As spring begins to fade (albeit with a final chilly farewell), I know I’m probably not the only one looking forward to the summer sun. I’m also looking forward to switching up my skincare regime to cater for my summer skincare needs. Just like the seasons, our skin constantly changes, which means it requires a different type of care at any given time. While in the winter, I aim to nourish my skin with as many emollient rich products as possible, during the summer, my goal is hydration, hydration, hydration.
Why? Well, in the colder months, our skin is subjected to an onslaught of harsh winds and freezing temperatures. This can leave it dry, inflamed and lacklustre. But as the temperature rises, the sun tends to have the opposite effect, oftentimes triggering dehydration which then contributes to overactive sebum (oil) production.
As Much Hydration As Possible
While in the winter, the key is to replenish lipids in the skin, during the summer I tend to focus on delivering as much hydration as possible. Which makes it the perfect time to shelve my heavier, occlusive moisturisers, and reach for more lightweight serums or creams. Because the summer heat can lead to uncomfortable sweating and increased oiliness, I try to keep my routine as minimal as possible, to allow my skin to breathe. This means just 2-3 leave on products that cover all my present skin needs, without leaving a greasy finish.
AM - FACE
Also, because of the warmth, acne-causing bacteria, pollutants and other environmental aggressors are more likely to accumulate and sit on top of skin. That’s why I advocate for adequate skin cleansing, twice per day. However, that doesn’t mean to obsessively scrub with the suds. On the contrary, I love a gentle, yet effective cleanser. Irene Forte’s Almond Cleansing Milk thoroughly cleanses without stripping my skin. Its blend of aloe vera juice and a dermo protective vegetable protein complex, enhances the skins natural moisturising factors. This paired with panthenol and olive oil fractions, aid in the preservation of hydration levels, keeping my skin refreshed but dewy after I cleanse.
As I mentioned earlier, hydration is a large component of my summer routine. A lot of people don’t know this, but dehydrated skin often becomes oilier. When your skin is dehydrated, its cells lack water. The skin then overcompensates by producing excess oil, leaving you shiny, and prone to breakouts. Not only do I ensure to drink adequate water when it’s warm, but I give my skin a large share of humectants to quench its thirst too. VENN Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster contains five different weights of hyaluronic acid, which work on different layers of the skin providing intense and long-lasting hydration. Enriched with probiotics, it works to support healthy skin microbiome and barrier function contributing to improved hydration retention and resilience against external factors. But wait there’s more! The formula is also supercharged with patented Ginseng Compound K extract which is stable and non-irritating alternative to vitamin C - giving you that healthy glow all summer long.
Light Nourishment
In summer, due to the higher temperatures, we naturally sweat more and produce excess oil. Many people opt out from using any creams and emollients after their serums for that reason. However, while I also don’t love the feeling of anything heavy on my skin in summertime, it is essential to use a product that would help to seal in hydration and provide very light nourishment for the skin barrier throughout the day to maintain balance. Cellular Oil from Ayuna is the perfect choice, it locks in hydration with its innovative serum-in-oil technology. Formulated with oil extracted from stem cells of the Millenium Olive Tree, delivering potent rejuvenating benefits. Enriched with lightweight and non-comedogenic yet deeply restoring Olive, Hazelnut and Sweet Almond Oils, it leaves my skin illuminated and silky soft. Oh, and I must also mention the beautiful aroma; it’s so calming and grounding for my morning skincare routine – I just love it!
Body Oils
Another thing I love about summer, is the opportunity to slip into those beautiful dresses that herald the season. Prints, patterns and legs are all on show as the sun shines, and what better wait to highlight those gorgeous legs than with a skin feeding body oil? Fast-absorbing yet extremely nourishing and restoring, body oils seal in hydration without compromising on comfort. Best used after showering and exfoliating, an oil such as Aman Nourishing Body Oil is one, I always reach for. This aromatic oil experience deeply moisturises my skin. Decadent oils of primrose and calendula hydrate without weighing skin down, while the luxurious scent of jasmine bestows my senses with an uplifting aroma.
As much as I love warm baths, I prefer to save them for colder months. Because nothing beats a cool, long shower after laying on the beach all day. One of my favourite bath soaks, Aman Jade Scrub and Soak, also doubles as an exfoliating body scrub. Hopping into the shower, I love using it to buff away dead skin, bumps and old traces of fake tan ready for a fresh application. With its abundance of Himalayan salt, it gently smooths, also leaving my skin moisturised and nourished by sweet almond oil paired with shea butter.
PM
Once the sun has set, and I have double-cleansed my skin, it’s time for my newest obsession VENN Synbiotic Defense Mist. This baby contains a total of 80% skin microbiome balancing prebiotic and probiotic blend, including Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate which works to minimise pores and reduce blemishes. The refreshing mist is additionally infused with Panthenol to deliver 24 hours of proven hydration while Niacinamide and Glutathione leave the skin with a radiant glow.
Sheet Masks
Masking isn’t really my thing, especially cream masks. My days are too busy for the whole apply-wait-wash routine. I need efficiency and visible results. That’s why I love Sheet Masks—they’re quick, mess-free, and no need to wash off, giving my skin the care it needs without the hassle! Sheet masks are also perfect for experiencing that spa like boost of treatment, without a heavy layer of product on a warm summer evening. The VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto Retinol Renewal Sheet Mask features a hydrogel mask, drenched in hydrolysed collagen and 0.5% bakuchiol to infuse my skin with multi-level hydration while providing anti-ageing benefits. A blend of powerful peptides firm and lift skin, instantly providing a plumping effect. I love how it gives me that extra edge to my routine, without any fuss.
While I let my mask do its magic, I love to light the Trudon Cyrnos Candle. The lush scents of pine and citrus never fail to transport me to the Mediterranean seaside. The beautifully grounding wood base, leaves me reminiscent of my family villa in Spain, instantly soothing my senses.
At this point, you probably know what’s next. More hydration! I like to switch it up, and that means using another using serum that delivers on its hydration promises. Irene Forte Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum is definitely one of the best hyaluronic acids I have ever used. This lightweight serum contains three different types of hyaluronic acid, ensuring that even the deepest layers of my skin are hydrated, providing that intense plumpness from within. Added rose extract provides a gentle soothing effect, to rebalance my skin overnight.
Replenish Your Skin Barrier
While I keep it as minimal as possible for day, at night I like to use a moisturiser with a bit more nourishment. As temperatures drop when the sun sets—this is London, after all—a rich yet non-greasy face cream becomes essential. It helps lock in hydration and replenish the skin's barrier. The Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream with Myoxinol™ is another breakthrough product on my list, and the final step in my summer evening routine. Myoxinol™ is the real star ingredient in the formula, providing injectable-like anti-wrinkle results. Paired with Green Pea Polypeptides, Ceramide Complex and Hyaluronic Acid it provides firming, restoring and hydrating benefits to my skin. I’m particularly enthralled with its texture too. This product truly has the perfect consistency and ingredient blend to feed my skin overnight. I never fail to wake up super plumped and hydrated.
Skincare breathes life into me, and I love being able to tailor my routine to my own skins needs, no matter the time of year. Switching up my products ensures I give it the care it deserves when it deserves. Just like our insides, our skin needs a healthy and balanced “diet” to work its best.
Thank you for reading and hope to see you again soon.
