How to Change Your Skincare Routine For Summer

As the seasons change, we’re quick to swap out our wardrobes because the weather reminds us to. Walking out in shorts in winter time just isn’t all that comfortable, and neither is wearing a wool coat during summer. Unfortunately, the change in our skincare isn’t as obvious. Just like with our outfits, it’s important to change up your skincare routine when moving through seasons.

The goal isn’t to eliminate steps in your routine, but to adjust them to work with the extra heat and humidity that summer brings. Now that summer is here (especially in south Florida), it’s time to make some changes.

Cleansing is the first step in skincare and also the first product you should change. Summertime brings on oilier skin, so switching to a gel or foaming cleanser will help keep your skin clean. It’s also important to continue exfoliating at least once a week. This will help remove any buildup of products, pollutants, etc. Choose a gentle exfoliant as heavier ones may make your skin more sensitive to sun.

Wearing sunscreens and lotions with SPF is important year-round but it’s essential during the summer months because of the likelihood of spending more time outside. Summer days are longer so be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Your heavy winter-time moisturizing cream is probably overkill during the summer. Increased oil-production in the warm summer months calls for a lighter moisturizer such as a lotion or a serum, but there are exceptions to this. One exception would be when you expose your skin to chlorinated water. Chlorine can dry out the skin so it’s important to rehydrate your skin with a heavier cream or a hydrating mask after a pool day. Water-based gel masks are great during the summer because they add hydration, but not extra oil. They can also be very soothing for sunburned skin.