Unlock Radiant Skin: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to a Refreshing Summer Skincare Routine

As summer beckons, the need for an updated skincare routine becomes clear. With the sun shining brighter and temperatures soaring, it is time to adapt your skincare to keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and protected. This guide will immerse you in essential tips for both morning and night routines, ensuring your complexion remains radiant all summer long.

Understanding Summer Skin Needs

In summer, our skin faces unique challenges. Increased sun exposure, higher humidity, and sweat can lead to excess oil, clogged pores, and dehydration. Choosing lightweight products that nourish without weighing your skin down is essential for maintaining balance.

This guide outlines an ideal skincare routine tailored specifically for the summer months, considering various skin types and concerns.

Morning Essentials for Your Summer Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Begin your day with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils. A gel-based cleanser is ideal for its refreshing feel. For example, if you have oily skin, consider a cleanser with salicylic acid (with LBN we have plant-based items to mimic these chemical items) to help control oil production. You can find lots of options with LBN - Check out the cleansers here - from soap-free to pH-balanced gentle facial soap.

Step 2: Exfoliation (2-3 Times a Week - 1x a Week for Dry Skin)

Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells and unclogs pores, making way for fresh skin. Choose a mild AHA (like glycolic acid) or BHA (like salicylic acid) exfoliant - you can find the plant-based versions of this in my Pineapple Agave Clarifying Gel, which you can safely use a couple of times a week. Studies show that regular exfoliation can increase skin cell turnover by 20% or more, revealing brighter skin. Find other exfoliators here.

Step 3: Toner

After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner to restore your skin’s pH balance. Look for toners with witch hazel or rose water, known for their soothing and refreshing properties. A study cited that hydrating toners could increase moisture levels in the skin by up to 30%. Find all the toners (no water or alcohol - lots of nutrients) here.

Step 4: Serum

To combat summer sun damage, incorporate a vitamin C serum into your morning routine. This powerful antioxidant protects against UV damage and enhances your skin’s natural glow. According to research, vitamin C can reduce the appearance of dark spots by approximately 40% over time. At LBN, I use Camu Camu in our Camu Matte, which offers your skin 10x more vitamin C than the kind you'd find in a store. Check out the serums here..

Step 5: Moisturizer

Even in the summer heat, moisturizing is vital. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer that hydrates without feeling heavy. Formulas containing hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water, providing excellent hydration. With LBN, you can use a Clarifying Gel, Serums or Moisturizers as your go-to! There are tons of options.

Step 6: Sunscreen

This step is absolutely non-negotiable! Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF. Apply generously to all exposed areas, including your ears and neck. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Research indicates that daily sunscreen use can reduce the risk of skin aging by up to 24%. LBN offers Sun Love for heavier sun days (beach, swimming, etc., which is water-resistant and without titanium dioxide) and Sun Aid for a daily moisturizer with light protection.

A colorful display of skincare products surrounded by summer flowers

Evening Essentials for Your Summer Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Just as your morning starts with cleansing, your evening should end by removing the day’s residue. Do this with LBN toner or cleanser! Check it out here.

Step 2: Exfoliation (If Not Done in the Morning)

If you missed exfoliating earlier, consider a gentle exfoliant in the evening. Allowing your skin to breathe overnight promotes cell renewal while you sleep. Check them out here.

Step 3: Toner

Apply your hydrating toner once more to prepare your skin for the subsequent steps. This enhances moisture absorption, making your skincare more effective. Here are your toners..

Step 4: Night Serum or Treatment

At night, switch to a nourishing serum that works while you sleep. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for added hydration or peptides to support skin repair. A good night serum can increase moisture retention by over 50%. Find your favorite serums here..

Step 5: Night Cream

Consider a slightly heavier night cream to lock in moisture overnight. It’s crucial to find a formulation that suits your skin type; for example, those with oily skin might opt for a gel-based night cream. You'll want a cream-based moisturizer. See them here - I recommend the Amethyst Moisturizer or the Snow Mushroom & Red Hematite Moisturizer..

Step 6: Eye Cream

If dark circles or puffiness are concerns, consider an eye cream designed for these issues. Lightweight gels with caffeine can effectively reduce swelling and brighten the area around your eyes. Use LBN eye balm for a caffeine boost along with plant brightening complexes that brighten, lighten, tighten, and moisturize under the eyes. A dab will do ya for each eye.

Step 7: Skin-Focused Snacks

While not a product, consider this nourishing step: eat skin-loving snacks like watermelon or cucumbers. These fruits can help maintain hydration and support healthy skin during the summer.

A calming bathroom setup featuring elegant skincare products

Additional Summer Skincare Tips

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin plump and glowing. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day for optimal hydration.

  
  

• Avoid Hot Showers: Hot showers can dehydrate your skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead to maintain moisture balance.

  
  

• Sun Protection: UV rays can still harm your skin even on cloudy days. Making sunscreen a daily habit is key to long-term skin health.

  
  

• Naturally Cool Off: Use aloe vera gel (make sure it comes from the plant, so you do not lock in the heat) or cooling masks to soothe your skin after sun exposure, helping to reduce redness and inflammation. Derma is also a fabulous option as it will help heal the skin inside & out.

  
  

• Tailor Your Products: With increasing humidity, switch to summer-friendly products. Avoid heavy oils and creams that can clog pores to keep your skin clear. Good thing that LBN can tailor your products just for you.

  
  

Brighten up Your Summer Skincare Routine

A thoughtful summer skincare routine can significantly improve your skin's health and radiance. By following this step-by-step guide for morning and night, you’ll create a regimen that meets your skin’s needs as the temperature rises.

Staying hydrated and protecting your skin forms the foundation of feeling confident and glowing throughout the warm summer months. So embrace these essentials, layer on that sunscreen, and enjoy the vibrant season with healthy, beautiful skin!

Conclusion

In summary, adapting your skincare routine for summer is essential. The right products and practices can help you maintain a healthy glow. Remember to hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin. With these tips, you can enjoy the sunny days ahead while keeping your skin in top shape.