Summer-Proof Your Skin: Your Glow Guide for Radiant Skin
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Time to read 5 min
As the days stretch longer and the mercury climbs, there's a welcome shift in the air. We swap our heavy jackets for lighter layers and enjoy evening strolls – and with this long-awaited season comes a subtle yet significant change for our skin. While we all dream of that quintessential summer glow, achieving it demands more than just sunshine. It requires a mindful transition in our summer skincare routine, a deep understanding of how the seasons affect our summer complexion, and the right products to navigate warm weather skincare.
Contents
The Seasonal Skincare Shuffle: Why Your Skin Needs A Summer Glow Up Common Summer Skin Concerns: Understanding the Hurdles Key Changes to Make in Your Skincare Routine: Your Early Summer Edit Summer Skincare Must-Haves: Your Arsenal for a Radiant Season Summer-Proof Your Skin with These Game-Changers! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Related Readings
The Seasonal Skincare Shuffle: Why Your Skin Needs A Summer Glow Up
Our skin is remarkably adaptable, yet it’s also highly responsive to environmental changes. As we move from the cooler, drier months into the warmth and humidity of early summer, our skin needs to evolve. In winter, we typically battle dryness and sensitivity, often relying on richer, more occlusive products to create a protective barrier. However, when heat and humidity come into play, this approach can lead to a whole new set of challenges for your summer skincare.
The increased humidity in the air can actually trick our skin into thinking it's sufficiently hydrated, leading us to neglect proper moisturization. Meanwhile, the warmth stimulates our sebaceous glands, prompting them to produce more oil. This combination – excess oil production coupled with potential dehydration – creates a perfect formula for common summer skincare concerns.
Common Summer Skin Concerns: Understanding the Hurdles
- Excess Oil and Shine: This is arguably the most prevalent summer woe. The heightened activity of oil glands can leave our skin feeling greasy, looking shiny, and contributing to clogged pores, hindering that desired glowing skin summer.
- Sun Damage: The sun’s rays are more intense in summer, making us highly susceptible to UV damage. This can manifest as sunburn, hyperpigmentation (sun spots), and premature ageing.
- Breakouts: The combination of increased oil production, sweat, and often heavier sunscreens can lead to a rise in breakouts, including acne and congested pores.
- Dehydration: Despite the humidity, our skin can still become dehydrated. Air conditioning, increased sweating, and insufficient water intake can strip our skin of essential moisture, leaving it feeling tight, dull, and even more prone to oiliness as it tries to compensate.
Key Changes to Make in Your Skincare Routine: Your Early Summer Edit
Transitioning your skincare routine summer doesn't have to be drastic. It's about making smart, strategic swaps that cater to your skin's evolving needs for the best warm weather skincare.
SWITCH TO A LIGHTER MOISTURISER
Bid farewell to heavy creams and opt for a lightweight oil like Solstice Facial Oil. This will provide hydration without feeling too much in the warmer weather. The formulation absorbs quickly and won't contribute to that heavy, sticky feeling in the heat. This is key for summer skincare.
INCORPORATE A 30+ SPF
This is non-negotiable. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously every morning, reapplying every two hours if you’re outdoors or after swimming/sweating. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog pores, essential for maintaining a healthy summer complexion.
Opt for Gentle Cleansers
While you might feel the need to scrub away excess oil, harsh cleansers can strip your skin, leading to over-production of oil making your "summer glow" more of a "sweaty no" as a consequence. Stick to oil to milk cleansers that naturally exfoliate, effectively remove impurities and tackle excess oil without disturbing your skin’s natural barrier.
Regular Physical Exfoliation
Regular physical exfoliation (removing dead skin cells by rubbing with scrubs, brushes or cloths) helps to slough off dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and promoting a brighter complexion. However, don't overdo it. Try bamboo mitts for the body and a soft konjac sponge for the face, which offer gentle yet effective exfoliation, leaving your skin smooth and ready to absorb other products. Aim for 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type.
Boost Hydration for a Cooling Sensation
Beyond your regular moisturiser, try incorporating hydrating toners, essences, or facial mists throughout the day. Look for natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid which you’ll find in our Ultra Hydrating Serum. Keeping a facial mist in the fridge for a cooling spritz can also be incredibly refreshing on a hot day, helping you achieve your summer glow!
Summer Skincare Must-Haves: Your Arsenal for a Radiant Season
Beyond the fundamental changes, certain products can become your best friends during the warmer months, helping to maintain balance and enhance your summer glow.
Lightweight Facial Oils: Counterintuitively, facial oils can be really beneficial in summer. The right oil, such as a non-comedogenic blend rich in antioxidants, can help balance oil production, provide essential fatty acids, and give you a healthy, dewy finish without feeling greasy.
Targeted Treatments for Breakouts: Even with a diligent routine, occasional breakouts can occur. Keep a Rescue Serum on hand - formulated with soothing ingredients such as hemp, nettle and blackcurrant to target blemishes without causing excessive dryness.
Nourishing Lip Balms with SPF: Don't forget your lips! They're just as susceptible to sun damage and dehydration. A good lip balm will keep them soft, hydrated, and protected as you enjoy the sunshine.
DIY Summer Skincare Tips: Nature's Refreshers
For those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up or a natural boost, these DIY tips are fantastic:
- Aloe Vera Gel for Soothing: Pure aloe vera gel is a true summer glow getter. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It's perfect for soothing sunburn, calming irritated skin, or simply providing a burst of hydration.
- Cucumber Slices for Refreshing Skin: Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce puffiness and refresh tired skin. The natural antioxidants and high water content in cucumbers are incredibly revitalising.
- Roller for Reducing Puffiness: A simple gemstone roller , kept in the freezer, can be a game-changer for reducing morning puffiness, improving circulation, and leaving your skin feeling invigorated.
Summer-Proof Your Skin with These Game-Changers!
Tweaking your skincare routine for summer is a worthy investment in your skin's health and radiance. By understanding exactly how the season impacts your complexion and making thoughtful adjustments ahead of time, you can navigate the heat and humidity with confidence, revealing a complexion that's healthy, hydrated, and glowing.
Ready to revamp your routine? Explore our website to get your summer glow staples.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I prevent summer breakouts?
Double cleanse at night, avoid occlusive ingredients in the day, and look for skincare with balancing ingredients like niacinamide or botanical oils.
Why does my skin get oilier in summer?
Hot weather increases sweat and sebum production, which can leave your skin looking shiny or feeling greasy. Lightweight, non-comedogenic products like 24 Carat Cleanser and Rescue Serum can help regulate oil production and keep the sweaty look at bay.
How can I keep my skin hydrated in the heat?
Use a hydrating serum or mist with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and seal it in with a facial oil. Hydrating from the inside by drinking plenty of water also helps!
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The Author: Arabella Harvey, Founder, Raven Botanicals
Arabella is the co-founder and creative energy behind Raven Botanicals. With a background in visual arts, Arabella works alongside sister Charlotte to blend botanical science with aesthetic integrity. Her passion for sustainability informs Raven Botanicals’ commitment to ethical, small-batch skincare that nourishes both skin and soul.
