8 Essential Tips for Summer Skincare Routine

Summer is finally upon us (sorry if you’re reading from the Southern hemisphere!) That means no more being trapped inside for months on end. The sun is out and you’re going to do everything it takes to get that beach body ready. What’s just as important to flaunt at the beach is your skin and knowing how to implement a proper summer skincare routine into your day.

Have you ever wondered how those models and influencers on social media seem to always have clear, glowing skin in their photos? How do their fine lines seem to be non-existent? Well, we can attribute some of these photos to intense editing and Photoshop skills, some people have done their research into essential tips for skin care in the summer.

Our body naturally produces collagen and creates barriers for our skin. As we get older, the aging process counteracts that collagen production by making less as a result while also thinning the elasticity of the skin. Collagen is a major skin component that’s essential to healthy skin, as well as elastin, which is a protein that stimulates cell growth and makes the skin look smoother and fresher.

Of course, it’s not possible for all of us to live in moderate climates all year round. You may think that in the summer, your skin doesn’t need as much attention as in the dry winters. Maintaining a healthy skincare routine even in the summer months is important, especially on longer days and while participating in extended outdoor activities.

Lets us dive into the 8 Essential tips for an amazing summer skincare routine!

1. Wash & Moisturize!

You might think that because you sweat more in the summer, you don’t have to worry about moisturizing as often. This couldn’t be further from the truth! To combat dry skin in the summer, moisturizers help to strengthen the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This ultimately protects the skin from harmful pollutants and chemicals, as well as prevents further dryness and skin irritation.

Be sure to look out for moisturizers that use a light amount of hyaluronic acid bases in their ingredients. These are helpful in preventing dry skin in the summer heat. As opposed to other products, these bases help to maintain skin hydration without that sticky and weighted feeling, ultimately coming off less greasy as well. Face mists in particular are a beneficial item to have on your disposable which can be applied throughout the day as a refresher.

Of course, before moisturizing, don’t forget to wash your face! While it may seem obvious, this couldn’t be more important in the skincare process. The more you sweat in the summer, the more you are likely to have breakouts on your face and along the hairline. Foaming/gel cleansers can aid in this department. Products with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid help in this process to unclog pores and get rid of acne-induced bacteria on the skin.

Pro Tip: Did you know there are dual-purpose moisturizers out there that are moisturizing/sunscreen hybrids? These two-in-one products are a great option for condensing your skincare routine and achieving the same results, as well as having that extra barrier of protection for your skin.

2. Exfoliation!

The world is a dirty place! Now that your face is clean and all the dirt and sweat are gone, exfoliation is also an important step of the process to not forget. The best part about exfoliation is that this step can be done in the summer as opposed to other seasons, especially for those with oily skin. Our choice of exfoiliant would be Dēpology's Gentle Exfoliating Gycolic Acid Facial Cleanser that helps clear any dirt or impurities that has surface your skin.

What you need to know is that exfoliation might make you up to 45 percent more sensitive to the sun. The skin becomes more susceptible to UV damage because the procedure includes removing dead skin cells or the skin's protective layers. Therefore, be careful to avoid excessive exfoliating.
You might exfoliate two to three times a week during other seasons, but in the summer you might want to limit yourself to just twice.

In particular, products that contain alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) open up blocked pores and remove oils that in turn cause acne breakouts.

3. SPF Protection!

While sunscreen is no doubt at the top of the list of products to frequently use in the summer for your skincare, it is also important to use this as the last step in your routine. A daily application of sunscreen can help to reduce melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as premature aging and the appearance of fine lines.

But what about your makeup in the summer? The summer heat doesn’t stop social events from happening! No worries, you can still apply your favorite products. It’s best to be mindful of how your makeup interacts with other ingredients you are using in your skincare routine, as everyone’s skin will react differently.

Thankfully, in our modern world of science and beauty, there are options such as non-comedogenic makeup products. These often contain ingredients that don’t clog the pores as much as other products, which allow your skin to breathe more, especially in the dry summer months. Options such as oil-free primer and powder sunscreen can also be applied to achieve these results.

If you want to wear less makeup in the summer to allow your skin to breathe, that’s also an option. Whether you choose a lighter or heavier amount of beauty products, you should be applying sunscreen over your makeup as an extra barrier of protection against UV rays.

Many dermatologists and experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above to achieve maximum results and to have the best protection for your skin. Be sure to apply on often-ignored areas such as the neck, which can also start to sag and lose its elasticity as we get older.

4. Retinoids!

These ingredients are so well-renowned in the anti-aging skincare world that they deserve their own section. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used for several benefits, such as speeding up the healing process and stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which not only improves skin tone but fades aging spots and wrinkles.

One important tip to remember when using products containing retinol is that these products are more of an adaptation that your skin must get used to. Excess use, in the beginning, can cause redness and irritation, especially in the summer. You should be wary of the frequency of your use (limit to a few times per week before every day) and make sure to balance retinoids out with sunscreen application.

During your night summer skincare routine, we personally love going with Depology Anti Aging Retinol Night Cream It helps to speed up cellular turnover and bring your skin back to a more youthful state. ​Similar to prescription retinoids, this retinol cream can treat acne and target deep wrinkles, skin texture and age spots.

5. hydration and a healthy balance diet!

Antioxidants are directly delivered to your body and skin when you eat more fruits and vegetables. You must nurture your skin appropriately to keep it glowing. Summertime calls for healthy eating. Frequently consume fruits and vegetables. They have important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote collagen development, lessen inflammation, and shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Take plenty of water with you wherever you go, and don't forget to carry a water bottle.
Continue to drink from your bottle. This is crucial to maintain the moisture in your skin, remove toxins from your body, and feel revitalized throughout the hot summer days.


If you’re willing, lighten your skincare routine overall is always an option in the summer. In less moderate climates with a higher percentage of humidity, less heavy cleaners and creams should be applied to allow the pores to breathe and get less clogged.

6. Limit Your Time in the Shower!

Are you someone who loves a relaxing, hot shower? Do you savor that feeling a bit longer than others? While it’s good to reduce shower time to conserve water, you should at the most be keeping the temperature of the water to a more lukewarm setting. Avoid hot showers and steam baths during summer as they dehydrate your skin.

In the summer months, despite the need to shower more frequently due to sweating, this as a result can overdry the skin and cause inflammation. In some cases, people can even experience summertime eczema. Take a cold water shower instead. It keeps your skin pores unclogged and prevents acne breakouts. It is also much more refreshing.

Pro Tip: Rub Ice cubes or dip your face in icy cold water baths also know as skin icing for these benefits :

• Prevent swelling, specifically around the eyes.
• Reduce oiliness.
• Ease acne.
• Soothe sunburn.
• Reduce swelling and inflammation, including rashes and insect bites.
• Reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
• Boost the skin's healthy glow.

If you aren’t willing to give up your hot shower or bath time, no worries! Just be sure to maintain a healthy skincare routine with the tips previously mentioned, such as facial cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, and of course, don’t forget that sunblock!

7. Shorter Tanning Sessions!

 We know, it’s summer. You’ve been waiting to go to the beach and get your tan on for months. You deserve it! Tanning in shorter doses isn’t an issue, but going for a self-tanner product on occasion can be healthier for your skin to achieve that same appearance of sitting out in the sun.

As much as we love tanning, the darkening of the skin isn’t intended to be a positive result.Putting on SPF 50 is something that you absolutely cannot forget during summers. Sun protection for your face, hands, legs, and any other exposed parts of your body is vital. Excessive UV exposure can permanently damage your skin and cause sunburn, wrinkles, fine lines, skin cancer, and premature aging. This is naturally a result of the UV radiation that is caused by the skin cells that get damaged from tanning.

8. avoiding the sun while enjoying the heat!

This might seem like an obvious solution to skin dehydration in the summer months, but it shouldn’t be overlooked! It’s important to give your skin a break and to take intervals in the shade every now and then. From clothing with UV protection to sunglasses for eye protection, everything should be accounted for when combating the sun to retain that youthful glow.

CONCLUSION : 8 eSSENTIAL TIPS FOR YOUR SUMMER SKINCARE ROUTINE

The feeling of wanting to get the most out of summer is completely understandable. Especially in frigid regions such as the upper Midwest or the Northeastern United States, there are only a few months of savory weather to enjoy before retreating back into our homes for half the year. As long as you’re aware of the proper precautions and skincare routines to take in the summer season, you’re all set to make the most of summer while retaining your youthful state, both mentally and physically! Don't forget to check out what Dēpology has to offer to help you when it comes to your summer skincare routine.