer after your serum, both in the morning and at night. Any will do, the drugstore sells great ones for less than $10, but make sure you avoid fragrance if possible to avoid added irritation. Personally the heat adds redness to my skin, so I try to avoid fragrance as much as possible in order to keep the redness at bay. 

Step 5: The Star of the Show: Sunscreen!

The best summer skin care routine needs sunscreen. If there’s one product you absolutely cannot skip in the summer, it’s sunscreen! The sun’s rays can be really harmful and can cause sunburn, early signs of aging, and even skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to protect your skin. When you think of sunscreen you might think of the spray at the beach or white sticky lotion that does not rub in. You can find sunscreens unlike this, that are clear and rub in seamlessly, at Sephora or Ulta, but also at stores like Trader Joes. If you really do not like any, this one from Elta MD is pricey, but a true fan favorite.

Look for a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the bottle. This means it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also want an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen generously to all the parts of your skin that will be exposed to the sun, like your face, neck, ears, and hands. Make sure to put it on for about 15-20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

facial sunscreen bottle

Step 6: Don’t Forget Your Eyes!

The skin around your eyes is super delicate, so it needs a little extra love, especially in the summer sun. Use a light eye cream to keep this area hydrated. Some eye creams also have SPF, which is a great bonus for sun protection. It is important to remember that we do not need SPF at night, so you can sometimes skip steps or use different products that target different concerns at night time. 

Step 7: Treat Yourself (and Your Skin!) with a Mask

Sometimes your skin needs a little extra boost. That’s where face masks come in! For summer, think about masks that hydrate or soothe your skin. Below I listed some that may be perfect for you for this summer. 

  • Hydrating Masks: These masks can help replenish moisture that might get lost from being in the sun or air conditioning. Look for ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid. I am personally allergic to aloe vera, so I can not use products that contain it so I try to stick to more milky products to get the hydration without negative side effects.
  • Cooling Masks: Some masks have a cooling effect that can feel really nice on a hot day. Additionally, redness reversing products like Dr. Jart’s Cicaplast Repair serum can help to cool down the skin, both visually and invisibly, which can be helpful if you are in a rush and do not have time to let a mask sit. 
skincare face mask

Step 8: Lip Service!

Don’t forget about your lips! They can get sunburned and dry too. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect them from the sun and keep them moisturized. Lips are really delicate, meaning they can burn easier. Although it may be easily missed, skin care for your lips is important to remember over the summer. You can even use a mask once or twice a week to give your skin a little extra pampering or wear a lip mask during the day if your lips need extra help!

Putting It All Together

So, what does the best summer skincare routine look like? Here’s a quick recap:

  • Morning: Gentle Cleanser, Toner (optional), Vitamin C Serum, Eye Cream, Light Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Lip Balm with SPF.
  • Evening: Gentle Cleanser, Toner (optional), Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Eye Cream, Light Moisturizer, Lip Balm.
  • Once or Twice a Week: Hydrating or Cooling Mask.

Why Does This Matter?

Taking care of your skin in the summer isn’t just about looking good; it’s about keeping your skin healthy. Protecting your skin from the sun can help prevent sunburns, early wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Skin cancer is a huge problem in my family that is near and dear to my heart. I am super passionate about wearing sunscreen on my whole body, not just your face. I am also against tanning beds and encourage my friends not to visit them, as they are extremely dangerous. As well, keeping your skin hydrated can prevent it from getting dry and irritated. 

Talk to the Experts

Everyone’s skin is a little different. What works for one person might not work for another. If you’re not sure what products are best for your skin, it’s always a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or a skincare professional. They can help you figure out your skin type and recommend products that will work best for you.

Get Ready to Glow for with the Best Summer Skincare Routine

Summer is a time to shine, and that includes your skin! By following these simple steps and choosing the right products, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long. So go ahead, enjoy the sunshine, and know that you’re taking good care of your skin. Check out my own skincare routine below!