Beauty Experts Share the Essential Skincare Swaps You Need

(Submitted by Freya Keepling on behalf of  Fresha.com, as they conducted the research for this piece who provided research and retain copyright)

This information was provided by experts at the go-to booking app for beauty and wellness, Fresha.   

If you're planning on going away this summer, you may be unaware that now is the time to switch up your daily skincare routine. Skin tends to become more sensitive in warmer conditions, which is why it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate the change of climate.

In light of summer’s near-arrival, experts at the go-to booking app for beauty and wellness, Fresha, have delved into some of the most essential switches you need to make to your skincare routine over the next few months. 

Which skincare products should I avoid this summer?  

Ditch the heavy moisturisers   

While moisturising is a fundamental part of every skincare routine, it’s essential to lighten the load over the next few months. 

As the weather becomes warmer, too much moisturiser can cause your pores to become clogged, resulting in an oily breakout. To avoid this, it’s better to apply a lighter layer of moisturiser throughout summer to help keep your skin hydrated while reducing the risk of blemishes. 

It’s also recommended to switch to a moisturiser containing SPF over summer to guarantee greater sun protection. Incorporating SPF products into your skincare routine is a fantastic way to keep you feeling refreshed this summer while also protecting your skin against the risk of sun damage. 

If you are switching to SPF-based products this summer, then it’s crucial to apply these as the last step in your skincare routine to allow your skin to receive maximum protection. It’s vital to wait at least 20 minutes after application before going outside to thoroughly reduce the risk of sun damage. 

Only apply retinol at night 

While it’s safe to continue using retinol during the summer, it’s generally recommended to only apply the product in the evenings. Instead of using retinol in your morning skincare routine, which runs the risk of making your skin more susceptible to sun damage, why not swap the product into your evening routine? 

In fact, continuing to use retinol safely over the summer months can have its benefits. The product can help boost collagen production, which is often broken down by UV rays, and also counteract pigmentation associated with sun exposure. 

However, if you are applying retinol over the summer, then it’s crucial not to forget your SPF. Retinol speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells, leaving your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. 

To reduce the risk of skin irritation, it’s essential to only apply a small amount of the product during evenings and it’s recommended to ditch the retinol entirely if you’re holidaying somewhere hot over summer. If retinol isn’t already part of your skincare routine, then it’s best to wait until the cooler months before testing the product out. 

Avoid exfoliating acids 

As the weather starts to heat up, it may be tempting to use exfoliating acids to remove dead skin cells and reduce the risk of clogged pores. However, it’s important to flag that products containing exfoliating acids may be risky during the summer. 

When over-used, exfoliating acids, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, can reduce the skin’s natural protection against the sun and can dehydrate your skin further, making you more susceptible to skin damage. 

Exfoliating acids should be used in moderation and applied around once a week at most to avoid some nasty sunburn this summer. SPF should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine, so make sure you exfoliate first before applying SPF products. 

Rather than using exfoliating acids over summer, keep an eye out for products that contain hyaluronic acids. Hyaluronic acid can help to boost your skin’s hydration, leaving you with a bright and healthy complexion over summer. 

Which skincare products should I be using this summer?  

Vitamin C serums 

When used alongside SPF, vitamin C serums enhance the performance of SPF products by giving your skin thorough protection against UV rays. The serum can also boost hydration and brightness, giving your skin that sought-after glow. 

Vitamin C serums can also help to soothe painful sunburn and protect against the risk of long-term sun damage, making it an essential product to use in your summer skincare routine. However, it’s recommended to avoid mixing vitamin C serums and retinol to reduce the risk of skin irritation. 

Niacinamide serums 

After winter, many people find themselves struggling with dry skin, which is why adding a niacinamide serum into your skincare routine can be hugely rewarding over summer. Niacinamide boosts the skin’s hydration and enhances moisture, making this the perfect product to use over summer. 

Niacinamide serums also help to regulate the skin’s oil production, reducing the appearance of oily skin during the warmer weather. It’s recommended to use niacinamide in both your morning and evening skincare routine and to apply the product after cleansing and toning. Niacinamide should also be applied before using more acidic serums, such as vitamin C. 

Hydration is key when it comes to summer skincare, which is why it’s essential to keep an eye out for hydrating serums over the warmer weather. 

Gel cleansers  

Thick cleansing creams have the potential to clog up your pores during warmer weather, which is why switching to mild gel cleansers is a more trustworthy alternative over summer. As well as being an effective way to remove excess oils and dirt from your skin, gel cleansers reduce the risk of breakouts and skin dehydration over the hotter months. 

A spokesperson for Fresha has commented:  

“If you're currently planning a summer getaway, now is the time to start switching up your daily skincare routine. Many people may not realise that certain skincare products, like retinol and exfoliating acids, can cause more harm than good when used during the warmer weather.

It's essential to ensure that you’re avoiding products that may dry out and damage your skin during your upcoming summer holiday.

When it comes to summer skincare, it’s crucial to focus on hydration and SPF application. Switch out the cleansing creams and harsh exfoliating acids and instead apply light moisturisers and hydrating serums to achieve that pre-summer glow. 

Repeating the same skincare routine all year round may be causing more harm than good to your skin. As the weather starts to heat up, it’s essential to start incorporating lighter and more natural skincare products into your daily routine to eliminate that winter dullness and prepare your skin for the warmer weather ahead.”   

This information was provided by experts at the go-to booking app for beauty and wellness, Fresha.