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Summer brings heat, humidity, and increased UV exposure that significantly impacts your skin's needs. A properly tailored seasonal approach isn't just about looking good—it's about maintaining your skin's health during these challenging months.
Our Summer Radiance Collection contains all of our summer essentails
Why Your Summer Skincare Routine Needs to Change
As someone with naturally oily skin, I've spent years perfecting my warm-weather healthy skin regimen to prevent shininess and blackheads that typically plague me during warmer months. The good news? Summer skin issues are often easier to manage than winter's combination of dryness and breakouts that many of us experience from December through February.
Essential Steps in Every Effective Summer Skincare Routine
1. Hydration: The Foundation of Healthy Summer Skin
Before discussing products, remember that proper hydration from within forms the foundation of any effective skincare approach. Drinking adequate water helps maintain skin elasticity and supports natural detoxification processes, keeping your skin healthy and your skin texture smooth. Plus, it will give your skin a natural glow from the inside out that no product can match.
2. Gentle Cleansing: Twice Daily Without Stripping
During summer, heat and humidity cause excess oil production and sweat, making proper cleansing crucial to your daily regimen.
Morning and Evening Cleanse:
- Use a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils
- Always cleanse both face and neck twice daily
- Consider a pre-cleanse oil to remove makeup before your main cleanse
- Look for a hydrating cleanser to keep your skin moisturized
For my summer skincare routine, I wash my face once in the morning and again during my evening shower. For makeup removal, I start with a cleansing oil or winter butter as a pre-cleanse step before following with a handmade bar soap that balances my skin.
Our Oatmeal + Lavender Bar Soap is gentle enough to use on your face
3. Weekly Masking and Exfoliation
Incorporating masks and gentle exfoliation into your seasonal regimen helps prevent clogged pores and removes dead skin cells that can trap oils.
Mask Recommendations:
- Sea + Tea Dry Mask mixed with raw honey (once weekly) for deep cleansing and antibacterial benefits
- Calming Dry Mask with Greek yogurt for gentle exfoliation and soothing benefits
Exfoliation Tips:
- Limit to 2-3 times weekly to avoid irritation
- Choose fine-grain, plastic-free exfoliants specifically formulated for facial skin
- The Original Honey Body Scrub works wonderfully as a gentle face exfoliant
4. Toning: Balance and Prep
A quality toner is an essential step in any comprehensive warm-weather regimen, helping to:
- Balance skin pH after cleansing
- Remove any remaining cleanser residue
- Prep skin to better absorb subsequent products
I use Lavender Flower Water, applying a few spritzes across my face, chest, and even hair. This not only tones but helps calm redness and combat acne. For targeted breakout prevention, I follow with a few drops of tea tree oil on acne-prone areas.
The Best Face Forward Set contains all of your skincare essentails
5. Lightweight Hydration
The perfect summer skincare routine includes lightweight hydration that won't feel heavy or greasy in humid conditions. Our Vitamin Bee Day Cream, packed with vitamin C, is the perfect lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated throughout summer months.
Key Moisturizing Components:
- Hyaluronic acid-containing products for non-greasy hydration
- Light, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't trigger breakouts
- Gentle facial massage techniques for better product absorption
6. Facial Oils: The Secret Weapon for Summer Skin
Contrary to what you might expect, the right facial oil can actually help control excess oil production—a key benefit in any effective hot-weather regimen.
Oil Recommendations:
- Rose Facial Oil (5 drops patted onto face, neck, and chest)
- Sea + Tea Body Oil (small amount around eyes to fight fine lines)
- Aloe vera gel (96% pure, alcohol-free) for additional hydration and sunburn relief
These oils help replenish your skin so it doesn't overproduce sebum, reducing shine and preventing breakouts—exactly what you need during warmer months.
7. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: The Non-Negotiable Final Step
Every dermatologist agrees: sunscreen is the most critical component of any summer skincare routine. Daily application helps:
- Prevent premature aging
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
- Minimize cancer risk from UV exposure
Sunscreen Tips:
- Apply as the final step in your morning routine
- Choose broad-spectrum protection
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors
- Consider tinted formulations for sensitive skin to even skin tone
Our Place in the Sun Body Care Duo brings the power of summer fruit to your skin
Summer Skincare Routine Modifications by Skin Type
For Oily Skin
- Focus on oil-free, non-comedogenic products
- Consider using a clay mask twice weekly
- Don't skip moisturizer—dehydration can increase oil production
For Dry Skin
- Add an extra hydrating serum beneath your moisturizer
- Consider overnight hydrating masks twice weekly
- Look for products containing ceramides and fatty acids
For Combination Skin
- Use targeted treatments for different zones
- Consider multi-masking techniques
- Balance hydration without heaviness
For Sensitive Skin
- Patch test all new products before full application
- Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations
- Keep your routine simple with fewer products
Final Thoughts on Creating Your Perfect Summer Skincare Routine
The ideal warm-weather regimen should be personalized to your specific needs while addressing the universal challenges of heat, humidity, and sun exposure. By following these steps and adjusting for your skin type, you can maintain healthy, balanced skin throughout the summer months and keep your skin glowing.
Remember that consistency is key to any effective skincare approach. Stick with your summer skincare routine for at least 4-6 weeks to see meaningful results, and make small adjustments as needed based on how your skin responds.
What changes do you make to your skincare when summer arrives? Share your favorite hot-weather products and tips in the comments below!
