Okay, okay, I totally get it. You don’t have time for elaborate introductions – you’re suffering from the latest heatwave and want to know how to care for your skin, pronto. So here’re my Summer skincare recs and what I find effective.
But (sorry), let me say one thing first: A lot of products I turn to when it’s hot are from SE Asia. I find that skincare from that region is great for a hot (and humid) climate, even when you’re living in Central Europe. CE, where you’re hard pressed to find a private home with an AC, yet houses are still build as the regular temperature during summer is a balmy 25°C. (Which it isn’t.)
When the temperature in my bedroom is over 30°C, I don’t exactly yearn for the layering skincare thing I usually do. So here’s what I do instead.
Cleansing
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT err from the path of double cleansing during summer. You sweat, you wear sunscreen, and you want to remove both meticulously. I therefore use my oil cleanser and micellar water combo like I always do. (Oil cleanser: Balea Reinigungsöl, here. Micellar water: L’Oreal Beruhigendes Mizellenwasser, here.)
Toner
Even if your skin is oily, you do want to get some basic hydration. While I usually love thicker, almost gel-like hydration boosters like Hada Labo’s Premium Toner with Hyaluronic Acid (more about it here), I now love a toner that feels like water. Even better? One that comes with a spray nozzle (and can be stored in a fridge), like cosrx’s Galactomyces Alcohol-Free Toner. I’ve written so much over this one over the years (look here): it comes with Galactomyces (fermented yeast extract) and Niacinamide, great for hydration and brightening. (I nowadays get it from Roseroseshop. Hada Labo is also available from Amazon and YesStyle.)
Actives
Caveat: If you want to use skincare with actives during summer (acids and retinoids), you should spend extra care on your sunscreen application. It’s a must, and if you’re less than meticulous, the actives+sun combo is a great path to hyperpigmentation. I do use my usual actives in the summer, but try to use ones with a lighter formula instead of heavy serums and creams.
I like Paula’s Choice Boosters (more here) because of their watery texture and ease of application: you can basically mix them into everything you like. I right now use the Niacinamide and Peptide Booster, both available here. For BHA/AHA (I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid/The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution) I like watery toners that can be applied with a cotton pad and don’t leave any residue or stickiness behind.
Also great to get a boost of actives? Masks! Especially wash-off masks that you can also refrigerate for a cooling effect, like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Mask that I don’t particularly like as an overnight mask. For baby-bottom smooth skin The Ordinary’s AHA30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the one (use ONLY when your skin is used to acids! More here.) for a minimal amount of money (here).
Moisturiser
I’ve started to skip moisturiser when it’s over 30°C, and can’t say that my skin misses it. Instead, I either use a Korean Lotion (Etude House Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion, available at Amazon, Sokoglam, StyleKorean, Jolse and YesStyle) that’s basically a very lightweight moisturiser, or an overnight mask in the evening. In the morning, I just apply my sunscreen directly over my toner/serum routine.
Overnight Masks
The best thing ever for hydration AND cooling down. I love cosrx’s Ultimate Moisturising Honey mask with an unholy passion, well documented here and here. Yes, it’s a bit sticky, but I don’t mind – and my skin is glowing in the morning. (You can get it on Amazon, Ulta and Target, but also at Lookfantastic, Soko Glam and Wishtrend, like most cosrx products.)
Sunscreen
Not optional. Skin cancer has been on the rise, and speaking as a beauty junkie, about 90% of all signs of aging come from sun exposure. You will basically throw money out of the window or your serums into the bin if you don’t use sunscreen. Yep, a good sunscreen is hard to find, but don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
The best sunscreen is the one you like wearing. If you’ve found one, don’t get hung up on not perfect filters, or smallish application problems. I really like Isdin’s Fusion Water Pediatrics right now: I know that the filters aren’t the best available, and it is fragranced, but I’ll take it right now. It’s especially good because I don’t have a problem applying the recommended amount. (You can order it at every pharmacy in Germany, or use an online pharmacy like easyparapharmacie, for example.)
Body
Ugh, body moisturisers. I can’t deal right now! That’s why I use my Japanese Kiku-Masamune Lotion (get it at YesStyle, for example) for my whole body after showering with L’Occitane’s Shower Oil (more about that here). The shower oil is fairly moisturising, and the very, very watery lotion gives my skin a little boost afterwards that doesn’t result in my sticking to my bedclothes. Win!
Summer skincare recs
And remember, those thermal water sprays? Proceed with caution, because they’ll dry out your skin. If you want to use them, spray on neck and throat! (More tips on staying cool are here.)
What about you? How does your routine look like now?
