Summer skincare routine – how to adapt your products for the hot season

With the arrival of summer, our skin goes through completely different conditions – higher temperatures, intense UV radiation, wind, seawater, air conditioning… All of this can lead to dehydration, age spots, clogged pores or irritation. That is why it is important to adapt our skin care to provide it with the necessary protection, balance and freshness throughout the summer season.

✅ What to change in your summer routine

1. Lighter formulas

Replace rich, thick creams with lighter emulsions, gels, or fluids. They hydrate without suffocating the skin and don't create a feeling of heaviness in the heat.

🟢 Example: gel creams with hyaluronic acid, soothing formulas with panthenol or centella.

2. SPF – the indispensable hero

Sun protection is non-negotiable. Choose an SPF 30 or 50 suitable for your skin type and apply it every morning, even in urban environments. Don't forget to reapply every 2-4 hours.

🟢 Look for sunscreen products that are non-greasy and non-pore-clogging – e.g. mineral or combination formulas.

3. Simplifying the evening routine

During the summer, skin needs repair, but not necessarily with heavy ingredients. Instead of retinol or acids every night, alternate with soothing or antioxidant serums.

🟢 Include niacinamide, green tea, fermented ingredients – for restoration and an even complexion.

4. Avoid products that make the skin photosensitive

If you use acids like AHA, BHA, or retinol, reduce the frequency or stop using them altogether. If you still insist on using them, keep them to night time only, with extra care for hydration and sun protection.


🔄 Adaptation according to skin type

🔹 Oily and combination skin
• Use light gel formulas and oil-free sunscreens
• Cleanse the skin thoroughly morning and evening without drying it out
• Avoid heavy creams and occlusive oils

💡 Tip: include products with niacinamide, green tea, witch hazel – for sebum control and soothing

🔹 Dry and dehydrated skin
• Use hydrating serums and gel-creams with hyaluronic acid
• Add a mist or essence to your bag for the day
• Apply sunscreen with a hydrating formula

💡 Tip: products with panthenol, betaine and squalane will keep the skin soft and protected

🔹 Sensitive skin
• Avoid perfumed products, over-exfoliation and alcohol
• Choose sunscreen with physical filters (e.g. zinc oxide)
• Soothe with Centella, Aloe Vera, Madecassoside

💡 Tip: hydrating ampoules or creams with minimal ingredients are ideal

🛠️ A few useful steps for the summer
• Double cleanse at night – especially if you use SPF and makeup
• Thermal water or mist – for refreshment and calming during the day
• Face masks 1-2 times a week – choose hydrating or cleansing as needed
• Use fewer, but better-chosen products – a minimalist routine often works best in hot weather.

When the temperatures rise, skin needs a lighter yet effective treatment. One of our favorite summer serums is COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum , which helps balance sebum, tighten pores, and brighten the complexion—perfect for oily and combination skin.

For sun protection that doesn't weigh down the skin, especially in high temperatures, we recommend two options: the moisturizing COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen with aloe vera and niacinamide – suitable even for sensitive skin, as well as BANOBAGI Milk Thistle Repair Sunscreen Plus SPF 45+ , which both protects and strengthens the skin barrier.

For deep cleansing and refreshing once or twice a week, you can add a clay mask – Mary&May Lemon Niacinamide Glow Mask , which brightens the complexion and eliminates excess sebum, or the soothing Mary&May Cica Tea Tree Soothing Wash Off Mask Pack with tea tree – ideal for skin prone to imperfections.

All of these products are great additions to your summer routine, regardless of skin type.

Summer is a wonderful time, but it can also be a challenge for our skin. A properly adapted routine doesn't have to be complicated – it just has to be appropriate. By paying attention to the skin's needs and being light in products, we will maintain its health and radiance even in the hottest months.