How to Update Your Skincare Routine for Summer

June 9, 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and along with the much-anticipated heat and fun, there’s also the heat and sun to worry about. The following guide to a summer skincare routine will present some of the most important practices, including the importance of protecting the skin from the sun, the wonders of vitamin C, and how not to clog your pores in this sweaty season.

Sun Protection

It's summer after all, and lets face it, the most important thing is proper sun protection. High levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation result in severe damage to the skin that results in premature aging and cancer. Here are some key sun protection tips:

Pick The Right Sunscreen: Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more. This provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears, and to reapply at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Find Shade: When you can, avoid direct sun—especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also wear protective clothing—a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, for example—to help protect your skin.

Looking for the go-kit for this summer's fun outdoor activities? Look no further than Kaya KoCo-curated Sun Lover's SPF Kit, where there is a base sunscreen for the morning, a sunstick for reapplying throughout the day, and lip sun protector to keep the pouts safe too.

Incorporating Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a game-changing ingredient, and it should be a part of your summer skincare lineup. Its benefits include:

Combatting Sun Damage: Vitamin C enhances your skins natural defense again UV exposure. It acts even better when used under sunscreen to boost overall protection.
Collagen Synthesis: This vitamin is essential in the production of collagen, which contributes to skin elasticity and firmness. With regular use, they can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, having your skin looking more youthful.
Skin Tone Correction: Vitamin C brightens the skin and offers skin tone correction virtually and reduces abnormal pigmentation, which can be helpful particularly in the summer season when sunlight can cause tanning and dark spots.
For best results, use a serum: Vitamin C serums should be applied to clean skin before moisturizer. Also, seek out stable formulas—vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light and air.

Ferulic acid helps stabilize vitamin C while strengthening its photoprotective abilities. APLB's Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum feels mild to the skin with centella asiatica leaf water, a great addition to your summer skincare routine.

SOME BY MI's Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum is another product that can refreshen your summer skincare routine. Yuja is a very potent vitamin-C rich citrus, which is generously included in this serum, and its naturally sweet (not aritificial!) sweet citrus smell will surely invigorate mood during your skincare routine. This could be a good alternative if you find other vitamin C serums to be too harsh for your skin. This serum also includes niacinamide and arbutin, that are known to be effective towards hyperpigmentation that can be of a common concern during the summer season.

Avoiding Congested Pores

The summer's heat and humidity can cause sweat and oil on your skin, leading to blockage in pores and breakouts. Here are some ways to maintain clear skin:

Opt for Lightweight Products: Swap heavy moisturisers and oil-based foundations for light, oil-free moisturizers and non-comedogenic makeup. Thick creams can make you greasy and can cause breakouts.
Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser twice daily to wash away sweat, dirt, and extra oil without drying your skin. Steer clear of abrasive exfoliants that can irritate skin and exacerbate congestion.
Keep it Hydrated: While we all know how important it is to keep our skin in check during the winter months, it’s even more important to care for your skin throughout the year. Drink a lot of water and look for hydrating products that have ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin plump and balanced.

By incorporating a great sunscreen, effective vitamin C, and anti-clogged pore products into your regimen, you can keep that skin looking good all summer long. You deserve a hot, fun summer with a healthy, glowy skin—keep it protected and nourished with a summer-appropriate skincare routine!

(cover photo by Perfecto Capucine: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-amazon-kindle-tablet-near-brown-drawstring-sun-hat-1247526/)

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