Summer Skincare 101: Tips to Avoid Dehydrated Skin, Protect & Glow All Season Long

The summer months can be some of the most demanding for your skin. As temperatures rise and UV exposure intensifies, maintaining healthy, radiant skin becomes more of a balancing act, like walking on a tight rope. From managing excess oil and sweat, to keeping your skin hydrated and protected, your skincare routine needs a seasonal shift.

Whether it’s humidity clogging pores, dry heat pulling moisture and hydration from the skin, or increased exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, summer conditions can leave even the most resilient skin feeling stressed and unbalanced. And let’s not forget: UV exposure is the number one cause of premature ageing, followed closely by pollution and chronic inflammation.

Whether it’s humidity clogging pores, dry heat depleting your skin’s hydration, or increased exposure to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, summer conditions can leave even the most resilient skin feeling stressed and unbalanced. And let’s not forget: UV exposure is the number one cause of premature ageing, followed closely by pollution and chronic inflammation.

Finding products that are both effective and lightweight or otherwise hydrating without feeling greasy, can be tricky. But with the right strategy and ingredients, your skin can truly thrive— even in the heat.

In this guide, I’m sharing my top 10 expert-approved summer skincare tips to help you protect your skin barrier, lock in hydration, and maintain a healthy glow all season long. Whether you’re heading abroad or staying local, these tips will ensure your skincare routine works with the weather, not against it.

1. SPF Is Your BFF

Sunscreen isn’t optional, it’s your number one non-negotiable. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily, even on cloudy days. On one hand there are UVB rays that burn the skin, but UVA rays - known as the ageing rays - penetrate deeper, damage collagen and accelerate ageing. When in direct sunlight, it’s super important to reapply your SPF every two hours, especially if you are perspiring a lot or swimming. I recommend keeping a lightweight SPF mist in your bag for topping up over makeup throughout the day. A sunscreen you enjoy wearing is one you’ll actually use, so look for textures that suit your skin type and lifestyle. You can find my top-rated sunscreens of 2025 here.

2. Layer Up Your SPF

Using the right amount of sunscreen is essential. The two-finger rule often under-delivers as most people need closer to a quarter of a teaspoon for the face or half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears. If applying that much all at once feels overwhelming, I’d recommend applying it in two thin layers for better absorption and even coverage. Layering also prevents pilling when applying makeup over SPF.

 3. Lighten the Layers

Your skin doesn’t need the same heavy-duty creams you used in winter. Heat can make your skin feel sticky and congested. I’d recommend swapping richer moisturisers for lighter gel-creams, milky toners, or hydrating serums. You can even let your serum double as a moisturiser if it has nourishing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera. Focus on hydration, not occlusion. A streamlined routine also helps ensure your SPF sits evenly without being disrupted by thick, greasy layers underneath.

4. Misting Is a Must

A good hydrating mist is your skin’s best friend during summer. It refreshes, rehydrates, and calms inflammation from heat and sun exposure. Keep one in your handbag, at your desk, or in your gym bag. Look for mists with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and steer clear of mists with high alcohol content, as they can further dehydrate your skin. Make sure you get into the habit of spritzing between applying your skincare layers, especially after cleansing and essences. And be careful not to over mist once your sunscreen is on, especially if its not waterproof!

5. Exfoliate Strategically

Heat, sweat, and SPF buildup can lead to breakouts and dullness, but when it comes to exfoliation, don’t overdo it. Over-exfoliation in summer can compromise your skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage and irritation. Listen to your skin’s condition. Use PHA or lactic acid for hydration, or alternatively salicylic acid if you’ve got acne prone skin. My advice is to exfoliate in the evening and avoid strong acids before sun exposure.

6. Don’t Skip Cleansing

While it's important not to over-exfoliate, morning cleansing remains essential, especially during summer. Overnight perspiration and oil buildup creates the perfect environment for bacteria. Don’t skip your morning cleanse, particularly if you have acne-prone or oily skin. At night, ensure you're removing SPF, sweat, pollution, and makeup thoroughly. Double cleansing is ideal, I’d recommend starting with a cleansing balm or oil, followed by a gel or cream cleanser.

7. Don’t Ditch the Actives; Just Be Smart

You don’t need to stop using your favourite retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs just because it’s summer. However, moderation is key. Use these actives at night and always follow with barrier-supporting products. If your skin feels tight or tingly, take that as a cue to scale back and prioritise hydration and repair. Your skin’s condition should guide your choices, not the calendar.

8. Antioxidants Are Essential

SPF protects your skin from UV rays whereas antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and environmental stress. Use antioxidant serums in the morning to bolster your skin’s defences. Vitamin C, niacinamide, resveratrol, and green tea are all excellent options. These ingredients help prevent collagen breakdown, defend the skin cells, and boost radiance.

9. Hydration Starts Inside and Out

It’s no surprise that we lose more water through perspiration during the summer. That water loss isn’t just internal and it shows on the skin too. Incorporate hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and panthenol and opt for essences, serums, and mists to layer hydration. You can’t forget internal hydration! Drink water consistently and eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens.

10. Prioritise Barrier Repair

Sun, chlorine, sweat, and travel can all take a toll on your skin barrier. A compromised barrier means increased sensitivity, redness, and dehydration. Strengthen it with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, squalane, and panthenol. Products with a “barrier repair” or “replenishing” focus are especially helpful post-sun exposure or after flights. Keeping your skin barrier healthy means better hydration, less inflammation, and a glow that lasts all summer long.

Thank You For Reading

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Happy shopping, and thank you again for being here!

Fiona x

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