Changing seasons demands changing routines, especially when it comes to our skin. The intense heat and humidity mean that skincare products have to both protect and hydrate the skin. If you’re using the wrong skincare during summer, chances are that you’ve seen signs like rashes, sunburns, acne and a stubborn tan.. It starts showing signs like annoying rashes, sunburns, stubborn tans, and acne.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

In the summer, putting on a lot of serums and moisturisers feels unnecessary. Whether you prefer something light on your skin or just want to keep your skincare simple, using fewer products is the way to go nowadays.

 

Related story: The Definitive Guide To Skincare Acids

 

Does Summer Damage Skin?

In the summer, when the weather gets hotter and more humid, your skin's sebaceous glands produce extra natural oil called sebum. This oil can build up on your skin's surface, making it feel sticky, and greasy,  causing blocked pores. Acne breakouts are a common issue during the summer, especially for people with oily skin. Sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne.

 

When your skin is exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, it produces more melanin, a substance that helps protect your skin from sun damage. This extra melanin can cause your skin to darken and tan. Other problems in the summer might include itchy skin, prickly heat, sunburn, and rashes due to increased sensitivity to the sun.

 

Related Story: The One Ingredient That Dermatologists Swear by For Super Hydrated Skin

 

Undo Skin Damage

You might have come across cosmetic and skincare products containing peptides, which are ingredients known for fighting premature ageing. According to a 2021 study issued in the Current Protein And Peptide Science, peptides are essentially small proteins. In skincare, they offer various benefits such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, shielding the skin from UV damage, treating acne, and aiding in wound healing.

 

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In skincare products, peptides play a role in boosting collagen production and improving elasticity. Unlike larger molecules found in some skincare formulas that simply sit on the skin's surface, peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin, leading to more significant effects.

 

Related Story: The Real Reason Behind Your Acne Breakouts

 

Why Peptides?

Peptides play crucial roles in skincare due to their diverse benefits and ability to target specific skin concerns effectively. 

 

• Targets Specific Skin Concerns: Serums are highly concentrated formulations that contain active ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and antioxidants. These ingredients can address various skin concerns such as ageing, hydration, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dullness with precision.
• Penetrates Deep In The Skin: Serums have smaller molecular sizes compared to moisturisers, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver potent ingredients directly to the targeted areas. This deep penetration ensures maximum efficacy and visible results.
• Provides Antioxidant Protection: Some serums contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract, and niacinamide, which help neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. Antioxidants also support skin repair and regeneration, leading to healthier and radiant-looking skin.
• Brightens and Even Out Skin Tone: Certain serums contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, liquorice extract, and kojic acid, which help brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. These serums promote a more luminous and radiant complexion while reducing the appearance of discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
• Hydrates and Moisturises The Skin: Peptides, along with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, help maintain the skin's moisture barrier, preventing dehydration and dryness. This leads to plumper, smoother, and more supple skin.
• Boosts Collagen Production: Peptides are amino acid chains that stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. Collagen is a protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness, and youthfulness. By promoting collagen production, peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, resulting in a more youthful complexion.
• Treat Stubborn Acne: Peptides with antimicrobial properties can help combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts. Additionally, serums containing ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and niacinamide can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote clearer skin.

 

Related story: The Beginner’s Guide To Skincare Routine

 

Summer Season Skin Care Tips

Layering skincare products in the right order is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness and benefits for your skin. Here's a step-by-step guide along with actionable tips:

 

1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser: During summer, if your skin gets oily, it can feel even greasier. Try to pick a cleanser that's gentle, doesn't have alcohol in it, and matches the natural pH balance of your skin. Start by cleansing your face for at least 30 seconds to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. Cleansing prepares your skin to better absorb the subsequent products.
2. Tone: A great toner can help shrink open pores, especially in the T-zone where there are a lot of sebaceous glands. These glands produce sweat and oil, which can clog pores. Toners can help balance your skin and keep pores from getting clogged. Apply a toner to rebalance the skin's pH levels and remove any leftover impurities. Opt for a toner that suits your skin's needs, whether it's hydrating, exfoliating, or soothing.
3. Serums: Apply serums with thinner consistencies first, followed by thicker formulations. This allows each product to penetrate effectively without interference from heavier textures. Give each serum a few minutes to absorb fully into the skin before applying the next layer or proceeding with moisturiser.
4. Moisturise: Is your skin feeling dry and in need of a boost of moisture? Try using a moisturiser or serum with hyaluronic acid. This powerful hydrator can hold a lot of water, up to 100 times its weight! That means it'll pull moisture into your skin and keep it there, making every layer feel refreshed and hydrated. Look for serums that have this amazing ingredient for that extra glow and radiant skin. Choose a moisturiser based on your skin type—whether it's gel-based for oily skin or cream-based for dry skin. Massage the moisturiser gently into your skin until fully absorbed.
5. Eye Cream: Apply an eye cream to the delicate skin around your eyes to hydrate, firm, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Use your ring finger to gently tap the eye cream along the orbital bone until absorbed.
6. Sunscreen: The sun's UV-A and UV-B rays can be tough on your skin. They can give you a tan that sticks around for a while and even cause premature ageing, like age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. That's why it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 50+ every day on parts of your body that get exposed to the sun, like your face, neck, chest, ears, and hands. And when you're out and about, especially in the summer, make sure to reapply SPF every two hours, or sooner if you're swimming or sweating a lot.

 

Related story: Everything You Need To Know About Niacinamide

 

 

Things to Remember Before Starting Skincare

• Always patch test new products before incorporating them into your routine to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
• Wait a few minutes between applying each product to allow for proper absorption.
• Use products formulated for your specific skin type and concerns.
• Avoid overloading your skin with too many products, as it can lead to congestion and irritation.
• Consistency is key—stick to your skincare routine daily to see noticeable results over time.
• Adjust your skincare routine based on seasonal changes and your skin's evolving needs.

 

Your skin needs extra care, especially in the summer. But don't worry, it's easy to protect it! Just follow some simple steps like washing and moisturising, drinking water, and using sunscreen. In the summer, humid weather can cause problems like clogged pores and acne. And air conditioning or heaters can dry out your skin. But don't worry, you can keep your skin healthy and shiny by taking good care of it. Stick to a regular skincare routine, eat well, and try some simple natural remedies. This will help your skin stay balanced, bright, and healthy all year round.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.